A Stranger's Kiss

for the singing sensation, the glorious power she felt surging through her. Nigel had never made her feel remotely like this. Nigel...
    She wrenched herself free and fell back against the desk. What on earth was she doing? A few minutes ago this man had said he never wanted to see her again. He was simply extracting payment for a totally imaginary good deed.
    ‘Tara!’ He reached for her to help her to her feet, but she rejected him.
    ‘That’s enough!’ She straightened, drawing herself to her full height. Not enough. Not nearly enough, but it seemed to have the desired effect. Adam stepped back. ‘I’m afraid you’ll have to consider your fee paid in full, Adam.’ She fumbled in her bag. ‘Here’s the key to your private lift. I shan’t be needing it again.’ She flung it on the desk, pushed past him and ran.
    She tried the button to summon the main lift. But the door opened behind her and she would not wait. She fled to the stairs and began to run helter-skelter down them. She had to get away whatever it took.
    She reached the ground floor gasping, almost retching. And still she had not escaped. He was there, swearing softly as he lifted her, carried her to his car. She couldn’t speak. Couldn’t scream that she just wanted to be left alone. But the grim cut of his face was a warning that it would make no difference. He was in no mood to listen.
    They reached her flat in a few moments and once more he was at her side before she could move. The pain in her chest was beginning to subside, but she hadn’t the strength to push him away when he lifted her from the car and carried her up the steps.
    ‘Open the door, Tara.’ She opened her bag with shaking fingers and found her keys, jabbing desperately at the lock until it slid home and the door swung open. He carried her through without a word and deposited her on the sofa.
    She heard the sound of water running and then he was handing her a glass of water. ‘Sip this.’ She did as she was told. He sat for a while in the chair opposite, saying nothing, elbows on his knees, his head slumped forward, simply waiting until she had recovered sufficiently to sit up. Then he stood up and left, quietly closing the door behind him.
    She heard the car start and drive away and then for a long time there was nothing but silence.
    * * *
    Beth exclaimed with delight when she opened the office door and found Tara already at work.
    ‘Hello early bird. You’re a sight for sore eyes! I’ve been rushed off my feet.’ She chattered on about the sudden upturn in business as she plugged in the coffeemaker. ‘I don’t know what you did for the gorgeous Mr Blackmore, but we’ve placed two senior secretaries at Victoria House and I’m looking for a permanent junior. Do you know anyone?’ She didn’t wait for a reply. ‘And I’m going to see Jenny on Thursday about getting some computer staff in there.’
    ‘Just be sure to get off the lift at the right floor.’ Tara advised, cryptically, without looking up from the file. ‘There are one or two girls I’ve interviewed recently, who might do. And I’ve sent Mary Ogden to work for Adam while I find someone permanent for him.’
    ‘Mary?’ Beth said doubtfully. ‘She’s very good of course, but I wouldn’t have thought she was quite his style.’
    Tara considered the starchy fifty-year-old. ‘On the contrary, although I can’t guarantee she fulfils every one of his stringent requirements, I believe she will suit him admirably.’
    Beth gave her a long look, then shrugged. ‘You know your business I suppose and you’ve worked for the man. What was the overseas trip like?’ Tara finally raised her head and Beth smothered a gasp as she saw the painful shadows beneath her eyes. She started to say something, but changed her mind and forced a laugh instead. ‘Perhaps Mary is a good idea after all.’ She busied herself with her post and the day’s work began.
    If Beth noticed that Tara was tense as a spring, jumping every time the telephone rang she made no comment. Gradually though, as the day wore on and she became more deeply immersed in following up the opportunities for work for her girls, she began to uncoil. Once or twice she caught Beth looking at her sympathetically. It had a bracing effect, straightening her back, reminding her to paint the smile back on her face.
    ‘I’m just going to get some sandwiches for lunch,’ Beth said suddenly, at about twelve.
    Tara didn’t look up from the