CHASING TROUBLE

Caroline was surprised by how much more exciting it was to see the match live; the atmosphere in the huge open-air stadium was electric.

“Still think the game is stupid?” Nicholas questioned happily as he resumed his seat beside her after standing up to cheer and shout with the rest of the supporters.

It didn’t surprise her that Nicholas had seats in the midst of the crowd rather than the more exclusive ones; he might be a rich man, but as Mae Harrison had claimed, he had never forgotten his roots.

Caroline found Nicholas impossible to resist in this boyish mood. “I’ll admit, it’s more fun to watch than I thought it would be.”

“I’ll make a convert of you yet,” Nicholas promised as he reached out to take her hand firmly in his before turning his attention back to the game.

Something Caroline had trouble doing with her hand held so comfortably in his…. Was Nicholas aware of what he had just done? Or was it just a completely unconscious gesture on his part, a mutual companionship that actually meant nothing?

Whichever it was, she was having trouble concentrating on the game now, relieved when half-time came round and they could stand up, leave their seats and move out with the other fans eager to stretch their legs and discuss the game, although Nicholas kept a firm hold of her hand so that he didn’t lose her in the crowd.

He bought them both a hot drink, at last giving Caroline the opportunity to release her hand and wrap her fingers about the warming cup.

“So, how do you think it’s going?” She attempted conversation.

He grimaced. “Not as well as I’d initially hoped. Although you must be pleased,” he added ruefully.

Caroline had been too aware of her hand held in Nicholas’, too aware of Nicholas himself, to have noticed that the score had changed to other teams advantage.

Nicholas on the other hand was surprised at how much he was enjoying the match-in spite of the fact that his team was losing-in Caroline’s company. He usually attended games alone. In fact, he always attended these games alone. He had certainly never thought of bringing a woman with him before, and had only done so because he wanted Caroline’s opinion on the castle they were going to view tomorrow. But, strangely, he found her presence at the match quietly companionable rather than irritating, as another woman might have been. He had even, on a couple of occasions, found himself watching her enjoyment of the game rather than watching it himself- something he had never thought would happen.

He eyed her teasingly. “Don’t tell me you don’t find all those muscled thighs exciting?”

Caroline raised her brows haughtily. “I’ve always been more attracted to brains than brawn.”

Of course… she had told him that before, Nicholas acknowledged. Was that why she entertained Glen Asher? Did she think he was smart?

“Time to go back to our seats,” he announced abruptly as he threw his half-drunk cup of coffee into the nearest bin before striding back to their seats.

Caroline frowned at the tense rigidity of his back as she followed him back, aware that he was displeased about something, but having no idea what it was. Perhaps it was just that his beloved team was losing the match?

She didn’t hold out much hope of his mood improving, either, when the match ended in the other team’s favor.

“I’m sure they’ll play better next time,” she attempted encouragingly once they had returned to their vehicle and were driving away from the stadium.

Nicholas shot her a scathing glance. “There was nothing wrong with the way they played today, they were just outclassed.”

There didn’t seem much Caroline could say in answer to that, so she turned her attention to looking out of the window instead. “You said that you had made the arrangements for tonight.”

They were driving through what looked like a very affluent area, the houses huge, with Mercedes and Jaguars parked in the driveways.

“Well, We’re staying at one of the houses my father intends to sell. It’s been renovated too and ready for the market. I thought we’d be more comfortable there” he answered dismissively.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Caroline really hoped none of his friends or family members were going to be there. She wasn’t sure she was up to spending another evening in the company of people who were close to Nicholas. Especially if they turned out to be as perceptive as Mae Harrison had been.

“Relax. Nobody is going to be there,” Nicholas told her as he sensed her obvious dismay.

Somehow Caroline didn’t find this information in the least reassuring.

“Oh okay,” she said.

“The housekeeper knows we’re stopping by tonight.” Nicholas had turned the Range Rover onto what looked to be a private road. The houses here were even more spacious than the previous ones, iron gates at the end of several of the driveways. It was into one of these that Nicholas turned the vehicle, pressing down the window button so that he could speak into the intercom. The huge wrought-iron gates opened slowly in front of them.

“This road has been nicknamed Millionaire’s Row,” Nicholas supplied as he saw Caroline’s eyes widen when they drove down the driveway. They were surrounded by perfectly kept grounds that led up to the long sprawl of a house. With over ten en suite bedrooms, numerous sitting rooms, an office as well as a study, a long, rambling kitchen deliberately designed with old-fashioned character.

“Let’s go inside where it’s warm,” he rasped abruptly once he had parked the Range Rover at the back of the house. The door into the kitchen was open as he carried in their bags. The smell of percolated coffee was very inviting, as was the heat being given off by the dark-green Aga across the room; the slate floor was of mellow, yellow stone, the cupboards a dark oak, herbs hanging amongst the gleaming copper pots and pans that hung above the scarred-oak table in the middle of the room.

That Caroline liked what she saw, there was no doubt as she looked about her with obvious pleasure. “It’s really beautiful,” she said.

Nicholas’ mouth twisted ruefully. “Yeah I guess it is.” He agreed. He wondered if Caroline was as aware of the frisson of awareness between them as he was. The very air seemed stiller. Expectant. As if waiting.