Chapter 9
She decided it was time for her to make the first move. After the very enlightening conversation with Lori and surprise! She was starting to like the women that had suddenly come into her life. She had also learned that despite her scathing reference to them sitting on their butts and not doing much of anything, it turned out that they were hardworking individuals who were staunch supporters of abused women and children.
Her week stay at the clinic had done wonders and she was impatient to go home. Christos visited daily, sometimes even spending nights, lying in a sleep chair that had been brought in for him, but he was different. There was something different about him. He was courteous and attentive, but he made certain not to touch her, unless it was absolutely necessary.
She wasn't used to that side of him.
His family visited regularly, even the male members of the family. Lori was right, they were all in and very committed. She had not heard from her mother and decided that it was a good thing. She had another family, one that had made her feel welcome and were there for her.
It was time for her to do the right thing, to do what she had been afraid to do ever since she met him.
As soon as they reached home and he made certain she was settled in bed, he started from the room.
"I have some calls to make." He turned to look at her, his expression remote. "When you decide what you want for supper, I'll let the housekeeper know."
"Can't you make your calls here?"
He shook his head. "I don't want to disturb you, and I might have to do some yelling."
Before she could say anything more, he was gone, closing the door quietly behind him.
She stared at the door, a frown marring her forehead.
It had been three days since he was like this. No explanations, nothing. Usually, they were fighting about some decision he had gone ahead and made without consulting her, now he was remote and distant.
She knew he had spoken to her mother, and she cringed as she imagined what had been said. He had done that for her because she had cried all over him.
So, what had been said had finally got through to him. He decided that it was not worth the bother after all. If that was the case then, he needed to be man enough to tell her that he wanted her out of his life.
She plucked at the quilt, turning her head to stare out at the unrestricted view from the floor to ceiling window. She loved the wide open spaces. He had made some adjustments to accommodate her. The closet had more shelves added.
He had tapped into his account at Romano's, and she was now the owner of several very lovely maternity outfits. They certainly were not making them shapeless and unattractive anymore.
He saw to her every need. His housekeeper was apprised of the situation and was acting accordingly. He had told her they were getting married and yet he had not produced a ring or mentioned anything about it again.
Which meant he had changed his mind. If that was the case, she needed to know. Firming her lips, she shoved at the sheets. She had put on black leggings and an oversized cream sweater for her journey back from the clinic.
Her hair was done in a neat braid at the side of her head. She was going to have to call the salon and have them send someone to do a wash and deep condition very soon.
Slipping on the fuzzy pair of mules, she checked the mirror, grimacing at the slightly drawn look on her face before heading for the door. This was what he had brought her into. He was the one who insisted they live together. No, she shook her head, her lips pursed. He had been asking her to marry him for weeks now.
So, he could just go to hell if he had suddenly changed his mind.
*****
He wasn't working of course. He had not completely lied to her. Not entirely. He had some paperwork to sort through. Being with her in the clinic, standing watch had messed with his schedule. Not that he minded, he told himself as he stared blindly out the window.
He had wanted to ensure that she was all right.
He hadn't been able to do any traveling, but his brothers had seen to it, they had picked up the slack. His family was good at doing so. And he hadn't wanted to be out of the country in case something went wrong. It would have killed him.
But he was angry. Still was. After the distasteful argument with her mother, he couldn't get the words out of his mind. Lori, bless her big heart had told him of the conversation she had with her.And had mentioned the broken arm part and how she had been discouraged to even cry out her pain.
He wanted to hurt someone. And not being able to accomplish that, it left him feeling helpless and furious. So, he couldn't face her. Or he would take it out on her.
Best to leave things alone until he calmed down sufficiently. He was lifting the glass to his mouth, when he caught movement at the corner of his eye that had him stiffening.
"You're supposed to be in bed."
