‘Would you believe that for years itwasmy thing?’ she asked.
‘For your work?’
She nodded. ‘Yes. When I was a lawyer.’
Benjamin took another sip of her drink, ignoring her raised brows. ‘You saidwas.’
Rose groaned. ‘I’m still turning the decision over and over in my mind, but I officially resigned from my job this morning. I have no idea whether I’ve done the right thing or not, but I had to give them an answer and I wasn’t ready to go back.’
‘You’re brave,’ he said, sitting back and folding his arms behind his head.
‘Brave or stupid,’ she replied. ‘I’m not quite sure which one yet.’
‘Well, I’d give you the benefit of the doubt and say brave,’ Benjamin said with a wink. ‘Does this mean you’ve decided to stay?’
Rose pretended to ignore his question; she was still so uncertain of how she felt or what she wanted to do. ‘So tell me about this next polo game,’ she said, happy to turn the subject away from her and back to him. ‘You’re playing?’
‘I am, but it’s a friendly match rather than a professional one. We have a long lunch afterwards and drink wine, so it’s very relaxed.’
She smiled, liking the sound of it. ‘Where is this relaxed polo game? Will I be able to find my own way there?’
Benjamin’s grin hinted there was something he wasn’t telling her.
‘I feel like I’m being tricked, but I have no clue why.’
‘Every year we hold a social tournament, for all the local families to come and watch and be part of,’ he said. ‘It’s something everyone looks forward to, and we play mixed teams of men and women.’
Rose frowned. ‘And the catch is?’
‘That it’s held here,’ he said. ‘The Santiagos have hosted it for almost eighty years, with a break of a few years during the war. It’s quite the tradition.’
‘Here? It’s held here, at this property?’
‘Now you can see why I want you to say yes,’ Benjamin said. ‘Without your approval…’
‘Of course, but please, make it simple for me. I’m not used to being hostess.’
‘Everyone is so looking forward to meeting you.’
Her eyes widened. ‘Everyone? Who’s everyone?’
‘Everyone who knew Valentina. They want to meet the hidden granddaughter. They’re curious about you, but it won’t be like the other day. These are just good local people to whom the Santiagos mean a lot, and I know you’ll like them.’
She groaned and shut her eyes for a moment. The reason she was loving it here so much was because it was so peaceful and she didn’t have to see anyone except for Benjamin. She’d never spent so much time on her own, but oddly, she’d never felt so content.
‘How about we start by you meeting just a few local people then,’ he said, and when his fingers brushed hers, her eyes popped back open.
‘Neighbours?’ she asked.
‘I was thinking my family,’ he said. ‘They’re very interested to meet you.’
Rose grimaced. ‘Have you asked your sister if she wants to see me again? Because she was the opposite of friendly at the polo.’
‘My sister thinks you’re here to stake your claim and put everything up for sale,’ he said. ‘She’s loyal to the Santiago family and their legacy, and she needs to spend time with you to get to know you. I think you’ll like her.’
‘She did her very best to make sure I didn’t feel welcome, although I can understand why,’ Rose told him, nervous about the idea of seeing his sister again.
‘Give them the chance to meet you properly,’ Benjamin said, his voice gentle. ‘I think you’ll enjoy yourself, and my parents might be able to help you with some of your questions about the family. And I’ll handle my sister.’
