A Break With The Past

A Break with the Past

by Shirley Heaton

Smashwords Edition 2011

Copyright © Shirley Heaton 2011

The right of Shirley Heaton to be identified as the author of this work asserted by her in accordance with the copywright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

All rights reserved

No reproduction, copy or transmission of this publication may be made without written permission. No paragraph or this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted save with the written permission of the author

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims damages

ISBN

This is a work of fiction. All characters, organisations and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously

Also by Shirley Heaton

Chance encounter

A Lesson in Love

Love will find a Way

Relative Strangers

A Prescription for Love

Oceans Apart

Chapter 1

He was standing there when she opened the door, his cold, steel eyes sweeping over her. She flicked back the smooth, golden fall of her hair and stared hard. Her pulse quickened. He stepped inside, reached across and took her hands in his, pulling her close and directing a gentle kiss on each cheek. At last, he murmured, his voice a husky whisper. Dark and intense, the tall, powerful figure emitted a strong, dominant presence and seemed to fill the hall.

Madison panicked but she didn’t move. Her vivid blue eyes were riveted to the body in front of her. And then she jerked into a sudden alertness, the paleness of her cheeks deepening to a rosy glow. A tiny frown appeared on her forehead. There was something wrong. Who was this man? As far as she could recall she hadn’t met him before, and she hadn’t a clue as to his name. But, reluctant to cause herself more distress, she made a valiant effort at self-control.

I’m glad you could come, she said matching his cool manner, her answering smile polite but feigned. Her blush accelerated as his steady, penetrating gaze remained, his eyes now changing from the hard, stormy grey to a more vibrant yet softer colour. But she was at a loss to make out those obscure emotions swirling in their depths. Still drawn to them, she felt herself drifting into an almost hypnotic state. Mesmerised, she stood there hardly capable of thought.

But within seconds she pulled herself up sharply and made a gesture of invitation, steering him through into the lounge where her gaze moved across to her brother, Oscar, for help. She guessed the guy must be one of Oscar’s friends, although she had to admit he was acting as though he’d known her for years. Turning her back slightly on the stranger she beckoned to her brother. Oscar, she called, her face filled with concern as she gestured. The wine. Over here, please.

Introductions, Maddie, Oscar insisted as he held the tray aloft and approached the stranger.

Madison opened her mouth to speak but her lips were paralysed. Nothing came out. What could she say? The party had been Oscar’s idea in the first place, and now he’d left her dangling. And with a complete stranger! She turned to face the guy once more. How could she introduce him? She’d never seen him before.

Apparently oblivious to her predicament, the guy came to her aid. He stepped forward, extended his hand to Oscar and announced in strongly accented English, Jacques Chabert. Pleased to meet you. He gave a vigorous handshake. Oscar reciprocated.

Jacques Chabert? It was him. That was the name of the guy in her address book, the guy Oscar had invited to the party. Madison’s stomach flipped. Weren’t she and this guy, Jacques, supposed to be an item? At least she could now put a face to the name, a face she would never have recognised. That was a start. But still things didn’t add up. Why didn’t she recognise him?

He broke into her thoughts. Let me have a look at you, darling. The sullen look he’d displayed when he first met her had disappeared, and he stroked her cheek with feather-like fingertips. I’m sorry about the accident. How are you feeling now?

I’m fine, she replied, but the initial shock at his familiarity silenced her. She was bewildered. Obviously he knew her well. She pulled her thoughts together. And you? she managed to add.

He moved closer, towering over her and his firm mouth acquired a cynical slant. I’m surprised you ask! he drawled sarcastically, his brows drawing together. You know you should never have rushed off like that, just as I was leaving for France. He shook his head. And that note! What the hell came over you? Why did you leave? His voice, hardly more than a low murmur now, had turned as chilly as frost.

But I don’t understand – she started.

And the guy you were with. Who was he? his caustic voice continued derisively. In full command both of himself and the situation, he was standing in judgement. He frowned disapprovingly.

Was there no end to his bombardment of questions? Although they were spoken quietly, they had a hard edge to them. He was reprimanding her too! How dare he? The fog thickened. What did he mean about the guy she was with? Oscar had mentioned nothing about a guy being with her.

I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, Madison replied, her voice shaking with frustration and annoyance. Where was I supposed to be going?

