Web of Deception - By Nina Blake Page 0,23

weak but she needed someone to take care of her, look after her.

It was strange. He’d lived a full life but had never felt this sense of protectiveness before. He’d felt lust and passion and the intense drive that made him want to succeed in business. He had friends and he’d felt love – for his mother in particular – but he’d never felt this same longing before, never felt this deep-seated need to take care of someone.

Was this tenderness?

Daniel didn’t know.

He’d never felt it before.

And it would probably pass.

Chapter Seven

Daniel wondered what Kate had been thinking when she’d suggested a walk along the beach before lunch. She’d said it would help give them an appetite but it was such an unlikely morning. Sydney had wonderful weather, often even in the middle of winter, however this certainly wasn’t one of those days.

There was a front coming across the ocean so the sky, sea and sand were varying shades of grey. The darkest hue was high above them as black clouds moved quickly overhead.

In a bright red sweater, a smile on her face, Kate looked like a colourful beacon that had been dropped into the greyness. She’d taken off her shoes and rolled up her jeans, though the sand must be cold beneath her feet. Her hair was flying across her face.

“You chose an odd day for a walk along the beach,” he said.

She raised her eyebrows quizzically. “Afraid of a bit of wind, Mr Webb?”

“Not at all. I just didn’t think you were much of an outdoors person.”

Kate shrugged. “I’m not really. I just think there’s more than one way of seeing things.”

“What does that mean?”

“Everyone knows we have beautiful beaches here, all the way along the coast. Crisp blue skies, clear water, white beaches. Whichever way you turn, it looks like a postcard. But this is beautiful too. In its own way.” She pointed out to the ocean. “You wouldn’t see a picture like this in any tourist brochure even though it’s striking. It’s not what most people would consider attractive.”

Above all, Kate was practical, yet she saw things in a different light from other people. Most would see only a miserable, grey sky but she looked around and saw beauty.

Perhaps she wasn’t as conventional as Daniel had first thought. Perhaps she’d be interested in doing things a different way. He hadn’t thought of it before but she might be more accommodating than he’d guessed.

She’d been clear about what she wanted. A husband. A family. Daniel wasn’t planning on being anyone’s husband but if he handled it right, she might alter her goals just slightly. She might come round to a different way of thinking, a different way of looking at things. A way where she might see beauty where others didn’t.

“It’s going to start pouring soon,” he said.

“Not yet. We’ve got a bit of time. We can enjoy it.”

Looking up, he said, “When it starts to rain, it’ll absolutely bucket it down.”

She shrugged. “Then we’ll get wet.”

He put his arm around her and pulled her close as they walked. “And when we’re both drenched?”

She slipped her arm around his waist. “You can keep me warm.”

“I might not want to hug you when you’re all wet and soggy,” he teased.

“But you’ll be wet too.”

Daniel shook his head. “No, I’m not going to get drenched. That front is coming in. It’s time to get going.” He stopped and faced her, his hands on her waist. Even through the bulk of her jumper, she felt small and shapely. “Come skiing with me next weekend.”

Kate slid her hands along his arms, resting them on his shoulders. “I wasn’t expecting that. Where did that come from?”

He knew exactly where that idea had come from. He loved to ski and had a suite booked for the season at the Lords Hotel in Falls Creek. His father had said he’d be there briefly and Daniel wanted to catch him. Quite simple, really.

But most of all, he wanted more time with Kate.

Alone.

Away from the city. Away from other people who might sway her opinion. Somewhere she could free her mind. He could start to put the seed of an idea into her head so she could consider a different way of doing things, a different way of living.

And he wanted her.

He didn’t need any more reason than that.

“My father will be there so it’s a good chance to catch him,” he said. “And I thought you must like the cold since you like it out here