Page 16 of Twin Flames
Cara melted. She slipped her arm through the loop. Da-dum. Da-dum. Her heart began to race. This was torture.
‘Hold on tight. Let’s not have a repeat of the bookshop blackout. I was terrified! I thought you were committing suicide by stepladder.’
Cara threw her head back and laughed as they conspired in the way only lovers do, talking as if no one else existed. They meandered through the tiny lanes of the old town until the streets began to clear and the hour grew late. Then in one sudden shift, the atmosphere between them switched from one of light camaraderie to a charged, pregnant silence.
Cara sought to kick-start the flow of banter but could find no words. Her brain was devoid of even one comment to guide them back to safe ground. George remained quiet. He looked sombre.
Conscious that her arm was still looped through his, Cara contemplated removing it. She didn’t want to.
She longed to reach out and touch his face. She wanted to move into his arms and kiss him again. A physical throb of desire shook her.But her hands remained locked in place. She couldn’t risk it. The fear of rejection was too great.
It’s a terrible idea. Don’t do it. I shouldn’t have agreed to meet him tonight. I knew I would only yearn for him even more.
There was smouldering chemistry between them which was impossible to ignore.
She heard the ping of a text, extracted her arm and retrieved her phone from her bag.
‘I have an early pre-conference meeting. I’d better get back to the hotel, or I’ll be no good for anything tomorrow.’
The excuse sprang from her lips, but her heart sank as she listened toher own words. She didn’t want to leave him. She wanted to hold him all night and be close to him. She wanted to lay in his arms. There was no doubt in her mind that making love with him would be incredible.
It would also be dangerous and irresponsible.
George walked her back to the hotel. The awkward moment passed, and the easy banter resumed. In spite of herdisappointment, Cara laughed aloud at his witty observations. She could listen to him all day.
But you can’t, can you? It’s not an option. Don’t be so stupid.
‘Have a great conference tomorrow. I’ll be in touch to see how it’s going. What time are you speaking?’ he asked.
Neither of them wanted the delicious evening to end. George leaned over to kiss her and said, ‘I’d love for you to see my house. I think you’ll adore the stucco architecture. It’s only about fifteen minutes by car, and there’s a wonderful view of the city. Perhaps we can do that tomorrow if you have time. Would you like that?’
Cara smiled, looked into his dark eyes and nodded. She all but fled towards the hotel and then turned to wave to him before she darted inside. ‘Goodnight,’ she called. ‘Thank you for a wonderful evening.’
George stood, bemused, watching intently as she disappeared through the revolving doors. He was becoming accustomed to her sudden departures. But he didn’t like them one bit.
He walked towards his car; hands thrust deep in his pockets, Cara’s face in his mind. He wished she was still at his side. How he wanted her.
CHAPTER 5
Seville, present day
Cara propped herself up in the vast bed and leaned against the fluffy pillow. She was grateful for a few quiet moments. It had been a tough night. Sleep hadn’t come for hours, and when it finally did, it was fitful and unsatisfying. George was always on her mind even when she was asleep. She ran her hand through her messy hair, checked the bedside table and then patted the other side of the bed. Where had she put her phone? There was a text from Daniel from the previous night.
‘Hope you’re settled into the hotel. Sleep well, my love. xx’
She replied, ‘Good morning. Sorry I missed you. I fell asleep. Running a bit late for conference. I’ll be in touch later. xx’
She craved more sleep. Shards of bright light seeped through the blinds making her squint.
What if she and George really were Twin Flames? And stranger still, if possible, what if she really was a time traveller? The psychic’s words whirled around her head as she scanned her emails on her phone.
If what Sylvia said was true, it would explain why she and George were repeatedly drawn back to one another.
Could any of this be true?
She rubbed her eyes and stretched. Every muscle ached, but she must get dressed. She pushed herself to get ready for the day, competing thoughts of George, Sylvia and the conference all battling for attention.
After a hasty breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, orange juice and tea, she rushed downstairs to the conference centre.
