Anne Mather by Sanja Page A

obviously the groom and she presumed the second man must be Jones, Mrs Jones' husband.
    Adam saw her first and leaving the other men he crossed swiftly to her side. Caroline's cheeks were flushed now from the air, but her eyes were still tired and the dark rings could not be disguised.
    Adam did not speak at once, but touched her cheeks lightly, indicating the pallor beneath her eyes.
    'Am I to blame for this?' he asked softly, his eyes gentler than she had ever seen them.
    'Why should you think that?' she asked, turning away. 'You didn't tell me you kept horses, Adam.'
    Adam put a casual arm across her shoulders. 'Don't be frigid with me,' he commanded quietly, and she was forced to look up at him appealingly.
    'I'm not,' she breathed helplessly. 'I just don't understand you.'
    'You will in time,' he replied calmly. 'Come on, I'll introduce you.'
    He introduced her to Frank Leyton, the groom who with his wife and two sons lived over the stables in a converted flat. Mr Jones was a cheerful, older man ;ind she felt quite at home with them both.
    The horses were a delight in themselves. Caroline was unable to ride, but she loved animals, and Adam said:
    'I'll teach you to ride, next time you come down, hm?'
    Caroline sighed contentedly. His final remark had told her all she wanted to know. There was going to be a 'Next time'.
    They strolled slowly back to the house together, Adam's arm still across her slim shoulders.
    'For the first time in my life, I wish I didn't have to go away tomorrow,' he murmured, his mouth brushing her ear.
    'So do I,' she said, sighing and his arm tightened possessively.
    They drove up to London after Adam had had some breakfast. He had suggested that she should stay all day, but apart from John's apparent antipathy, Caroline knew that Amanda would be worried so she decided to go back. Adam had been disappointed at her refusals to stay, but he was deliberately thoughtful towards her as they drove back to town.
    He drew up outside the block of flats and Caroline bent her head, feeling utterly depressed. The week stretched ahead of her, blank and uninviting.
    'Well,' said Adam sliding his arm along the back of her seat, 'our time together is over for the time being.'
    Caroline nodded, feeling as though she wanted to cry. She had never felt so miserable or so alone before.
    'Oh, Adam,' she whispered, raising her eyes to his, 'you aren't just playing with me, are you?'
    Adams eyes darkened. 'Need you ask?' he muttered harshly. 'God, Caro, do you think I want to leave you here? If I had my way, I'd take you with me. But that's not possible, is it?'
    'No!' she whispered with a sigh. 'When will you be back?'
    'I guess Friday,' he replied, biting his lips. 'I'll ring you at work, hm?' He smiled at her. 'As soon as the flight lands, yes?'
    'From the airport!' she exclaimed, smiling herself.
    'If you want me to,' he replied softly. 'I'd ring you from New York, but you've no telephone in the flat.'
    'Don't worry,' she said. 'Just ring as soon as you get back, darling.'
    'Say that again,' he muttered. 'I like to hear you say it.'
    Afterwards he lightly touched her forehead with his lips.
    'Go on now, honey. Don't say anything else or I really won't let you go,' he said, and she slid out of the car. She felt slightly intoxicated. That kind of conversation was more potent than alcohol. Adam slammed the door and drove away without looking back. Caroline walked slowly into the building. She wished for once she could have a room of her own where she could have gone for a while until the worst of this feeling wore off. As it was, she had Amanda to face. And Amanda would demand a full description of the night's events.
    It was almost twelve when she opened the door of the flat and entered to find Amanda preparing dinner. She turned round when Caroline came in, relief spreading over her face.
    'Thank heaven!' she exclaimed, looking thankful. I thought you were never coming back.'
    'Oh, really, Mandy,' cried Caroline,