The Earl's Snow-Kissed Proposal

As if still attuned to her body, he turned to look down at her—and there was that smile again...enough to bring heat to her face and a vague echo of her mother’s disapproval. No. There was nothing wrong in what had happened last night and zip to be ashamed of.

They approached the amusement park and Etta tipped her face up to view the imposing, truly giant Ferris wheel silhouetted against the Viennese landscape. She absorbed the hustle and bustle of the fairground, the excited shrieks of kids and adults as they braved the roller coaster, the scents of pastries, schnitzel and hot dogs mingled into an evocative mixture.

‘I’ve hired a private gondola,’ Gabe said, ‘1897-style. Plus a champagne breakfast.’

‘What a lovely idea. Thank you.’

Looking up, she smiled at him just as the click of a camera made her whirl round.

The man gave her a thumbs-up. ‘Looking good, Gabe.’

A fleeting frown touched his face before the Derwent smile took its place. ‘Now you’ve got your picture we’d appreciate some privacy.’

‘No problem. As long as I get the heads-up on your dinner plans.’

‘No deal—because we haven’t decided as yet.’

The photographer discreetly moved away, presumably content with his picture, and Etta composed her features. ‘So we have photographers following us around?’

‘I figured it was better to arrange a photo opportunity—with any luck, that will be it for the day.’

‘You told the photographer we’d be here?’ It was an effort to keep her voice light, to remind herself that the reason she was here was to play the part of Gabe’s temporary girlfriend. It made sense that he had given the photographer the information.

‘Yes. I always figure it’s better to have a good relationship with the press—usually if I tip them off they take a photo and then leave me alone. I should have mentioned it.’ He shrugged. ‘I guess I’m so used to the publicity I don’t think about it. Sorry, Etta.’

‘It’s not a problem.’

She was tempted to ask if he’d booked the Ferris wheel ride for the benefit of the press coverage, as proof of their relationship, but she pressed her lips together and held the words at bay. It didn’t matter, because Gabe always saw the bigger picture and always liked to be the one who painted it.

‘It is if you’re upset.’

‘An angle you didn’t consider?’ She’d meant to utter the words lightly, but she recognised the note of hurt. ‘Sorry, Gabe, that came out wrong. I’m not really a public person unless it’s to do with my job, but for the next few days this is my job.’ It was a reminder to herself as much as to him. She grinned up at him suddenly. ‘And I intend to enjoy it.’

‘Good, because so do I.’

Etta followed Gabe to the front of the queue and soon they boarded a red gondola. The simple interior had wooden slatted walls, and light streamed in through the six windows to illuminate an elegant round table set for two. Champagne flutes glinted in the winter sunlight and silver cutlery gleamed next to pristine white napkins. The aroma of coffee tantalised, and an array of breakfast items topped the damask tablecloth—semmeln, pats of creamy butter, glass jars of apricot jam, ham and boiled eggs.

‘This looks amazing. But I’m not sure we’ll be able to eat it all on one rotation of the wheel.’

Gabe shook his head. ‘Each rotation is about thirteen minutes. We get to stay on for six rotations, so we have plenty of time to eat and enjoy the view.’

His eyes rested on her as he said the last words and her tummy turned to mush.

‘Shame there are so many windows so all I can do is look.’

Her legs threatened to turn jelly-like and she sat down as the wheel began to move slowly. Gabe seated himself opposite and poured her a glass of bubbly, followed by a glass of orange juice. ‘Cheers.’

Etta clinked her glass against his and then sipped the golden liquid. ‘This is madly decadent. Steph and Cathy would definitely approve.’

‘How are they?’ he asked.

‘Loving the cruise. The Caribbean was an enormous hit, and Cathy says she wants to live in New York one day.’

‘You must miss her.’

‘Yes. But...’

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