You tell me, Madison, Jacques asked, his tone now formal. He shook his head.

And the guy you mention. I know nothing about him either, she hissed, pressing her palms against a table to quell her anger. She took a steadying breath and started to move away. I don’t have to put up with your interrogation!

He placed his hand on her arm and gently maintained his hold on her. He shrugged. You are right. You don’t. But I suppose it is convenient for you to forget. That hint of deep sarcasm remained in his voice.

The nerve of the man! How do you mean, convenient? she retaliated, ferocity now looming in her vivid blue eyes. She was unaccustomed to taking such accusations from any man.

A smile teased the corners of his mouth. Perhaps that was a little strong. His powerful shoulders lifted. Maybe we’re getting at cross-purposes. I’m talking about the man you were with at the office when you left the note. His eyes seemed to penetrate her soul. I won’t let it drop, he promised, not until I’ve managed to sort out the truth. And then I’ll leave you to go your own way, if that is what you want.

Madison didn’t know what she wanted. And for a moment, she glared at him without replying, as the blaze in his eyes almost paralysed her thought processes. She was completely bewildered. Why was she being accused by a guy she didn’t know, and especially when she’d no idea what she was supposed to have done wrong? She stiffened. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him she didn’t care whether he believed her or not. But she decided it was best not said, especially when friends and family surrounded them.

Jacques took hold of her arm again and she flinched. But, conscious of his gentle touch, she felt there might, at some time in the past, have been something intimate between them. Momentarily, her worries and fears seemed to vanish and her heart gave a nervous flutter. But then he continued. I thought we were – rock solid – is that what you say? You agreed to marry me. What about the engagement?

Madison came to with a sudden jerk. Engagement? she repeated, wide-eyed with amazement. She glanced down at her left hand. I don’t seem to possess a ring, she replied rebelliously, folding her arms and staring defiantly into his eyes.

Why of course not. Surely it’s obvious why you have no ring. Remember we agreed to go away for our formal engagement – but not until I returned from France. I had a surprise in mind. He lifted dismissive hands and sighed deeply. But that’s in the past now, he told her, the only outward signs of his anger being the merest flicker of his eyes and a tightening of his jaw line as he started to turn away from her.

Madison closed her eyes and pondered. Why couldn’t someone untangle this nightmare? There must be something genuine in what the guy was saying. She opened her eyes and they stood facing each other as though paralysed to the spot, Madison contemplating what Jacques had told her about their engagement, and Jacques staring as though he was waiting for some kind of response.

Sorry, Jacques I have no recollection whatsoever. As for the finer details, they’re even more difficult to comprehend, she told him with unmistakable firmness.

Maybe your brother should have invited the guy to the party, the one you went off with, he added, his voice still heavily laced with irony. Then, between us, we could have sorted it out. He folded his arms and leant casually against the doorjamb.

Once and for all I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, she countered hotly, taking a deep steadying breath. So stop your accusations!

Perhaps he was with you at the time of the accident. If it happened the day I left for France, the day you came into the office and left that note, the guy you were with may have left in the car with you. If that is the case, what sort of a guy is he, leaving you like that? he asked, emitting a derisive flash from those dark eyes.

Madison forced herself to stare straight at him, annoyed that, as usual, her small stature let her down. He was a good nine or ten inches taller than she was and, as he towered over her, it was incredibly galling having to look up to him.

Her nerves screamed with frustration. She was seething inside. This was the limit! No way could she put up with his rude and manipulative behaviour. She took hold of his arm and felt the tension in his hard, knotted muscles. Unexpectedly, a tingle of warmth invaded her body. But she was being foolish allowing herself to succumb. She tightened her grip, holding his gaze in a fierce challenge. Maybe you’re right. If there was another man at the office, he may have been in the car with me when the accident happened. Let’s ask Oscar to clarify this before it goes any further, she snapped, a hard lump gathering in her throat.

Making no attempt to pull free of her grip, Jacques’ lips twitched in a wry smile and his eyes were mockingly bright as they gazed at her angry face. The hot colour began to surge even more from her neck to her forehead as, maintaining her hold on him, she steered him across to where her brother was standing.

Oscar turned and smiled, obviously thinking that at least Madison’s meeting with Jacques had triggered off some sort of recollection.

