When Summer Fades (14 page)

Adamant in his refusal to fetch Rosa, Carlos was strangely subdued when Sophie returned from her walk. ‘If you’ll excuse me,’ he said, picking up his phone and car keys, ‘I must return to my office.’

‘Oh dear! Is there a problem?’

‘It depends what you mean by problem,’ Carlos replied, mysterious. ‘However, as I intend to return to Alvor tonight, would you care to join me for supper? A friend of mine has a restaurant by the harbour.’

‘That sounds lovely. What time shall I expect you?’

‘I’m not sure. I’ll ring from Odemira to let you know I’m on my way.’

Watching him go, dressed in navy-blue trousers and cinnamon and navy striped, shirt (accentuating the colour of his eyes and dark good looks), Sophie shook her head. If Carlos’s problem included Rosa – and she saw him looking like that – she was convinced she’d be dining alone.’

When evening brought no promised phone call, Sophie banished all thoughts of Carlos from her mind. After a relaxing bath, she dabbed on some soothing after-sun lotion and brushed her newly washed hair until it shone. Later, highly relieved to dispense with the unflattering calamine lotion, she slipped naked between the sheets, thinking only briefly of the evening that might have been. Cautiously easing herself onto her stomach, she fell asleep lulled by the rhythmic lapping of waves against the seashore and the ever-present chirping of cicadas.

She was still sleeping soundly when, shortly after midnight, the shrill ringing of the phone disturbed her slumbers. Startled, and grabbing her pareo, she hurried to answer it.

‘Sophie. Don’t be alarmed. It’s only me. I’m at Odemira.’

‘Carlos? Surely it’s too late for supper?’

‘Yes, it is. And I apologise. I’m afraid I was unavoidably delayed.’

No doubt by Rosa, Sophie thought. ‘That’s okay,’ she said sleepily. ‘Thanks for letting me know anyway.’

‘By the way, how’s the sunburn?’ Carlos called, before Sophie hung up the phone.

‘Pretty sore. I still can’t sleep on my back. At least I’m not glowing quite so pink.’

Also glowing – but this time as a result of the moonlight shimmering on saffron pearl bodywork – the C70 purred to a halt. Switching off the ignition, Carlos reached for his laptop and briefcase, then patted his pocket and headed for the familiar footpath.

Finding the house in darkness, he assumed Sophie had returned to bed, but was she asleep? Pausing outside her room, he tapped gently on the door, turned the handle and waited. Surely it would be far better to do this now…

‘Sophie,’ Carlos began softly, ‘I’ve brought something for your sunburn. The sooner you can start using it the better. Augustina’s cream…’

Still drowsy with sleep, Sophie blinked in the darkness and turned her head to where a pool of light flooded in from the hallway. ‘Augustina? She’s not here is she?’

‘No. However, I have been to see her. I went to fetch some of her cream.’

‘But I don’t think I can reach that part of my back.’

‘I could do it for you,’ a husky voice volunteered, ‘That’s if you don’t mind?’

Quickly assessing the implication of what that would involve, Sophie murmured assent, grateful for the pair of white lace briefs she’d slipped on before returning to bed.

‘So, what’s worse,’ Carlos enquired, switching on the bedside lamp and sitting down beside her. ‘Back, shoulders, legs?’

‘My legs and back,’ she faltered, offering up a silent prayer. If she said anything else she would have to turn onto her back. It was far safer to remain on her stomach. If she so much as looked into his eyes...

‘Augustina assures me it won’t sting, and by morning the redness should be much better,’ he said, gently smoothing cream across her back with light, sweeping strokes.

Once over the initial shock of feeling both the cream and his hands against her tingling flesh, Sophie began to relax, conscious of only one thing: Carlos’s hands were moving further and further down her back.

‘Are you decent?’ he asked, slowly moving the sheet away. ‘Do you want me to do the backs of your legs?’

