‘Only the best. Now, what are you going to have first?’
‘Fruit then yoghurt.’ Yet it was the cherry Danish she grabbed, plonking it onto a plate and putting it beside her. ‘Just making sure it’s still there when I want it.’
Conall was an energetic man who burned calories quickly. They’d shared enough between-meeting lunches for her to know it was best to claim what she wanted quickly.
She heard his huff of amusement as he added a sultana-studded scroll to his plate. ‘In that case, the snail is mine.’ Then he reached out again. ‘And the cheese twist.’
Greer’s mouth curled into a smile. It felt like a wall tumbling between them. The wariness she’d felt easing into something more comfortable.
Was that the worry that had dogged her since she’d woken in hospital finally lifting? That would be a blessing.
She tried not to wonder if that meant her memory might be restored soon. Thinking about that stressed her and she’d resolved not to go there.
Conversation was relaxed. Conall spoke about a possible trip to Singapore and made a few observations about the share market. Easy stuff that didn’t require much effort from her.
She was surprised at how suddenly hungry she was when lately nothing much had appealed. Apart from the comfort of late-night chocolate bars.
Finally, the meal was over and she rose to tidy up. Scraping flakes of pastry off the plates, she said, ‘You said you want my input. On what?’
He had his back to her as he shrugged so she indulged herself, letting her gaze linger on the lift of his wide shoulders. She shouldn’t. It only fed that longing she’d resolved to conquer.
Okay, that’s absolutely the last time. Right?
‘There’s an investment I want your opinion on.’
Greer stilled, pleasure rising. Increasingly Conall sought her input on projects, using her as a sounding board. He said her accountancy training gave her a good eye for detail. His request now meant he really had put last night’s contretemps behind him.
His investment business didn’t hinge solely on major stock market companies. He also had interests in a range of start-up companies, most innovative and some surprisingly tiny. She’d been fascinated to see him back people, and occasionally communities, that needed an investor to help achieve smaller-scale goals. Unlike his father, it seemed he was interested in benefit to the community as well as reaping financial rewards.
‘What is it? I’m all ears.’
Dark eyes met hers and she reminded herself she was inured to their impact. ‘Soon. I want to take you to see it. Do you have a hat?’
She blinked at the change of subject. ‘Yes.’
‘Then get it and we’ll be on our way.’
Greer frowned. In the past there’d been reports, interviews of company directors and financial analyses when considering possible investments. There’d been some site visits but that was usually later in the process.
‘On our way?’
‘Yes. This cost-benefit analysis is best done in person.’ A ghost of a smile curved his mouth and something inside her loosened. ‘You get ready and I’ll finish here.’
He was up to something. She could tell by the glint in his eyes. Mentally she shrugged. She was intrigued and would play along. So instead of protesting that there was no need for him to clean up, she headed for the bedroom. If he wanted to tidy her kitchen, she was happy to let him.
She was crossing to her wardrobe when he said from close behind her, ‘Bring sunscreen too, if you have some.’
She swung around to find him in the doorway, sweeping the bedroom with his gaze as if looking for something. She paused. She was only metres from the kitchen. There’d been no need to follow to ensure she heard him.
Greer stiffened, acutely aware of the unmade bed between them. Crazy how those rumpled sheets made his presence feel…personal.
She was overreacting. She hadn’t had enough sleep and her reactions were askew.
Yet her eyebrows lifted at his comprehensive inventory of the room. ‘Was there anything else?’
‘Can I use your bathroom? I’ve got sticky hands.’ He was already turning away when she nodded.
Greer frowned as she opened her wardrobe. That interchange had felt strange, but she couldn’t put her finger on why.
