Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss (Pregnancy & Passion #3)(35)

She looked absolutely beautiful.

But she also looked tired. The dark circles under her eyes were more pronounced and she had a delicate fragileness to her that made him instinctively protective of her. But he couldn’t protect her from himself and it was he who had hurt her.

Drawn to the vulnerable image she presented, he slid his hands up her arms and then lowered his mouth to kiss her on the neck.

She froze immediately then turned swiftly around. “Hi,” she offered hesitantly. “I didn’t expect you back quite so soon.”

“Technically I’m off this week,” he said as he pulled away. “I had lunch with your father. We discussed business and now I’m done.”

She made a face but didn’t comment, which he was grateful for. Anytime her father and business were mentioned, it was going to be difficult, but the more he did it in passing, maybe it would lessen the sting.

“What happened to all your stuff?” he asked casually as he went around to open the fridge. He pulled out a bottle of water and pushed the door closed.

“Oh, I just organized everything,” she said. “I didn’t really have time before the wedding. Was too busy with other stuff.”

“Mmm-hmm,” he murmured. “And the cleaning? Should you have been doing all this today? You just came off a pretty bad headache. I wouldn’t think all the cleaning stuff would be good for you to be inhaling.”

“It was okay. Headache is gone. Just a little residual achiness.”

He frowned. “Why don’t you go lie on the couch. I’ll figure out dinner and we’ll watch some TV or just relax in the living room if you don’t want the noise.”

She rose from the stool. “No, no, I’ve got dinner planned. Are you hungry already? What time did you want to eat?”

Perplexed by her sudden agitation, he hastily backed off. It appeared she was at least trying for a semblance of normalcy and that relieved him. Maybe after the initial storm passed and she had time to think she’d see that nothing had changed between them.

In light of today’s conversation with William Copeland, Devon was on the verge of accomplishing all his goals. And at a much faster rate than he’d ever planned. Five years down the road was here now. Copeland Hotels would be his. His dream of launching a new luxury chain of exclusive resorts under one of the oldest and most respected names in the business would be realized. He’d have a wife. Children. A family. He’d have it all.

The surge of triumph was so forceful he felt drunk with it.

“I’m in no hurry,” he soothed. “Why don’t we sit down and have a drink. What are you cooking?”

A dull flush worked over her face. “I’m not. At least not tonight I mean. I will another time. I thought I’d call for take-out. It’s almost like a home-cooked meal but they bring it and set it up.”

“Sounds wonderful. Thank you. I think a nice quiet dinner at home would be fantastic after the week we’ve had. We didn’t really get to see each other much in the days leading up to the wedding. We can start making up for that now.”

Pain flashed in her eyes but she remained quiet, almost as if she was dealing with the sudden reminder of their circumstances. He hated it. Wished he could wipe it from her memory. In time, it would fade. If he showed her that they could have a comfortable relationship, some of the rawness of her emotions would settle and they could go back to the easy camaraderie they’d shared before everything went to hell.

She squared her shoulders as if reaching a decision and then tilted her chin upward. “You go on out and have a seat. Would you like wine? Or do you want me to mix up something for you?”

He opened his mouth to tell her that he’d take care of it, but something in her eyes stopped him. There was a quiet desperation, almost as if she was barely clinging to her composure.

“Wine would be great,” he said softly. “You choose something for both of us. I like everything I’ve stocked here so I’m good with whatever you pick out.”

He left the kitchen, his chest tight. The next weeks were going to suck as they found their way in the new reality of their relationship. He had confidence that it would work out, though. He just had to be patient.

A few minutes later, Ashley came into the living room carrying two wineglasses and a bottle of unopened wine. She looked disgruntled as she set the glasses down on the coffee table.

“Can you open the wine?” she asked hesitantly. “I couldn’t get the bottle opener to work properly. I’m sure I’m not doing it right.”

He reached for the bottle and let his fingers glide over hers. “Relax, Ash. Take a seat. I’ll pour.”

Reluctantly she backtracked and sank down onto the couch. In truth she still didn’t look well and it wouldn’t surprise him if her head was still hurting her. Her brow was wrinkled and she looked tired. Maybe a glass of wine would ease some of her tension.

He opened the bottle and then poured a glass for her first. After pouring his own, he set the glass on the table and took a seat in the armchair diagonal to where she sat on the couch.

“Your father wants us to host a cocktail party in a week or two,” he said.

“Us?” she squeaked. “As in you and me? Why wouldn’t he want Mama to host it? She’s awesome at hosting parties. Everyone always talks about how much fun they have when she throws a get-together.”