Sophie gulped, murmuring for him to continue. She had no idea what was in the cream, but it was certainly soothing. Also soothing was the sound of his whispered breathing and the gentle touch of his fingers on her upper thighs. With her stomach doing somersaults and her pulse racing, she willed herself to think of Rosa. How would Rosa react if she knew her fiancé was rubbing cream – albeit one of Augustina’s magic potions – into the sunburnt thighs of another woman?’

‘You are very badly burnt,’ Carlos frowned. ‘I can only assume from these marks, you were wearing a backless T-shirt and shorts.’

‘Mmm. The sky was almost overcast when we left for Loulé, I thought I’d be quite safe with a little bit of sunshine.’

Carlos rubbed in another swirl of soothing ointment. ‘A
little
bit of sunshine, perhaps, but something tells me you had more than just a little bit. We shall have to watch you in the sun tomorrow. As we missed our supper date, how about lunch instead?’

Listening to Carlos screw the lid on the jar, Sophie could almost feel the sweep of his eyes from the top of her head to the gentle curve of her hips and beyond. After what seemed like an eternity, he reached carefully for the sheet and laid it gently across her body until only her shoulders were exposed.

‘I hope that helps,’ he said, rising slowly from the bed. ‘Despite waking you in the middle of the night, I’m convinced that by morning, you’ll be glad I did.’

In one way Carlos was right, by morning the sunburn had all but disappeared. It was a different problem that bothered Sophie now. The thought of being alone with him at Casa Maria-Clara. Trying to avoid eye contact during breakfast, she attempted polite conversation. ’So, what’s in Augustina’s cream, or is it a secret?’

‘I don’t know, perhaps we can ask Bernado when he comes to water the plants?’

Bernardo, however, shook his head in bewilderment and suggested they ask Filomena when she arrived to change the linen.

‘Change the linen? But it’s Sunday!’ Sophie protested. ‘I’m sure we can manage without clean sheets and towels for another day? They were only changed on Friday.’

‘Of course, besides I’ve only slept in mine for a few hours,’ Carlos agreed, but don’t tell Augustina. We don’t want Filomena getting into trouble.’

‘Why should Filomena get into trouble?’

‘Augustina still feels responsible for the running of the beach house. If the family is staying here, she prefers to keeps a check on everything. That includes ringing Filomena constantly, making sure the linen is changed, the beds made and aired—’

‘I’m perfectly capable of making my own bed.’

‘So – what do you suggest?’ Carlos was eyeing Filomena coming down the path towards them, her arms filled with sheets, pillowcases and towels.

‘Tell her you’ve given her Sunday off.’

Moments later when Filomena fixed them both with a shy smile and hurried away, Carlos turned to Sophie with a mischievous glint in his eyes. ‘Good. That’s settled. I’ve given her the day off and also promised not to tell Bernados’s aunt.’

‘Why is everyone so terrified of Augustina?’

‘You have to admit she’s quite a formidable character, and very set in her ways.’

‘Rosa says Augustina is always talking to herself.’

‘Probably casting spells,’ Carlos teased, reaching for his coffee. ‘Perhaps that’s why people find her so frightening. Which reminds me, Filomena doesn’t know the secret of the cream, either. She suspects it could be marigolds.’

‘Ah! Calendula. That explains why my sunburn is so much better.’

‘Sufficiently better to face a car journey to Monchique?’

Spying Sophie’s puzzled frown Carlos pushed a large map across the table.

‘You can see for yourself. It’s in the mountains – so it will be infinitely cooler than the coast. The scenery en route is stunning.’

Studying the map, Sophie discerned they would have to head towards Portimão and then travel due north to the Serra de Monchique. It sounded delightful. Nevertheless, she was more than a little confused. It had been ages since she’d studied geography.

‘I thought you said something about lunch at your friend's restaurant? Yet there’s no harbour at Monchique.’

