Indiscretions - Elizabeth Adler [110]
Morgan was surprised to hear from the pilot of the McBain Learjet that Fitz was back in New York. He’d expected him still to be on the Fiesta, taking it easy. He knew that was what Doc Walden had suggested—and suggested with more than a little firmness. It wasn’t that there was anything physically wrong with Fitz, he’d said, but he just didn’t see how any man coming up to forty-five could keep up that kind of pace. It was time to take life more slowly, savor it more, quit breaking his neck over the next deal—and the next. In other words, he’d added with a grin, come down to the level and speed of ordinary mortals. As usual, Fitz was playing it his own way. Funny, though, that he hadn’t called him in Rio. He was so keen on this Brazilian deal. Well, no matter, he’d call him tonight and tell him that everything was straightened out—the deal would be signed next week when the paperwork was completed.
And now, thought Morgan, I can relax and enjoy being with Venetia.
She wasn’t at the airport to meet him, though he’d half expected her to be, and he felt oddly disappointed.
But she was there at the jetty, perched on a stone bollard, looking suntanned and pretty—just as he’d known she would.
“It’s so good to see you here,” he said, hugging her to him. “I can’t tell you how lonely I was without you … so lonely, I’ve got you at least half a dozen presents.”
“Oh, Morgan …”
“Oh, Morgan what? Can’t a guy buy a present or two for the girl he loves?”
She stared at him blankly. This was getting worse and worse—and they’d only just begun.
“By the way,” he said, tucking her arm in his as they sat side by side in the launch, “Miss Haven, you’re off duty for an entire week. Tonight I’m taking you to the nicest, most intimate restaurant on the island. I know how particular you chefs are about food, so I can assure you it will be good—and so will the wine, and the candlelight. The Bagatelle does it properly, you know. And afterward I’m going to take you dancing.”
“The Bagatelle … dancing … Oh, Morgan …” She glanced at him helplessly.
“Is that all you can say? ‘Oh, Morgan’ to a guy who’s traveled thousands of miles just to be with you? Oh, Venetia”—he hugged her close again—“aren’t you as glad to see me as I am to see you?”
Venetia was thankful he didn’t wait for her answer.
“And tomorrow,” he went on exuberantly, “I’m gonna beat you at water skiing. And have you ever been deep-sea fishing? No? Then we’ll try our hand at reeling in a barracuda—what do you say to that?”
Despite herself Venetia laughed. “You’re incredible, Morgan. Why aren’t you exhausted and fed up after such a long journey?”
“Because I’m in love,” he said simply.
She had tried to dissuade him from taking her to the Bagatelle, but he had been adamant. It was exactly the kind of place she’d love, he knew it.
Any other time would have been right, but tonight it was unbearable. She must tell him, she just had to.
“Morgan.” She put down the fork with which she had been pretending to eat the delicate morsels of flying fish on her plate. “Morgan, I must tell you something.”
“You don’t like the fish,” he teased. “Not up to your standards, perhaps.”
She couldn’t laugh. “No, it’s not that. Morgan, it’s serious.”
He looked at her in surprise. “Okay. What is it, baby, what’s troubling you?”
Now was the moment. “I’m leaving the Fiesta, Morgan. I’m going back to London.”
He was stunned. “But why? Aren’t you happy here?”
“It’s just that I feel I’m here … well, under false pretenses.”
Morgan took her hand in his, holding it across the table. “But why, Vennie? You’re as good a chef as anyone—certainly good enough for the Fiesta. Has my father been giving you trouble—is that it?”
“No. Oh, no. Not at all.” Venetia felt the blush burn her cheeks as she avoided Morgan’s eyes. She couldn’t do it, she couldn’t tell him about Fitz. She’d meant to—but it was too hard, too hurtful. He was so sweet, so very nice. “It’s just that there’s really no cooking for me to do. No one is there.”
“Then just enjoy yourself, sweetheart. Swim, sunbathe, take it easy. It’s better than