She gnawed on her bottom lip and nodded. "It'll be easier if I see her alone."
She could just imagine the look on her sister's face if she walked in with him and introduced Jax Maroney.
Ruby herself had nearly collapsed from shock that first night at the showroom, so what would it do to Sapphire?
She fumbled the seat-belt release and he reached across and pushed the button, stilling her shaky hand.
"Take as long as you like, I'll be waiting."
She'd never heard him anything other than cool and in control, so the unexpected hint of emotion in his voice almost undermined her completely.
She bit her bottom lip and nodded, hoping she wouldn't cry, hoping he wouldn't ask again if she wanted company, because this time she might capitulate and say yes.
Before he could show another glimpse of his surprising tender side, she opened the door, wobbled on her stilettos for a second, straightened her sheath, and rushed towards the front door.
Ruby had been thankful Jax offered to drive her toTenangafter the wedding but after glimpsing his unexpected caring side, she wasn't so sure.
She could handle being married to a recalcitrant grump. A sexy guy with hidden depths, not so much.
The last thing she needed, to feel anything other than reluctant lust for her new husband. Not worth the angst falling for someone unattainable, and that label fitted Jax Maroney. Emotionally repressed, a loner who guarded his heart as much as his past, he'd be the last guy she should fall for.
She could be grateful he had a soft side, but mistaking it for anything other than a guy looking after his investment would be foolish.
With a wistful sigh she didn't dare interpret, she entered the foyer, peace instantly enveloping her. She'd initially been wary about her citified, savvy sister spending time at a place like thisto recuperate, but her doubts had been assuaged when she'd dropped Sapphire off.
An appealing mix of five-star hotel and luxury health retreat,Tenangoozed tranquillity, the perfect place for stressed-out executives to find their zen. Being surrounded by all this muted music and pastels and soft voices would drive her nuts, but Sapphire seemed happy and that made Ruby want to weep in relief.
Saph had been here five weeks, and every time they spoke her go-getter sister seemed stronger, brighter, and more like her old self: confident, fit, ready to take on any challenge and win.
After checking in with the smiling receptionist, Ruby slipped a visitor's lanyard around her neck and headed for the sprawling rear garden where her sister would be reading by a mineral spring.
The cushion-covered, wrought-iron bench strategically placed beneath a weeping willow offered solitude and privacy, and had become Sapphire’s favourite spot.
Ruby ducked under the branches and smiled when she spotted her elegant sister wearing a designer leisure suit sprawled across the bench, the autobiographies she favoured shielding her face.
"Hey, bookworm."
Saph peeped over the top of her book, her eyes lighting with pleasure. "Hi, Rubes, good to see you."
"You too."
Sapphire shifted so Ruby could sit and hug her. "You didn't have to get dressed up to visit."
Ruby mumbled, "You don't know the half of it," before pulling up her big-girl panties. Sapphire deserved the truth. Now.
"I've got something to tell you, Saph, and I want you to promise you'll hear me out."
Sapphire frowned. "This doesn't sound good."
Ruby fixed a bright smile. "It's all good."
"Yeah? Then why are you shredding the hem of that gorgeous sheath?"
Ruby stopped fiddling by clasping her hands and resting them in her lap. “What I have to tell you is pretty big, Saph."
Her sister paled. "Has something happened atSeaborn? Was the spring collection a flop?"
Sapphire twiddled her thumbs, a nervous habit she'd had since they were kids, and Ruby unclasped her hands to cover Saph’s with hers.