‘Your map reading is perfect Sophie. Perhaps I should have explained. I’ve changed my mind about lunch. It will be better for you in the mountains. I’ll take you to Francisco’s tomorrow.’

‘You’re not working tomorrow?’

Carlos shook his head. ‘That’s why I went to Lisbon yesterday. I collected some files and left detailed instructions for my secretary. She can contact me on my mobile if necessary. Everyone else appears to be enjoying themselves, so why not me?’

Confused, Sophie pretended to look at the map. ‘What about Rosa? Won’t she be expecting you?’

‘I hardly think so. When I called at Grandmother’s for the cream, I was told Aunt Elisabete and Rosa plan to take Grandmother shopping. She needs a dress for her birthday party, and Rosa won’t be coming back to Alvor until Tuesday evening. Do you think you can tolerate my company until then?’

Sophie felt her mouth go quite dry. Did Carlos realize what he was asking? Her mind was in turmoil. After last night (or was it the early hours of this morning?) when he’d so carefully and sensuously rubbed the cream into her back, shoulders and thighs, all she’d wanted to do was beg him to stay!

‘I’m sure I can … if you don’t think your fiancé will mind?’

‘Rosa and I are
not
engaged,’ he said, folding the map, ‘How soon will you be ready to leave?’

*

As the Monchique road progressed ever higher, Sophie became fascinated by the constantly changing scenery; broad leafed trees and shrubs lined the twisting, winding road, revealing scattered houses and picturesque restaurants. At last, nearing the top, the Serra de Monchique lay before them like a gently undulating swathe of softest velvet. It was simply breathtaking.

Parking the car in the shade, Carlos opened the door and reached for her hand.

‘Not too uncomfortable, I hope, from sitting so long?’

‘How could I be, in such a wonderful car? Poppy will never be the same again.’

‘Ah, yes! Heathrow and
your
car, how could I possibly forget?’

Something in his voice prompted Sophie to offer belated apologies. She also noticed he was still holding her hand. ‘I’m sorry, Carlos. I believe I owe you an apology. I don’t think you had a very comfortable ride that night from Heathrow.’

‘Perhaps not the most comfortable of journeys, but surely one of the most memorable?’ he replied, with a warm smile. ‘I think you were very angry with both Rosa and myself that night.’

Preferring to forget that unfortunate episode, Sophie merely nodded and allowed Carlos to lead her in the direction of a steep woodland path. There, shaded from the sun, with the occasional chirruping of a solitary bird, and sun-dried seedpods exploding in the undergrowth, they walked in single file until they reached the sound of running water.

Fascinated by the way it cascaded rhythmically into large pools she sighed contentedly.

‘It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Water is so relaxing to listen to.’

‘Speaking of which would you like to try the spa water?’ To Carlos’s surprise, Sophie shook her head. ‘You don’t! Why ever not? It’s supposed to contain the most magical properties, and even dates back to Roman times.’

Wanting to tell him nothing could have been more magical than this moment alone with him, Sophie remained silent, choosing instead to move further along the path to an impressive group of towering, eucalyptus trees.

‘I wonder how old they are,’ she said slowly fingering their ancient trunks.

‘Probably even older than me, and that’s saying something.’

‘You’re not old!’

Carlos appeared deeply reflective. ‘Rosa thinks I am, and something tells me that night at Heathrow you were expecting someone of more mature years.’

When Sophie looked away, Carlos reached for her hand. ‘Am I right?’

Feeling herself colour, she explained hastily. ‘It was only because of something Rosa said, when she first arrived at Victoria Villas. She told me she was – er – going to marry an older man. But you’re not old, Carlos, thirty five isn’t old,’

‘Unless of course you’re like Rosa and only eighteen?’

‘Don’t forget, she’ll soon be nineteen. Isn’t that when you’re supposed to be getting engaged?’

Chapter 10

Following lunch in the mountains, Carlos drove back to Alvor, carefully avoiding further mention of Rosa. Helping Sophie from the car, he gave a satisfied smile.

