Millionaire's Woman

His eyes narrowed in surprise. ‘She’s in Australia.’

‘On holiday?’

‘Dawn went to live with her sister in Sydney straight after the divorce. She married an Aussie years ago.’

Divorce? Kate covered her stupefaction with a smile. ‘I hadn’t heard.’

He smiled coldly. ‘Can’t be easy, keeping track of all your ex-fianceés.’

Her answering smile was colder. ‘I can’t boast that many.’

‘And none at the moment, I hear.’ His eyes moved over her bare shoulders with a look Kate felt like a brand on her skin.

‘Who’s your informant?’ she asked.

‘The Maitlands’ next door neighbour, Lucy Beresford. Her husband’s company does a lot of electrical work for me. They moved here after you left for the big city.’ Jack smiled blandly. ‘I didn’t tell her I’m on the list of ex-lovers.’

‘Why would you?’ She gave him a bright, social smile. ‘Will you excuse me? Good to talk to you again, Jack, but I must see if Anna needs help.’

Kate stalked into the kitchen, her eyes stormy as she beckoned Anna away from the caterers. ‘A word in private, please.’

Anna took one look and chivvied Kate into the pantry and closed the door. ‘What’s up?’

Kate glared at her friend. ‘What on earth possessed you to invite Jack Logan here?’

Anna looked taken aback. ‘Why ever shouldn’t I? Not that I did invite him,’ she added, pulling a face. ‘Apparently he gave George Beresford a lift home tonight and Lucy convinced our local celeb I’d be delighted if they brought him along to meet you. My jaw dropped when I found Jack Logan on my doorstep, believe me. He never goes to parties.’

‘He only came to this one out of curiosity.’ Kate took in a deep breath. ‘He’s the man I was engaged to before I met you.’

‘What?You’re kidding! ’Anna goggled in amazement.

‘I haven’t seen him since we broke up.’ Kate’s mouth twisted. ‘It was rather a shock to find him here tonight.’

‘I bet it was! ’Anna shook her head in wonder. ‘I was in shock myself. And, gush as I might, my faultless hostess act didn’t deceive the man for a second. He knew I felt awful for not inviting him. Anyway, he apologised very charmingly for gatecrashing, and Ben gave him a drink and took him on a round of introductions. But he wouldn’t have needed many. Logan Development’s a household name round here.’ Anna gave her a wicked look. ‘You should have stuck with him. He’s loaded.’

Kate’s eyes flashed ominously. ‘We didn’t break up over money!’

‘I’m sure you didn’t.’ Anna patted her hand. ‘But whatever the reason, don’t let it spoil the party for you. This whole shebang is in your honour, remember.’

‘I know, and I appreciate it.’ Kate gave her an apologetic hug. ‘Let me give you a hand with your guests.’

Kate helped her friend supervise while the catering staff served the buffet supper, exchanged banter with those who knew her and pleasantries with others—and without making it obvious managed to avoid Jack Logan entirely. By the time the last guest was served she was beginning to regret her killer heels and agreed with gratitude when Anna filled a plate for her and insisted she take a break.

‘Sneak off to the study with this—if those jeans let you eat!’

Kate made her escape along the hall to the study, but almost turned tail again when Jack Logan rose from the sofa, plate in hand.

‘Looking for sanctuary?’ he asked. ‘Maitland rescued me from people determined to talk shop. But I can find somewhere else.’

She shrugged indifferently, and settled behind the desk with her supper. ‘Stay if you want.’

He looked amused as she attacked her meal. ‘You’re obviously hungry.’

‘I was too busy to eat lunch today.’

There was a pause while they ate in fraught silence, Kate determined to get the food down, even if it choked her.

‘Are you up for the weekend?’ Jack asked at last, as though he were a polite stranger instead of the man who’d once broken her heart.