She spun to face him. ‘Did you know Joel is staying on at the villa? That’s he’s staying right up until the time she leaves.’

  He grimaced, cursed under his breath. ‘Anton may have mentioned something, but I didn’t think it was definite.’

  ‘And you didn’t think to tell me?’

  ‘I wanted to check in with Joel first, find out for sure.’

  ‘You should have told me.’

  ‘I didn’t want to worry you any more than you already are. The midwife warned you that your blood pressure is higher than they’d like, you’re malnourished, and your—’

  She cursed. ‘I knew I shouldn’t have let you come.’

  ‘And I’m glad I came, so get over it.’

  ‘Get over it?’

  ‘Yes! Jessie will be fine! You have a baby to worry about now, plough your energy into them and let your sister live her life.’

  But she wasn’t listening to him, she was already dialling her sister’s number. Not that Jessie was picking up. She sent her a message demanding she called her back as soon as possible and sank back into her chair, frowning as she registered the unfamiliar route Brendan was taking through London. ‘This isn’t the way to the office...’

  ‘We’re picking up the pregnancy supplements the midwife recommended on the way.’

  ‘I’m quite capable of doing that myself.’

  ‘When exactly? You’re already two months pregnant and the midwife made it clear you should have been taking folic acid long before now.’

  ‘Will you stop lecturing me?’ He was poking at her insecurities, pricking at her fear that she would make an awful mother... ‘I can’t bear it.’

  ‘I’m not lecturing you.’ He stared back at her. ‘I’m looking after you both, though if you want my opinion...’

  She opened her mouth to tell him she didn’t, but he wasn’t waiting on her.

  ‘...maybe it does you good to feel how your sister must feel under your watchful eye, your constant questioning and suffocating attention.’

  ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about.’

  ‘I’ve known you for fifteen years. I have a pretty good idea.’

  He wasn’t wrong, was he?

  Hadn’t she all but admitted she lived her life for her sister? Woke up worrying about her, went to sleep worrying about her. Hadn’t she been in constant touch with her since her arrival in Mustique, failing to give her any true freedom?

  ‘But I do it out of love.’

  Something flickered over his expression, his mouth parting to say something as a horn honked behind. The lights had turned green and whatever he’d been about to say left his face. He looked back to the road, put the car into gear and moved off.

  Fear stopped her asking him what it was, fear contending with the part of her that she was desperately trying to ignore.

  She didn’t want to know. She didn’t need to know.

  Her heart though...her neglected and very much ignored heart cried out to hear it.

  Maybe she wasn’t so different from her mother after all.

  * * *

  ‘Mum, I got an extra tenner at the café!’

  She kicked the back door closed behind her and slid the takeaway boxes onto the kitchen table.

  ‘You know what that means! It’s takeaway pizza for tea!’

  Her mum entered the room, her perfume reaching her first. ‘Oh, Hannah, darling. I’m so glad you’re home.’

  She frowned at her mum’s dress, the full face of make-up, the twinkling eyes, and felt the dread set in. ‘Where are you going?’

  ‘Dominic has invited me out for dinner.’ She was too busy fastening one earring to notice her daughter’s face. ‘Isn’t that wonderful?’

  ‘Dominic? As in the guy who was supposed to take you out last week, and the week before, but bailed last minute?’

  She wafted a hand at her. ‘He had good reason.’

  ‘Which was...?’

  ‘I don’t know, I can’t remember. Don’t look at me so, Han. Don’t you want your mother to find happiness again?’

  It was the same every time her mother met a man who showed her more than an ounce of attention. She and Jessie were forgotten.

  ‘What about our Friday girls’ night?’ She lifted the boxes that now felt limp in her hands. ‘I bought pizza.’

  ‘All the more for you and Jessie to enjoy, love. And I will pay you back for it. Just as soon as Dominic gives me the tips from the pub. Now, be good, won’t you? Give Jessie a kiss for me and don’t wait up.’

  She watched her mother skip out the door, knowing that she wouldn’t see that money. Knowing even more that she would wait up. Because the last time her mother had left them to go on a date she’d only just managed to save Jessie from witnessing their mother curled up on the sofa the next morning, still clothed, make-up streaked down her cheeks, an empty wine glass in her hand and with another broken heart.

  And no child needed to see their mother like that. Not ever.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  ‘THAT’S HARDLY FAIR.’

  Brendan looked up at the sound of Hannah’s voice, the desperation in her tone putting him on high alert. He’d been talking to Hannah’s PA about her schedule, surreptitiously getting a feel for Hannah’s workload while he killed time waiting for her to arrive.

  Killed time and tried to ignore the mounting worry that she wasn’t in yet. Eight a.m. was late by her standards but here she was—black skirt suit, high heels, hair smoothed back in a ponytail—and striding across the office with her phone to her ear. She faltered as soon as she saw him, her eyes widening, the clip of her heels on the glossy floor slowing.

  Was she going to bail?

  He straightened, primed to go after her but then she lowered the phone and her trusty mask slid into place. Anyone within earshot would think they’d imagined the hint of desperation as she’d spoken down the phone...he didn’t.

  She continued towards him, her make-up concealing any pallor but the creases either side of her eyes hadn’t eased, her smile was tight and the hand holding her phone wasn’t quite steady.

  ‘What’s wr—?’

  ‘Not here.’ She cut him off, her eyes falling to her PA. ‘Jackie, can you hold my calls for an hour, please?’

  ‘Morning to you too, boss.’

  She softened a little, her smile turning apologetic. ‘Sorry, I’ve not had my caffeine fix this morning.’

  ‘You need me to pop to Joe’s, grab you one?’

  ‘No need.’ Her eyes drifted to him. ‘I think I’m going to give some herbal infusions a go.’

