An Acute Attraction by A.J. Walters Read Free Book Online

here in body, but certainly not in mind.”
                   Pinching the bridge of my nose to get some thought process back, I reply,
                 “I’m sorry, but I am positive you have just asked me if I would be your guest at a formal dinner and dance tomorrow evening.”
                   He looks at me briefly, “I did and I meant it. “
     
                   I think aloud, “I didn't imagine it then?”
                 “No Miss Chambers you didn't.”
                   The tone of his voice turns around and sounding slightly worried he asks, “Is that a real problem for you? There truly is nothing to worry about.”
                   I need to reassure him, but stumbling with my words, I all of a sudden feel coy. Taking a slow deep breath, I twist in my seat to face him.
               “Marc I have never been to a formal dinner and dance before, I have no idea what the etiquette is for these events and at such a distinguished venue I well…”
                Not knowing how to finish the sentence I trail off. However Marc still manages to fathom out what I'm trying to say. Taking one hand off the steering wheel, he reaches for my hand.
               “You have absolutely nothing to worry about Isabel. It’s no different to any other event similar to this. I suppose the word Formal does make it sound quite scary, but the only formality is the dress code.”
                Precisely I think to myself, we have hit another wall.
               “I assume then you’re saying its black tie for you and formal dresses or gowns for the women? Marc I don’t own anything like that, never mind just happen to have it folded up in my suitcase.”
                 I really don’t mean to sound sarcastic, just truthful. I hope it didn’t come across that way and I am reassured when Marc squeezes my hand a little.
               “Please don’t be anxious about this. I had thought about the fact you may not have a suitable dress, so what I am about to suggest to you now, I don’t want you saying no to. After all you’ll be doing me a huge favour by accompanying me to what could well be a tedious evening and so having the company of a beautiful, intelligent, funny lady on my arm would help no end.”
                I hit him in jest. “Give over Sanders, you've done this before remember.”
               He feigns the pain on his arm where I hit him, but I see the humour in his eyes.
              “Exactly so I know what they can be like. Please Isabel. I’d like for you to go out shopping for an outfit tomorrow. It’ll be on me as I'm the one that has dropped this bombshell on to you. So it’s the least I can do.”
                I start to say “But!” when he interrupts.
              “No buts Isabel. Let me do this and say yes.” He looks over at me with over exaggerated puppy dog eyes.
                I sigh, “Yes, yes Ok. I can go into Cambridge while you are at the University.”
                I hear him gradually release a breath. He must have been holding on to it while waiting for my answer. I take his hand, lace my fingers with his and rest our conjoined hands in his lap.
              “Thank you”, I hear him softly say.
     
                Apart from the slight hum of the engine, the rest of the 15 minute journey is made in silence. I am grateful of it to be honest, as my mind is whirling around with so many thoughts that I need to get them straight.
     
                Marc parks the car and then comes around to open my door. Taking my hand, he helps me to get down from the seat and looking at me he gently lifts my chin.
     
                 “You look shattered. Don’t worry about helping to bring in the hamper and blanket; I’ll see to that a bit later.