‘I’m glad you enjoyed both Monchique and your
chicken
piri
-
piri
.’

‘Monchique was delightful. As for lunch, I feel as if I can barely move.’

‘You don’t have to, unless you’ve anything planned? Why not have a rest and let your lunch settle? It’s far too hot to sit outside.’

Leaving the comforting coolness of the car, Sophie discovered that Carlos was right. The heat was unbearable. ‘The idea of a rest is extremely tempting. Though what I’ll do when I go back to work … All this eating and sleeping is getting me into very bad habits.’

‘Nonsense!’ Carlos opened the front door and motioned her inside. ‘It’s doing you good. You’re already looking so much better.’

‘I wasn’t aware I looked ill.’

‘Not ill, merely tired. For that, I hold myself partly responsible. It was me who persuaded you to take Rosa for more than a weekend.’

‘Mmm, I suppose it
was
rather a long weekend.’

‘And an exceedingly tiring one?’

Sophie hesitated, placing her Monchique souvenirs on the table, not entirely happy that the subject of Rosa had returned to the conversation. ‘In some ways I actually enjoyed having Rosa to stay. She’s like the younger sister I never had.’

Carlos gave a rueful shake of the head. ‘Then it’s just as well you only had her for nine months. Take it from me, younger siblings can be extremely tiresome.’

‘Is that the voice of experience?’

‘Very much so! Both Rosa and my brother were extremely annoying when they were younger. Thankfully, Cristovao’s calmed down considerably, although he and Rosa still fight like cat and dog whenever they meet. That apart, my father assures me Cristovao’s latest run of wild parties is merely my little brother’s last fling to celebrate his recent birthday.’

‘You don’t sound quite so convinced.’

‘I’m not,’ Carlos said, opening the shuttered windows to let in some air. ‘With Grandmother’s own birthday looming, I’m extremely anxious. Especially after last year.’

‘What happened last year?’

‘I’d rather not say. Besides, as you’re so good-natured Sophie, you’d probably plead that you’re only young once.’

‘Since my parents’ accident, I frequently find myself saying life’s too short. They planned to do so much together.’ Feeling a lump rise in her throat, Sophie turned away. She didn’t want Carlos to see her cry. When strong arms closed about her shoulders she pulled away.

‘Sophie? What’s wrong?’

‘Friday was the anniversary of their accident… which was another reason why I chose to remain here when Rosa went to Lisbon.’

‘Oh, dear! I’m so sorry. And today I dragged you off to Monchique.’

‘You didn’t drag me.’

‘But I think perhaps I’ve just offended you… by embracing you.’

‘It wasn’t that … it was my sunburn’

Relief flooded Carlos’s face, ‘Your sunburn! Of course! I was forgetting. It may be time for Augustina’s cream. She said to use it at least twice a day. You’d better go and take your clothes off.’ Spying the horrified look on Sophie’s face, he gave the faintest of smiles. ‘Would you like me to rephrase that?’

Duly composed, Sophie walked towards her bedroom door. ‘There’s no need. I understand perfectly.’

Lying between fine cotton sheets, Sophie closed her eyes and waited. In the early hours when Carlos had returned from Lisbon, she certainly hadn’t expected him to come into her room. Now, of course it was different. She heard his footsteps in the hallway, and a gentle tapping on her door.

‘It’s already looking so much better, just as Augustina predicted,’ he said, painstakingly administering the cream. ‘Although here,’ he ran a finger lightly across her shoulder blades, ‘the skin still appears to be slightly blistered.’

Sophie flinched, groaning from her pillows. ‘I know, and I was hoping to be able to sleep on my back tonight. I’ve never found sleeping on my stomach comfortable.’

‘What about sleeping on your side?’

‘I tried that, but I kept rolling on to my back.’

‘Then I shall have to think of something. I’ll add it to my list of things to do along with the work I brought from the office.’

