Greer had straightened at the prospect of talking with Conall but now leaned back against the door, disappointment a solid weight in her chest. ‘No, it’s fine. What can I do for you?’
‘I wondered if you wanted to go to the movies tomorrow.’
‘I’m sorry, Matt. I need to catch up on some things tomorrow. Monday’s going to be a busy day.’
‘Maybe later in the week?’
She opened her mouth then closed it. She liked Matt, but if he wanted more than friendship he was looking in the wrong place.
Despite almost two years of trying, she hadn’t been able to get Conall out of her mind. She hadn’t been out on a date since she’d begun working for him. Not merely because her job kept her extremely busy, but because his presence cast other men into the shade.
Look at how she’d reacted just now, heart thumping in anticipation, believing he’d called her. That was why she’d accepted Matt’s first invitation, because it was time to get over her crush and move on.
But while she liked Matt there was no spark there, nothing to hint they might one day mean more to each other. She didn’t want to lead her neighbour on.
Greer bit her lip. ‘I’m sorry, Matt. I enjoyed being with you and your friends last night. But I’m not looking for…’
‘A relationship?’
She heard his disappointment but couldn’t admit she did want a romantic relationship, just not with him.
Maybe it was time to try a dating app. She needed to free herself of her feelings for Conall once and for all.
‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gone out with you and your friends last night.’
But he’d made it sound like a casual catch-up rather than a romantic assignation. And she’d spent the weeks since hospital hemmed in by a vague sense of unease. She’d decided she needed to get out among people instead of staying in her head, worrying about her faulty memory.
‘Don’t say that. We were glad to have you there.’ He paused. ‘If you’re not after romance, I’d still like to be your friend. Our paths will cross in the building and if ever you change your mind, you know where to find me.’
Her lips curved in a wry smile. Why couldn’t she fall for a man like Matt? She and Conall were from different worlds that only intersected in the office. He came from a phenomenally wealthy background, had a high-flying business, powerful friends and attended high-profile events with glamorous, beautiful women.
Conall valued her work and was concerned for her well-being after her accident. But that wasall.
‘You’re a nice man, Matt. I’m sorry I—’
‘Ah, the death knell of all my romantic hopes. Nice!’ Then he chuckled. ‘Don’t fret, Greer. It was worth asking. Have a good night.’
Half an hour later the phone rang again. This time she checked the caller, her pulse tripping. ‘Conall.’
‘Greer.’ He paused as if debating how to proceed. Or perhaps she imagined it. Conall was confident. She’d never known him to hesitate when he’d decided to do something. ‘Would you like to go out tomorrow?’
Greer sank onto a chair, her knees suddenly turning to water.
Was he asking her out? Excitement danced across her skin.
Today had been special. She’d convinced herself Conall had enjoyed himself just as much as she had.
The idea he might now simply want to be with her was wonderful and disturbing.
‘Is this you being concerned about my recovery, Conall? Making sure I don’t have time to worry about my amnesia?’
‘Would it be so bad if I want to…support you?’
Greer exhaled, that jittery thrill dissolving. Protectiveness then. Nothing else.
‘I’m fine, Conall.’ Despite her best efforts her voice was flat and she looked down to see she was rubbing her finger in that nervous habit she’d acquired. ‘You don’t have to worry.’
A pause. ‘I enjoyed today, very much.’ His voice slowed and deepened so she felt his words like a warm eddying pool, low in her body. ‘I want to spend more time with you, Greer, and I don’t mean working.’
