Afterwards he told her that the day he returned from the US was the day the legalities had been completed on the harbourside house. He’d been eager to get the trip out of the way so he could surprise her with their new home. How excited he was about the baby. The plans he’d had.
As they talked about their child, Greer found a surprising peace.
When, exhausted, they eventually returned to bed, it was knowing they had meetings in just a few hours.
Yet Greer didn’t fall asleep quickly. She lay spooned against her husband, his breath stirring her hair and his arm around her waist. She revelled in the new intimacy they’d discovered, the way it drew them closer rather than pushing them apart. As sleep drifted closer, she found herself smiling.
They’d taken an important step, talking about their loss, about feelings. That was a first. For a long time they’d shared passion and work, good times and challenges, but never their deepest emotions.
She clung to the idea that maybe, after all, there was hope for their marriage.
Chapter Fourteen
NEXT EVENINGGREERlooked concerned. ‘Are youreallysure about this? Turning down the invitation to celebrate the deal you just finalised tonight?’
Conall gestured for her to precede him, following her into their hotel suite.
‘Absolutely. Lee’s accepted my invitation to celebrate as our guest tomorrow. His wife and key staff will all attend.’
He didn’t add that he’d told Lee before today’s meetings even began that tonight he had a vital private matter to attend to. One he couldn’t afford to delay.
As he’d been watching Greer chat with one of Lee’s legal team at the time, his new business associate had looked between the pair of them, nodded and murmured something about the importance of putting family first.
Conall had grasped the older man’s hand, thanking him warmly for his understanding.
‘Don’t worry,’ he said now to Greer. ‘The hotel’s restaurant is already booked for the private function and the head chef is preparing a special banquet.’
Greer stopped in the middle of the sitting room and shot him a questioning look.
‘I had a junior staff member organise it. It’s time the Sydney staff took over some of your more routine work. You have more important things to deal with.’
At work Greer was much more than an assistant. With a little more experience she’d be a valuable negotiator for future deals, if she wanted that. Meanwhile, he didn’t want her spending hours double-checking catering preparations. He needed her attention focused elsewhere.
On them.
He’d been on tenterhooks too long. It was time to resolve this. Crossing to the silver ice bucket, he lifted a foil-topped bottle, watching her eyebrows lift as she recognised the renowned vintage.
She moved closer. ‘You were very certain of success.’
About the business, yes. As for the rest… It was a wonder his hand didn’t shake as he stripped the foil from the bottle. He felt enlivened and terrified. ‘We have things to celebrate.’
At least he hoped they would have.
Once the wine was poured into delicate champagne coupes, he led her onto the balcony and the magnificent view over city and sea.
Greer lifted her glass with a smile. ‘To your business success.’
Conall raised his glass, holding her gaze. ‘To us.’
He watched her momentary surprise, yet she didn’t demur, but drank the golden liquid. He sipped the wine, bubbles bursting on the roof of his mouth.
Today had been a commercial triumph, but he found he didn’t care. Only his sense of obligation to those who’d worked so hard for this deal had made him attend today’s meetings. He’d wanted, more than anything, to forget work and concentrate on Greer.
Now, finally, it wastheirtime. He put his glass on a nearby table.
‘Conall?’
‘There’s something I want to share with you but I have one question first.’ Her gaze searched his then she nodded. ‘Why are you ambivalent about our marriage?’
