Enticed by His Forgotten Lover (Pregnancy & Passion #1)(25)

“Rafael? Did you approve this? Is it true they’re starting construction?” Bryony asked in a strained voice.

Her grandmother stepped to her side and wrapped her arm around Bryony’s waist. Her grandmother was a frail-looking woman and it irritated Rafael to no end that it was Bryony who looked the more fragile of the two at the moment.

“We’ll discuss this in private,” he said tightly.

“Do you want him here, Bry?” the sheriff asked.

Bryony raised a hand to her temple and rubbed as if she had no idea what to say to that question. Hurt crowded her eyes, and then deep fatigue, as if all her energy had been sapped in a single instant.

Knowing if he didn’t take control of the situation, he’d likely be carted off to some second-rate jail cell, Rafael moved to Bryony’s side and gently pried her away from her grandmother. He wrapped his arm around her waist and cupped his hand over her elbow.

“We’ll talk inside,” he murmured.

She stared up at him as if she searched for some shred of truth or maybe deceit. He couldn’t be entirely sure what she was thinking.

Then she stiffened and looked toward the two men. “He’s staying here, Silas. I appreciate your concern.”

“And the construction?” Rupert asked in agitation. “What am I supposed to tell everyone? It wasn’t me who sold the land to the outsider but it happened on my watch. I’ll never win reelection if it becomes known that the island went to hell during my term.”

“Rupert, shut up,” Bryony’s grandmother said sharply. “My granddaughter is upset enough without you yammering on about your political career.”

“Come on, Rupert. Nothing good can come of us standing in her driveway at this hour. There’ll be plenty of time to sort this out tomorrow,” Silas said as he herded the older man toward his vehicle.

As he left, he tipped his hat to Bryony. “Let me know if you need anything, young lady.”

Bryony gave him a tight smile and nodded her thanks. When the two men were gone, Bryony’s grandmother hugged her.

“I’m glad you’re home. I worry when you travel. Especially to a city like New York.”

If Rafael had expected the older woman to turn on him in anger he was wrong. Instead she gently enfolded him in a hug and patted his cheek.

“Welcome back, young man. I’m glad you found your way back here.”

With that, she walked down a narrow stone path in the grass that led to the adjoining yard.

“Will she be okay?” Rafael asked with a frown. “Should we take her home?”

Bryony sighed. “She lives next door. Just a few steps from my front door.”

“Oh. Right. Sorry.”

“Yeah, I know, you don’t remember.”

This time her tone lacked the patience and understanding she’d exhibited until now. There was an undercurrent of hurt that cut into him and pricked his conscience.

Hell. He’d once have argued that he didn’t have a conscience when it came to business. Business was business. Nothing personal. Only now…it was definitely personal.

“Come on,” she said. “We need to get all this luggage inside.”

He put his hand on her arm. “You go in. I’ll bring in the luggage. Don’t argue. Go get something to drink or eat if you’re hungry. I’ll be in in just a moment.”

She shrugged and walked to the steps leading onto the porch. A moment later, she disappeared into the house, leaving Rafael standing in the driveway staring at his surroundings with keen eyes.

So this is where he’d spent so many days and nights. This is where his life had supposedly undergone such a drastic change. He didn’t feel anything other than that he was distinctly out of his comfort zone and in way over his head.

He carried the luggage in two trips to the front porch and then propped her door open and began lugging the bags into the living room.

As he stepped in, he stared around, absorbing the look and feel of the place Bryony called home. It reflected her personality to a T. Sunny, cheerful, a little cluttered, as if she were always in too much of a hurry to keep it spotless. It looked lived-in, nothing like his sterile apartment, which a cleaning lady made spotless every day regardless of whether he was in residence or not.

She stood with her back to him, staring out the French doors that led onto the deck. Her arms were wrapped protectively around her chest and when she turned, he could see the barricade she’d erected as surely as if it were a tangible shield.

“Did you know about the construction? Did you order it to begin?” she asked.

He sighed. “Do you want me to lie, Bryony? I won’t. I’ve been nothing but truthful to you. Yes, I ordered construction to begin. I would have started much sooner but my accident delayed me significantly. My investors are anxious. They want to see progress in return for the money they’ve shelled out.”

“You promised,” she choked out.

He ran a hand through his hair and wished he could make this go away. At least until they had matters between them sorted out.

“You know I can’t remember,” he said. “As far as I knew, the land was bought, the deal closed, the property to do with as I liked. There was nothing in the contract that stipulated how I could use the land. I wouldn’t have signed such a contract. The land is useless to me unless I develop it.”