Turning her head to look at him, Sophie fixed him with a mocking smile. ‘You obviously don’t practice what you preach ... about taking a rest?’

‘I’m usually far too busy. Although, I have been known occasionally to put my feet up for half an hour.’

Suitably relaxed, thanks to the two glasses of wine she’d had with her lunch, plus the gentle healing properties of Augustina’s cream, Sophie ventured. ‘In England, we say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’

‘I know,’ he replied, smoothing her hair back into place before rearranging the sheet, ‘but aren’t you forgetting something? My name’s Carlos, not Jack.’

‘Of course,’ she whispered, closing her eyes, and feeling his lips brush gently against her cheek, before he left the room.

*

Remembering that one fleeting kiss when she woke, Sophie put her hand to her face. Had she been dreaming, or had Carlos really kissed her? Deciding to go and look for him, she eased herself from the bed and slipped into her sundress.

Carlos, she discovered, was asleep on the settee. There were files scattered at his feet and, resting on his chest, a notepad. Trying to decipher what she took to be his Portuguese hieroglyphics, there was only one word she could recognize: the name ‘Sophie’ written in large letters followed by an equally large question mark.

Rearranging the files in some semblance of order Sophie studied his sleeping form. Carlos’s breathing was steady and even, his chest rising rhythmically. Even in sleep she thought, wanting to reach out and touch him, he appeared calm and in control.

‘I think you put your feet up for more than half an hour,’ she said, with a capricious smile, when he eventually opened his eyes.

‘You mean to say I fell asleep?’ Raking his hair back from his forehead, Carlos looked first at his watch then at the neatly stacked pile of papers and files.

‘I did the best I could. Unfortunately, I don’t understand Portuguese so they’re probably not in order. I assume they fell from your lap when you dozed off.’

Seeing Carlos stretch and expertly pounce on his notepad before it fell to the floor, Sophie likened him to a panther. Long and sleek, with a gleaming shock of dark hair, his eyes narrowed in her direction. ‘How long have you been watching me?’

‘Long enough to know you don’t snore! Now, can I be terribly English and suggest a cup of tea?’

‘Tea would be wonderful,’ he said, rising from the settee. ‘Then perhaps we should think about dinner this evening.’

‘Dinner? I’m still full from lunch!’

Sitting in silence, drinking their tea, Carlos suddenly proposed a drive to the other side of the bay. ‘Take a jacket,’ he advised. ‘And if you’ve got a scarf?’

Having assumed they were going somewhere where it got chilly in the evenings, Sophie was totally unprepared to find herself outside a tiny, whitewashed, village church.

‘Are we going to attend a service?’ she whispered, following him towards the door.

Shaking his head, Carlos took her arm and led her inside. ‘No. But I thought you might like to spend some time alone with your thoughts. What you said earlier … concerning your parents...’

Deeply moved, Sophie nodded in understanding, reached for a scarf and tied it loosely under her chin.

‘Thank you,’ she murmured, half an hour later when they prepared to leave. ‘I had wondered if there was a church nearby.’

‘As this is a small fishing village, this particular church plays a significant part in everyday life. The weather isn’t always this beautiful, or the sea so calm.’

Looking across the bay to where the sun was beginning to set, Sophie found it almost impossible to believe. ‘But it’s like a millpond out there.’

‘It’s also the Atlantic Ocean.’

‘Mmm. So, quite possibly, it’s like winter and spring at Casa Edna, my aunt and uncle’s hotel. It’s called Casa Edna after my aunt, although there they have the North Sea, not the Atlantic. Believe it or not, their hotel is simply full to overflowing with Portuguese artefacts.’

‘If they love the Algarve so much, why not bring them over next summer? You could all stay at the beach house?’

Taken aback by this sudden unexpected invitation, Sophie explained summer was the busiest season at Casa Edna.

‘Then come in early spring, which is even better. The almond trees are in blossom and the fields look as if they are covered in snow.’

