Something had altered today. Pain still shadowed her and she had serious doubts about her relationship with Conall. But she was tired of hiding, for that was what she’d done. Tired too, of expecting the worst. It felt like she stepped out of the miasma engulfing her.
She’d had a long, hard think about her situation and what she wanted. She loved her career but what sheneededwas Conall. The man who’d tried to support her even while she’d pushed him away.
So he didn’t love her. But he cared and had refused to let her walk away from their marriage. Unlike her father, Conall was a protector. Surely it was possible caring might turn into more, if she were brave enough to put doubt and hurt aside. If she were brave enough to be more open with him. Greer wanted children and he hadn’t but perhaps with time, that would change.
With time. Her mouth twisted.
All her life she’d worked hard, not taking risks but striving steadily to achieve her goals. Maybe it was time to take a gamble on the man she loved. Instead of pushing Conall away, she could fight for the future. He’d stood by her since the miscarriage despite her doubts. Surely there was something worth fighting for there? The idea terrified her because it meant risking her emotions all over again.
Not giving herself time to think further, she grabbed her purse and opened the door into the suite’s opulent sitting room.
Conall stood, hands in his trouser pockets, looking at the glittering view of Singapore laid out before him.
He looked predictably mouthwatering in a tailor-made tuxedo and bow tie. His arrogant jaw was freshly shaved and she imagined how it would feel under her hands if she reached up and kissed him.
How it would feel tomorrow morning with a prickle of overnight growth that would abrade her sensitive skin if they—
Conall swung around and her fingers tightened on her silk purse, her breath sighing from her lungs.
‘You look stunning.’ His husky-edged voice made her think of whisky by an open fire. The timbre peppered her skin with goosebumps and warmed her to the core.
‘Thank you. I believe red’s seen as an auspicious colour so it seemed appropriate.’
She met his arrested stare and adrenaline spiked, making her pulse thrum. He didn’t try to conceal the avid glaze of hunger in his eyes. Conall looked anything but immune and a great tide of relief filled her.
The way he watched her made her nipples tighten against the lace of her low-cut bra and the place between her legs soften. Because she was anything but immune to him.
‘You’re sure you’re up to this?’ He sauntered across the sitting room of their luxury suite, his brow furrowed. ‘I want you at the meetings but this is going to be a big event. If you feel it’s too much I’ll understand.’
He stopped before her and she longed to reach for him. Not just because of the physical attraction humming between them. But because she loved him. That had scared her into hiding away with her grief which, she knew now, had done no good at all.
‘I’m actually looking forward to tonight. I’m stronger than I look.’
It was only partly a lie. She was daunted by the prospect of attending one of Mr Lee’s parties, famed the world over for their extravagance and the net worth of his rich, sometimes titled guests. But Greer didn’t care about them, only Conall.
Slowly he shook his head, reaching for her hand.
Was that a flare of shock in his eyes when she didn’t pull back? Guilt swirled at how far she’d withdrawn from him. But not anymore. She moved her fingers, feeling the steady pulse at his wrist.
‘I’ve absolutely no doubt about that.’ That deep voice curled around her, the most enticing caress. ‘Greer—’
‘Conall, I—’
A lopsided smile curled his mouth, and a long, enticing dimple grooved his cheek. ‘You first.’
She bit her bottom lip and his eyes narrowed on her mouth, making her breath stutter, but she pressed on. ‘There’s no time now, but later, maybe tomorrow, I’d like to talk. About the baby.’
His tightening hand and the light in his eyes signalled pleasure. ‘Whenever you’re ready.’
The way he looked at her made her feel strong. Special. Maybe she could be that woman again, strong and confident. She felt that way tonight.
‘What were you going to say?’
‘Just that I had something you might like to wear to the party.’
He looked down, his expression turning sombre. She followed his gaze to their linked hands, his thumb rubbing her empty ring finger.
A sharp ache started up behind her ribs. Regret? This afternoon she’d thought again about those beautiful rings he’d given her, imagined slipping them on, a sign that she believed their marriage had a future.