We need to clarify something, Oscar, she ventured, her tone sharp. Was there anyone else in the car with me at the time of the accident?

Oscar’s smile dwindled. As far as I know, you were alone when the police arrived. The van driver didn’t mention a passenger. But he was so shaken he probably didn’t notice. He couldn’t add anything more to his statement. Why do you ask?

Jacques seems to think there may have been someone with me, she continued, the sweetness of her tone now in complete contrast to her earlier sharpness. She turned to Jacques holding his eyes defiantly.

Oscar continued. We could always contact the driver and ask if he saw anyone else. He’s admitted he was in the wrong, so I can see no reason why he shouldn’t tell the truth.

Now looking a little mollified, Jacques intervened. Don’t worry about it, Oscar. If you say Maddie was alone in the car that’s good enough for me. It was something I needed to clarify, nothing more. He drew Madison away from her brother. But it is still a mystery as to why you rushed off like that, he added, taking both her hands and turning her towards him. Then he slipped his arm around her shoulders, pulled her close and whispered, Surely you remember what we mean to each other?

Unconsciously she studied his face as though imprinting on her mind every plane of it. There was no denying he was exceptionally good-looking – in a macho way. And with the square set of his shoulders and the straightness of his back, he carried an air of self-assurance. She shuddered. The way he was looking at her sent a feeling of warmth flowing through her which, privately, she found highly disturbing. Lowering her eyes, she looked away, and the pulse beneath her jaw began to throb. She hoped he hadn’t noticed.

This was becoming too cosy. One minute he was reprimanding her, and the next he was treating her as though they should start an immediate reconciliation. He was becoming altogether too familiar. But helpless to do anything but gaze back at him, her thoughts were now in chaos, and she struggled to reclaim her mind. If she had been in a relationship with Jacques, she surely wouldn’t have considered going off with someone else. Despite his abrasive stance, he was not the sort of person you’d want to ditch. He was too –. It was no good. Words failed her. But why on earth would there be anyone else on the scene?

How many more times do I have to tell you? I remember nothing at all. She was emphatic in her reply.

Then we’ll spend time together. That might help you remember. His tone had changed, his words soothing, as he uttered not a suggestion, more a fait accompli.

I hardly know you, she blurted, hoping he wouldn’t shatter her fragile defences.

You say not, darling, but eventually you will. His grey eyes, unperturbed and unwavering held hers. Everything I’m suggesting is to try help you remember. And then maybe you can explain the note.

Sorry, Jacques. I understand why you’re so frustrated. She hunched her shoulders and held out her hands. I’m frustrated too, but what can I do?

You can do as I ask, Maddie, he whispered in a soft, unsteady breath. I’ve decided to spend time with you. I’ve arranged for my manager to run the business without me. He is very capable. We’ll spend a few days here in Edinburgh – get to know each other again and see if you can recall anything, he suggested, giving a gentler look as he gazed down at her. And then we will take it from there.

How do you mean, we’ll take it from there? she asked him coolly. He was certainly doing his best to remain in total command of the situation.

We’ll mirror our recent holiday and go away together. That would be for the best. And don’t worry. I’m not intending taking anything for granted. He held her gaze. But it’s essential we explore our relationship, and find out why you left.

Panic clutched at her heart and mind. He kept on persisting with his game of attrition, and she felt a desperate need to maintain a protective shield around herself.

I’d like to take it a step at a time, if you don’t mind, she told him, promising herself she really did need to take things slowly. I suppose it might be a good idea for us to spend a few days together here in Edinburgh, but a holiday away is out of the question, she insisted, keeping up her defensive stance. It was not that she baulked at the idea. He had given his word that he wouldn’t take anything for granted. But the way she felt, she was reluctant to consider his extended offer.

"I’m already booked in at The Scotsman. I’ve decided to spend five days up here in Edinburgh and after that whatever we decide," he insisted.

Whatever we decide? He was doing it again. What was he expecting? It was obvious he’d taken not a scrap of notice of her response. But at least this time he was including her in the decision-making process. She bit on her bottom lip. You must understand how I feel, she stressed. It’s not easy deciding to go away with a complete stranger.

A complete stranger? His eyes glittered with barely suppressed annoyance. Doesn’t what I’ve told you mean anything?

"Of course it does. But