‘That sounds absolutely heavenly,’ Sophie said, closing her eyes, already picturing row after row of almond trees, heavy with the scent of blossom.

*

Returning to Casa Maria-Clara Sophie made her way towards her bedroom.

‘Give me a call when you’re ready for your next application of magic cream,’ Carlos called after her.

This time when he appeared, Sophie looked up from the bed to find him carrying not only the cream, but also an armful of pillows.

‘But I already have pillows.’

‘I know, but I thought once I've applied the cream, I could also try and prop you on your side. Didn’t you say sleeping on your stomach was uncomfortable?’

Alarmed by what he was proposing, Sophie wished that she was wearing more than just white lace panties. ‘Carlos, while I appreciate your concern, I don’t think this will work. I’m already getting tangled up in the sheet, which is even more uncomfortable.’

‘So why not take the sheet away while I fix the pillows in place?’

‘I can’t, I’m … not dressed.’

‘Ah! And there was me thinking all nurses were used to seeing naked bodies.’

‘I am,’ she said, burying her face in yet another wayward pillow. ‘I’m simply not used to
you
seeing
mine
!’

Unbuttoning his shirt, Carlos took it off and passed it over. ‘Would this help?’

Gingerly reaching for the shirt, Sophie turned away and, slipping it on marvelled at its extra-fine quality. ‘What exquisite fabric. If only our uniforms were made of material like this, there’d never be any complaints.’

Ignoring her modesty, Carlos was deeply reflective as if trying to remember something. ‘I know it’s a cotton of some description, I bought it when I was last in London. Now … what did the assistant say it was made from? Finest grass?’

‘Grass!’ Sophie collapsed in a fit of giggles.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘You are. Because although your English is usually one hundred per cent perfect, Carlos, in this instance I do believe you’ve made a mistake. I think the word you were looking for is
lawn
!’

Watching Sophie convulsed with laughter, and suddenly seeing the joke for himself, Carlos reached out to pull her from the mound of pillows that engulfed her. In doing so, his hand accidentally brushed against her breasts.

‘Oh, Sophie!’ his voice urged, suddenly desperate. ‘If only you knew how much I’ve wanted you.’

With the waves lapping gently against the shore outside her bedroom window, Sophie found herself swept along on a tide of emotion. One minute, Carlos’s lips were pressed close to hers, the next his hands were slowly and expertly caressing her breasts through the fine, white fabric. It was what she’d been afraid of since the moment he’d held her hand at Faro airport. A brief vision of Rosa flashed through her mind.
No
! She must not think of Rosa. This was what she’d dreamed of. There was no going back.

Releasing her from his embrace, albeit briefly, Carlos scattered the surplus pillows to the floor, slipped off his shoes, socks and trousers and reached for her again. This time his kisses became more urgent, and his touch on her breasts more intense, until taking her by the shoulders he lowered her gently against the pillows. Sophie cried out in agony.

‘My shoulders! The sunburn,’ she moaned, easing herself once more on to her side. I’m sorry Carlos. I—’

In the enveloping shadows of the room lit only by moonlight, Carlos reached for her hand. ‘There are other ways...’ he began, but stopped when he saw her shake her head in despair.

‘We can’t,’ she faltered, miserably. ‘We shouldn’t even be together like this.’

‘It’s what we both want – isn’t it?’

‘Perhaps. But I hardly know you.’

Carlos tilted her face towards him. ‘Sophie! How can you say that, of course you know me… we’ve known each other since last October. Heathrow… remember?’

‘But I was
so
rude to you.’

‘Exactly, and that’s when I fell in love with you. Although, perhaps not
quite
from the moment you subjected me to that frosty reception.’

Fumbling with the buttons of the shirt, her thoughts winging away to last October, Sophie faltered. ‘I don’t understand, what about Rosa? You’re supposed to be getting engaged, married even.’