Summer Sins

He raised his glass to hers. ‘So let’s drink to being together for a month.’

Hayley chinked her glass against his. ‘To a month of madness,’ she said.

His mouth twisted as he returned the toast. ‘Is that what you think it will be?’

‘What else can it be?’ she asked. ‘The last person in the world you want to be married to is me, even short term.’

Jasper frowned at the hint of despondency in her tone. ‘Listen, sweetheart,’ he said. ‘Don’t go taking it personally. Marriage has never been my thing. I told you that.’

She looked up at him with eyes the colour of the ocean outside. ‘Don’t you want more out of life, Jasper?’ she asked in a breathy whisper. ‘You know … someone to come home to each day, someone to talk to about your life, the ups and downs, sharing in the intimacy of companionship.’

He put his drink down with a hard little crack on the nearest surface. ‘Stop it, Hayley,’ he said. ‘Stop this nonsense right now. You know the deal. This is not permanent.’

‘You can’t live the rest of your life alone,’ she said. ‘Everyone needs someone some time.’

‘You sound like the lyrics to a song,’ he said with a lip curl of derision. ‘Get rid of your romantic dreams. I’m not your guy.’

She bit her lip as she stared down at the dancing bubbles in her glass. ‘No I know,’ she said. ‘But it’s nice to hear the words “I love you”.’

His forehead became a map of frowning lines. ‘I knew sleeping with you would be a mistake,’ he growled. ‘You just don’t get it, do you? It’s not your fault, you’re a sweet kid and all that, but I can’t offer you more than this brief period of time.’

Tears of hurt shone in her eyes. ‘You used my weakness where you’re concerned to get what you want,’ she said. ‘I can see it now. You knew I wouldn’t marry you unless you bribed me into it and, just to make sure in case the bribes didn’t work, you set about to make me fall hopelessly head over heels for you.’

He stared at her. ‘Is that what you think I set out to do?’

Her bottom lip trembled. ‘Isn’t it?’

He raised his eyes heavenwards. ‘I hope you’re happy now, you sick old bastard,’ he muttered under his breath before he returned his gaze to Hayley’s. ‘No, it isn’t. You’re getting physical attraction confused with other emotions.’

‘So you at least admit you’re attracted to me?’

He gave her an ironic look. ‘I can hardly contest that when on a couple of occasions you’ve held the evidence in your hands or mouth, not to mention your body, now can I?’

‘You used me to get what you want. You saw my vulnerability and went for it like a jungle cat goes for the jugular.’

There was a small pulsing silence.

‘Are you telling me you’re in love with me?’ he asked.

Hayley couldn’t hold his piercing gaze. ‘No, of course not,’ she said. ‘I’m not that stupid.’

‘But you are attracted to me.’

‘I’m sure it won’t last very long,’ she said, scraping her pride together with an effort. ‘I’m ashamed of myself for responding to you.’

‘Is this about Myles again? He betrayed you. He was a player, Hayley. He was getting his rocks off with whoever was available.’

She sent him a caustic glare. ‘No doubt it takes one to know one,’ she bit out. ‘You’re hardly one to criticise the sexual exploits of another man when you’ve set the playboy benchmark.’

‘At least I’m honest about my intentions. I don’t believe in making promises I know I won’t be able to keep. I told you the score from the word go. I can’t help it if you chose to ignore my warnings and get your heart broken in the process. ‘

She looked at him through eyes glittering with angry tears. ‘You’re an unfeeling bastard,’ she said. ‘You don’t care about another person but yourself, do you? Everything you do in life is for you. It has been for years. If I was Daniel Moorebank I would be ashamed to call you my father. You’re not worthy of the title.’

Fury suddenly flashed in his dark gaze as it hit hers. ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about, you spiteful little cat. You know nothing of the situation.’

She sent him a venomous glare. ‘From what I’ve heard from Miriam’s new husband, you’ve consistently refused to support Daniel. How can you turn your back on your own son like that?’

‘So you’ve met Martin Beckforth, have you?’ he asked with a derisory twist to his mouth.