‘I thought as much.’ His deep voice rumbled through her. ‘Those weeks alone were the bleakest of my life.’
Her gaze caught his, widening in shock as she read the truth in his eyes. It was hard to believe his connection to the baby was so strong. No, he’d been worried abouther.
‘I don’t want you to be alone anymore, Greer.Idon’t want to be alone.’ His crooked smile that tugged something in her chest. ‘It’s a big house. You can have this suite to yourself if you really want.’
His gaze bored into hers as if compelling her to admit she’d rather share with him. When she said nothing his smile disintegrated. ‘I’ll move into another suite. I’ll be nearby when you need me and when you’re ready, we’ll talk.’
She swallowed, her throat dry. The last thing she wanted was to talk about the miscarriage. What shewantedwas to throw herself into his arms and pretend nothing bad had happened. To luxuriate in the comfort of his embrace while she grappled with grief and her jumbled emotions.
‘I…’ Greer bit her lip, fighting opposing impulses.
But she knew from the set of Conall’s jaw that he wouldn’t give up.
She remembered him fussing over her when she came out of hospital with amnesia. And before that, after she found she was pregnant, not letting her carry anything or get too tired.
The man was a born protector.
She grimaced, her eyes squeezing tight shut. He’d have made a wonderful father.
‘Greer?’
Shock jolted through her as she felt the softest caress on her cheek. So light she almost wondered if it were real.
But there was no mistaking the feel of his knuckles brushing her face. For the tiniest second she wilted against his stroking fingers, posture relaxing and head leaning towards him.
Even that barely there touch held such power.
She snapped her eyes open and met his black stare. It shimmered with something she couldn’t read but felt all the way to her curling toes. It wasn’t sexual but it proved the connection between them wasn’t dead.
Unable to hold that searing regard, she looked down to her twisting hands and sucked in a breath, realising what she was doing. The way she slid her thumb over one finger again and again. She’d only worn her wedding ring for a short time but she was massaging the place where it had been.
Because she missed it?
The thought shattered her. She wasn’t ready to deal with her feelings for her husband.
But running away hadn’t helped, had it?
Finally she forced out the words. ‘Thank you.’ She cast a look his way, careful not to meet his eyes. ‘I’ll stay.’
She just hoped she wasn’t making an enormous mistake.
* * *
Days later Greer sat on the terrace, finishing the mango-and-coconut cake Alice had served with her afternoon tea.
Initially Greer had felt uncomfortable around the housekeeper. She’d never had staff, and wondered what the woman must think about a wife turning up out of nowhere.
But Alice was warm-hearted and practical, a soothing presence whose calm efficiency went a long way towards making Greer feel at home in Conall’s stunning home. She couldn’t think of it as hers. Yet each time she woke to that wonderful view, padded through the gracious, comfortable rooms or strolled in the gardens, she felt some of the tightness around her chest ease. Glimmers of lightness pierced the gloom of loss and hurt.
Conall had been right, insisting she stay.
It wasn’t just the peace here, but the company. He’d given her space but had worked mainly from home and she was constantly aware of him nearby. They ate together and Greer discovered that, far from dreading his presence, she looked forward to it.
Her emotions were so muddled!
Today, dissatisfied with reading or lazing in the pool, she’d started working again.
She’d spent the morning in the room adjoining Conall’s home office, and after the first hour they’d settled into a familiar rhythm. Each had their own tasks but with the door open between them they often consulted and even spent half an hour strategising on a new investment opportunity.
