Legacy of Desire by Marina Anderson Read Free Book Online

be cross. Let’s try and enjoy ourselves. At least you know the food will be good.’ She stood in front of him and gave a twirl. ‘What do you think?’
    ‘Like I said, expensive.’
    This time Davina’s sigh was audible. ‘I do hope you’re not going to sulk the whole evening. If you think about it, it was nice of Jay to invite us.’
    ‘Is that how you see it? In my opinion he’s damn lucky to be living there. You should be the one throwing a dinner party for
my
boss.’
    ‘Even if I had inherited the house I don’t see why Iwould have felt it necessary to entertain your boss,’ replied Davina. ‘Come on, we mustn’t be late. He’s a stickler for punctuality.’
    ‘That figures,’ muttered Phil.
    When they arrived at the house everyone was gathered in the drawing room for drinks and it was there that Davina had her first glimpse of Todd and Tanya Lattimer. Todd looked to be in his mid-forties, his thick hair was completely silver but it was obvious that he kept himself in good physical shape, and his blue eyes sparkled as he took Davina’s hand and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Delighted to meet you, Davina. Jay’s told us all about your uncle’s death. Please accept our condolences.’
    Davina felt an unexpected lump in her throat. ‘That’s very kind of you,’ she whispered. ‘I’m afraid I still miss him dreadfully.’
    ‘Sure you do. No one would expect anything different. I’d like you to meet my wife, Tanya. Tanya, this is Davina Fletcher, Jay’s godfather’s niece.’
    Tanya Lattimer was quite a surprise to Davina. She was of medium height and slender build. It was obvious from her straight, jet-black hair, cut stylishly short andher slightly slanted dark eyes that there was Oriental blood in her. Dressed in a flowing ankle-length sleeveless over-dress and a pair of lime green silk trousers which toned in with the lime and turquoise top, she looked extraordinarily striking. It was clear from the way she looked at her husband that she was deeply in love with him.
    ‘You’re just as Jay described you,’ she said with a smile.
    ‘I don’t know whether that’s a compliment or not,’ laughed Davina.
    Todd nodded enthusiastically. ‘Oh yeah, it’s a compliment all right.’
    ‘Time to go in to dinner,’ said Jay, coming up to their group. He nodded at Davina but, much to her disappointment, didn’t attempt to take her hand or kiss her. ‘Glad you were on time.’
    Todd laughed. ‘I take it you’ve already discovered young Jay’s penchant for rules and regulations.’
    ‘Be careful, darling,’ said Tanya, slipping her hand into Todd’s. ‘You mustn’t give away Jay’s secrets.’
    ‘Oh, don’t worry,’ said Davina hastily. ‘I know he likes things to happen at precisely the time he’s arranged.’
    ‘That’s not exactly what I meant,’ said Tanya, then turned and left the room, leaving Davina to wonder what she was trying to infer.
    The dinner went well and Davina was delighted with the way all the guests tucked into the food. Pattie, wearing an ankle-length sleeveless black dress with white bands around the armhole, neckline and just beneath her ample breasts, that fitted her like a second skin, even asked Davina for the recipe for the beef.
    ‘Why do you want to know that?’ enquired Jay curiously. ‘You can’t even boil an egg.’
    ‘I thought I might learn to become domesticated while we’re here,’ said Pattie. ‘Either that or take up gardening.’
    ‘She’s kidding,’ said Todd to Davina, who was sitting on his right. ‘The most energetic thing Pattie does is get out of bed in the morning.’
    ‘I do an aerobic workout every day,’ said Pattie indignantly. ‘How else do you think I keep my figure?’
    ‘By regular visits to your plastic surgeon,’ drawled Jay.
    ‘Of course,’ said Phil. ‘I’d forgotten that you come from the land of the knife.’
    Jay stiffened slightly but his expression remained neutral. ‘Meaning what?’
    ‘Meaning