Blazing Obsession Read Online Free

space.”
    â€œWhy? What’s the problem?”
    At last, I thought.
    But her face distorted to a deep frown again. “To be honest, he’s causing us a few problems. I’d rather not talk about it.”
    â€œThat’s OK.”
    Having parked the ex-husband issue, we chatted away again like old friends – it felt intoxicating and flirtatious. We discovered we had a great deal in common: cars, movies, good food, golf and travelling. She even knew something about my football team, Arsenal.
    A couple of times, we completed each other’s sentences, resulting in Lynne having a fit of the giggles.
    How I loved that sound.
    *
    Pat had cajoled me into holding a party for my fortieth birthday. I’d have been happy to let it drift by; I didn’t want to be reminded of middle age just yet. She’d invited all the general managers of the dealerships and my golfing buddies from my address book.
    â€œIs there anyone
special
you’d like to invite?” I knew Pat implied I might have a secret lover. She’d always been trying to set me up with a long-term partner after my marriage broke up. I’d loved to have told her about Lynne, but let it pass. It was far too early.
    Pat arranged a dinner at
Bertorelli’s
in the West End, my favourite restaurant, for over a hundred guests.
    Two days before my party bash, she said, “Bad news, I’m afraid. Bill Rogers can’t make it. His mother’s had a stroke. He’s spending time with her in a care home in Brighton.”
    â€œShame, I like Bill.”
    â€œThis means there’s no one going to be there from your latest acquisition. Can you think of anyone else who could take their place?”
    â€œActually, there is someone, the sales manager.” I couldn’t stop the words tumbling from my mouth.
    â€œGood. What’s his name?”
    â€œ
His
name is Lynne Burrows.” I waited for her reaction.
    â€œOh, Lynne. OK, I’ll invite her and her husband. Give me the details.”
    â€œIt’ll be just Lynne. She’s divorced.”
    â€œOh. Interesting,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “Well, I can easily adjust the table plan. I’ll send her an invite.”
    My nerve-ends tingled with the thought of Lynne sharing my fortieth birthday with my friends.
    It proved to be a life-changing event.
    On the big day, Pat pointedly said, “Now don’t forget, I don’t want you there before 7.30pm. There’s nothing for you to do but turn up.”
    â€œGod, you sound like my mother. I’m now approaching forty, you know, in case you hadn’t noticed. I promise I’ll be there at 7.35pm precisely.”
    Pat had arranged a taxi to take me to the restaurant and as I entered the private function room on the first floor, she thrust a glass of bubbly in my hand and showed me the table plan. She’d placed Lynne next to me. “Is that OK with you?” she said. “I can quickly change it if you’re unhappy.”
    â€œAre you mischief-making again, Pat?” I feigned an annoyed expression. “Actually, it’s perfect.”
    I caught sight of Lynne talking animatedly to one of the dealership managers, a glass of bubbly in one hand. She looked stunning in a scarlet strapless dress. I found it difficult to stare anywhere else.
    We savoured exceptional Italian cuisine washed down with a full-bodied Tuscan
Brunello di Montalcino
. The chattering sound level ramped up several notches. Lynne and I were no exception. There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation in our conversation and a lot of laughter as we flirted outrageously. Several guests glanced in our direction and smiled.
    After dinner, Tom Riley, my long-time golfing partner, made a witty speech and presented me with a limited edition print of a 1953 Jaguar XF120 at Le Mans. I knew just the place for it in my apartment.
    Despite good-natured heckling, I responded, thanking the guests for