Chapter Ten
Aweek passed in carefulcoexistence.
Breakfast in the kitchen each morning, separate activities during the day, and dinner together in the evenings, conversation flowing more easily as days passed, though certain topics remained untouched.
Not once did Colin press for resolution or clarity about their future. Not once did he attempt to rush her carefully measured pace. Instead, he demonstrated patience and gentleness, and his willingness to wait had her praying even harder every night.
Please, God. Please.
It was Wednesday afternoon when Hope found herself unexpectedly alone in the main house. Colin had back-to-back meetings downtown and security was on roving patrol of the property perimeter while the household staff was out in the garden for specialized training. Their billionaire boss had developed something that could elevate home gardening to a whole new level, and who better to include in its trial run than his own staff?
With no one else around, Hope found herself cherishing this unique time of solitude, and she decided to curl up on one of the comfy armchairs scattered around the front porch. She was about to start reading when the sound of tires on gravel interrupted the silence, and Hope glanced up just in time to see a convertible pull into the circular drive.
Princess.
Hope's stomach tied itself in knots as she watched the other woman step out.Gorgeous like always,Hope thought absently. She really couldn't blame Colin for falling hard for the other woman. Most men would.
Princess' hardened expression as Hope stepped out to meet her halfway had her hesitating. The other woman was usually careful in keeping her real feelings behind a mask of helpless femininity. So why was she different now?
"Hello, Hope. Colin told me he had meetings throughout the day—"
Impossible.
"And that had me thinking...today might just be the best time to speak to you alone."
Princess' words also had Hope thinking, and that was how she needed to pray for protection from any kind of attack. Because the other woman meant to make trouble, that much was clear.
Hope reluctantly invited Princess to join her on the porch. She settled back into her armchair while the other woman took the couch and crossed her legs.
"Can I offer you a drink?"
"It's fine. I don't mean to take up much of your time." Princess looked around. "You've made yourself quite at home."
"It is my home."
"Temporarily."
Hope's eyes widened.
