The Tamberi Falls took up the rest of the day. The sight of them stopped any sort of bickering. Knowing the terrain, Natalie made no mistake this time, and the other two stood in absolute awe, looking at the falls as she and Ray got the whole scene on to film.
'Well, that's it then,' Ray remarked as they all went back to the hotel. 'End of a perfect day.'
As far as Natalie was concerned it was anything but that. Still, the worst was over. Filming the official opening would be easy, barring unforeseen circumstances, although there had been plenty of those since she came here. '
Neil had lived through his hangover and now he was looking at her with regret.
'Natalie, I'm sorry about this morning,' he said quietly when they were alone for a second. Paula had gone off to her room, misery still on her face, and it was clear to Natalie that if Ray stayed it would be to do what he had threatened before: poke Neil on the nose.
'Forget it,' she said easily, 'it's over and done with. Tomorrow should be easier.'
'What happened to us, Natalie, love?' he suddenly asked. 'Why did we let each other go?'
'As I recall, you got engaged.' She had been dreading this since they had come out here and she decided to take it lightly. He had no such idea, though. His face was set in grim lines.
'And I must have been out of my mind. I loved you from the moment I saw you.'
'That's enough, Neil!' Natalie said sharply. 'I don't know what you've got in mind but it's "no go". I happen to like Paula a lot.'
'So do I,' he muttered miserably. 'Who doesn't? The trouble is, she can't compare with you.'
She was saved a reply as a waiter came and murmured that she was wanted on the telephone. 'Mr Forsythe,' he informed her with all the deference that seemed to come at the sound of Kip's name.
'What does he want?' As she rose to leave, Neil grabbed her arm.
'Business, I expect.' She pulled free but Neil got to his feet, rage on his face.
'You sleep with him, don't you? I could see by the way he touched you even today that he owns you.'
Natalie stopped and looked at him with eyes colder than he had ever seen, emerald-green and sparkling with anger.
'Keep out of my affairs,' she warned in a low, angry voice. 'If this is anything to do with the film I'll tell you; if not, it's private. What Kip and I do is no concern of yours. You made your choice and I've made mine.'
What a stupid thing to say, she admonished herself as she walked off, leaving him staring after her. She hadn't made any choice at all. All she knew was that Paula had got herself engaged to a heel and if she had been given that choice herself it would have lasted about a week.
'Come to dinner with me,' Kip said as soon as he heard her voice.
'I can't.' Defence sprang instantly to her lips and mind.
'Then I'll not tell you my secret,' he answered breezily as if he couldn't care less whether she came or not.
'So keep it to yourself.' In spite of everything she was laughing and he knew it.
'Even if it's to do with the film?' he enquired ironically, knowing that would get her going. It did.
'Oh, Kip! Please tell me.'
'Wonderful. I love to hear you plead. I'll tell you over dinner, which Josh is now preparing.' 'This,' Natalie declared, 'is blackmail!' 'Take it or leave it,' he suggested. 'What time?'
'Seven? Shall I fetch you?' There was no sound of triumph in his voice but she could just imagine his laughing eyes.
'No fear. I'll bring my own transport.'
'In case you have to make a run for it.'
'You've got it,' Natalie applauded, grinning widely as she put the phone down. Ray and Paula had reappeared as she went back into the hotel lounge and she smiled brightly at all of them.
'Sorry, gang. I'm going out to dinner.'
'Business or pleasure?' Ray asked, unable to stop goading Neil, who looked white about the lips.
'A little of both. I'm going to Kip's house.'
'I'm surprised he didn't invite us all,' Neil snapped, but Ray got the last word in.
'If he had, I for one would have refused. I've never thought much of the idea of playing gooseberry.'
Kip was standing on the steps when she got there and she burst out of the car eagerly.
'What is it?' She was all eyes, vividly beautiful in a slip of a dress with a camisole top, its golden colour shimmering in the lights of the veranda.
'Maybe you won't like it.' Kip looked at her doubtfully and she had a bad moment before she saw his eyes glittering with amusement.
'Don't tease me!'