Her mouth trembled. She felt momentarily overcome by the hope rising in her. Maybe, just maybe, he felt more than physical attraction and obligation. Or would one day. Swiftly she looked down, her hand hovering over the box. ‘May I?’
He pressed it into her hand. ‘They’re yours.’
* * *
Conall put his hand to the small of Greer’s back as they walked towards the towering bronze front doors of Lee’s palatial home. Surrounded by manicured tropical gardens and beautifully lit, it was a lavish oasis in the teeming city.
Greer looked stunning, and she was his. He’d do whatever it took to ensure it.
That red dress clung to her body and he felt almost jealous. He wanted to feel her nakedness against his own. To sweep his hands over her and hold her tight.
But it was more than the dress. It was Greer. The way she moved, the way she held herself. The woman she was.
Her expression as she’d accepted his gift made hope soar that finally he was making progress, pushing past her barriers.And she wanted them to talk tomorrow!
Elation punched his ribs.
Under the lights of the enormous port cochere, the diamond clip holding back her hair on one side glittered. It drew attention to her profile, the perfect arch of her eyebrow, the angle of her cheekbone and the soft promise of her lips.
She lifted her hand to smooth her hair then let it drop. Her bare left hand.
That punctured his elation. She still wasn’t wearing his rings. It felt like one step forward and three steps back with Greer lately.
Maybe it would have been easier if they’d announced their wedding to the world straightaway, instead of keeping it to themselves. Why she should act now as if their marriage wasn’t real after all they’d gone through, he didn’t know. But he’d had enough of that pretence.
‘Welcome to our home!’
Lee and his wife stood in the door, personally receiving their guests, a warm gesture that he saw made Greer less nervous. From behind them came the buzz of voices and music. Conall smiled, returning greetings as he drew Greer forward.
‘I’d like you to meet Greer, my—’
‘But of course, I know the estimable Ms Munro.’ Their host shook her hand, smiling. ‘My own assistant regards you highly, and we spoke recently.’
Before Greer could respond, Conall continued. ‘My assistant, yes, but also my wife.’
With his hand at her back he felt Greer stiffen. He watched her exhale slowly, maintaining her smile.
Maybe he should have warned her. But then why? They were married. They both knew it could only be a temporary secret. They just hadn’t been out together with people who mattered to them.
Initially he’d been overly cautious, not wanting to make Greer a target for the paparazzi, knowing how unrelenting press interest would be. And as for his family… He’d feared she’d be overwhelmed, maybe even regret agreeing to marry. After all, she’d hesitated long enough to make him fear she’d reject his proposal.
It was natural that he’d inform the Lees.
Plus it ensured the men here tonight understood she was unavailable. She brought out a possessiveness in him he’d never before experienced.
Perhaps it was time to remind Greer too that they were together for the long-term. Lately he felt she doubted it.
The Lees were effusive with their congratulations, especially on discovering they hadn’t been long married.
‘But you wear no ring,’ Mrs Lee exclaimed, puzzled. She was an attractive older woman, elegant and with an obvious fondness for jewellery.
There was a beat of silence before Greer spoke. ‘The fact is I’m not used to wearing them, especially the enormous engagement ring Conall gave me. I packed in a hurry. It turned out I’d left them in Sydney.’
At the other woman’s gasp, she hurried on. ‘They’re safe where they are but Iamwearing another gift of Conall’s. He gave it to me tonight.’ She turned her head, gesturing to the glittering stars in her dark hair.
The other woman exclaimed in delight, drawing Greer into the vestibule, talking animatedly.
Conall made to follow but his hostess shook her head. ‘No, no. You men want to discuss options and deadlines. Let me introduce your wife to some of my friends.’ She beamed at Greer. ‘A bride, and so beautiful and clever too, if she’s able to manage your office.’
