Between The Sheets Read Online Free Page B

down her knife and fork. 'Shall we go?' she asked Sylvie, as it was clear that the girl wasn't planning to eat her meal and there was no point in even suggesting dessert.
    'Sure—'
    'Good evening, ladies, hope I'm not interrupting anything.'
    'Wally, what on earth are you doing in Dublin?' Dana smiled as her agent bent to kiss both her cheeks and then sat down beside her. Walter always let her know when he was coming to Dublin so it made her feel slightly uneasy that he'd just dropped in like this. Anyway, how the hell did he know she'd be here?
    'Go and powder your nose, Sylvie, there's a good girl,' he said sweetly, before telling a hovering waiter to bring him a gin and tonic. He waited until the PA had flounced off before turning back to his author. 'Well, you don't look too bad, considering,' he commented.
    'Thanks a million,' she said drily. 'Please tell me you didn't come all the way from London just to check up on me.'
    'No, darling.' He winked as the waiter set his drink down in front of him. 'I've come to see my latest Irish author. He's suffering a little writer's block and so I decided to jump on a plane and come over and hold his hand.' He grinned. 'Not that it's a hardship; he's very easy on the eye. I'm taking him to dinner in some Japanese place in town.'
    'How did you know I'd be here?'
    'Ian called me, of course.'
    She scowled. 'I wish you wouldn't spy on me; there's no need.'
    'If you took my calls I wouldn't have to,' he retorted.
    'Sorry.'
    He patted her hand. 'That's okay, darling. I under-stand this is a difficult time. Has Gus been in touch?'
    Dana shook her head and reached for her wine glass. She was feeling dangerously close to tears.
    'Bastard. I don't know how he could do this to you.'
    'That makes two of us,' she said with a weak smile.
    'You know work is the best medicine for a broken heart.'
    'Really? I find Chablis works quite well.'
    'Yes, but it also ruins your looks and addles the brain. Come on now, my darling, don't be defeated by this. Gus is gorgeous, it's true, but you have to move on. Trust me, I know all about it.'
    Dana squeezed his hand sympathetically. It was almost two years now since Wally had broken up with his partner. They had been together for an astounding twelve years when he discovered that Giles had been unfaithful at least twice. Even then, Walter was ready to forgive the love of his life but Giles decided to leave anyway. The agent hadn't dated since, and although he pretended interest in every gorgeous young man he met, Dana knew that it would be a long time before he trusted anyone again.
    She could relate to that now as she never could before. 'Oh, Wally, I'm not sure I want to go on without him.'
    'Balls,' he retorted, then ignored the outraged look from the woman at the next table. 'You can and you will. You were a star long before Gus Johnson came along and you'll still be one long after he's gone. No one can bring Dana De Lacey down.'
    'Thanks for the vote of confidence,' she said, swallowing back her tears, 'I just wish I could believe it.'
    He sat forward and took both her hands in his. 'You know you must put all your feelings into this book. It will be hugely cathartic, make a damn good read, and,' he added thoughtfully, 'the whole ordeal may turn out to be an excellent way to promote the book.'
    'Wally!'
    'Sorry, but I am your agent after all.' He glanced at his watch, drained his glass and stood up. 'Must fly. Try to enjoy yourself tonight, Dana. When Ian told me you were going out on the town I was so proud. I thought, "That's my girl!" So go and show the world and your silly misguided husband exactly what you're made of. Understood?'
    Dana nodded, clinging to him when he embraced her.'Thanks, Wally.'
    Sylvie slipped back into her chair and eyed Dana warily. 'Is everything okay?'
    Dana dabbed her eyes with a tissue. 'Yeah, fine. Wally was in Dublin to see another author and he just dropped by to check up on me.'
    'Well, I hope it gets him off my back for a