  As much as he loathed the sickness plaguing her, he’d like to think her edginess stemmed from it. But he suspected it had more to do with whoever had been on the other end of the phone... Leon? Jessie? A case?

  Then she looked to him. ‘Are you waiting to—?’

  ‘Hey, Hart, good to hear the news!’ Jonathan, a senior associate with the ability to magic himself out of the woodwork, grinned at him as he passed by, cutting Hannah off. ‘America’s loss is the UK’s gain, that’s what I say.’

  Surprised that news of his transfer had already broken, he barely had time to register him with a nod. Then he saw Hannah’s face and realised it hadn’t broken, Jonathan had just managed to get the lowdown somehow. Considering the man was a known sycophant, constantly schmoozing up to the managing partners, he didn’t have to ponder too hard.

  She strode into her office and he followed her in, closing the door behind him.

  ‘What was that about?’ She dropped her bag onto the desk and removed her long woollen coat, which seemed overkill for this time of year. Even for him and he was accustomed to New York, which was a few degrees higher than London. Was she feeling the cold? Was it the weight loss?

  She placed her coat on the rack and returned to her desk, looked at him over the top. ‘Brendan?’

  Parking his concern, he answered her. ‘I’ve requested a transfer.’

  ‘From New York to here?’

  He nodded, sensing her raised hackles and refusing to rise with them.

  ‘And I’m the last to know about it?’

  ‘No, it wasn’t supposed to be announced until month end. I’d only talked it over with the managing partners yesterday and intended to tell you today.’

  ‘And yet, Jonathan knows all about it.’

  He pocketed his hands. ‘Jonathan knows everything about everyone in this building, you know that.’

  She didn’t correct him.

  ‘Ted wouldn’t stand for that kind of behaviour stateside.’

  ‘Yes, well, Ted isn’t here. You have Andrew to deal with this side of the pond...then again, that shouldn’t be a problem considering you two go way back.’

  ‘Jealous?’ He fired back at her, a smile teasing at his lips, and she huffed, a captivating spark of fire returning to her eyes. He loved Hannah like this. Feisty, quick-witted, sexy as...

  ‘Like I need to be.’

  He ran his teeth over his bottom lip, their old competitive camaraderie arching between them and, for the briefest spell, the reality of their situation was forgotten. They were simply Hannah and Brendan—firm friends, colleagues, first-class lawyers.

  And then she blinked and lowered her gaze, her voice sombre as she asked, ‘So why exactly are you doing this?’

  His brows drew together. ‘Isn’t it obvious?’

  Gingerly, she lowered herself to her seat, her black skirt suit doing her skin no favours. He’d been wrong about the make-up. The pink in her cheeks must have been au naturel as she’d crossed the office because it was noticeably absent now.

  ‘You don’t need to transfer location for me.’

  He clenched his jaw, took up the seat opposite her. Why couldn’t she be like the many women he’d dated over the years—all wanting more? More of his time. More of his commitment. Just more.

  Not Hannah though, she’d never need anyone...

  And now you sound like Leon.

  And he knew it wasn’t true.

  ‘I’m doing it for you and our child.’

  Her eyes widened, flitting to the open office beyond the glass.

  ‘They can’t hear us.’

  She shifted in her seat. ‘I’d rather not talk about it here.’

  ‘Then don’t ask me about my motivations.’

  ‘You should have told me first.’

  ‘I didn’t know it was possible until yesterday and, let’s face it, other than the appointment on Wednesday you’ve been avoiding me all week, so how was I supposed to tell you?’

  ‘An email would have sufficed.’

  ‘An email, right.’ He nodded. ‘Is that how you want to play this?’

  ‘This?’

  ‘Our interaction—no face to face contact unless strictly necessary...?’

  She took an unsteady breath and he got the distinct impression she was forcing herself to maintain eye contact. Did she really want him gone that badly? Or was it something else? Was he getting to her in the same way she got to him? Did she want to shove the desk aside and plant a kiss right on—?

  ‘I haven’t been avoiding you. I’ve been busy and email is—’ she wet the lips he was suddenly fixated on ‘—convenient.’

  ‘Right.’ He took in the colour returning to her cheeks, the way she crossed and uncrossed her legs. ‘Convenient.’

  She was feeling it and it should have made him feel better...instead it only served to heighten his own frustration. He’d missed her. That was what it came down to. Not even forty-eight hours apart and he’d felt her absence. It was foolish but no less true.

  He drummed his fingers against the edge of the arm rest, used the rhythmic contact to soothe his pulse.

  ‘How long are you going to be working here for?’

  ‘Indefinitely.’

  Her eyes flared. ‘You don’t need to do this. Uproot your life in New York because of this.’

  ‘Don’t I?’

  ‘People have—’ her eyes flitted to the office beyond the glass as she leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice ‘—babies together all the time and don’t necessarily live on the same continent.’

  His eyes narrowed and he raised his hand to his chin, ran his finger under his lower lip as he considered her. What was she really upset about?

  ‘Do you honestly think I would be happy going back to New York knowing you are carrying my child, knowing you are carrying my child and feel like you do?’

  ‘I’m not going to terminate the pregnancy, Brendan!’

  His jaw pulsed. ‘That wasn’t what I meant.’

  ‘Then what did you mean? Do you not trust me to do what’s right by our baby? To put their health first?’

  ‘No, Han. Nothing like that.’

  ‘Then what?’

  ‘I was talking about your health. The sickness. Your weight. I was talking about the fact that you’re wearing a coat for the depths of winter when it’s only spring.’

  She sank back, her eyes flickering.

  ‘I’m talking about wanting to be here to look after you both, to help as and when you need it.’

  ‘I’m perfectly capable of looking after us, Brendan.’ Her hand fell to her stomach and he wondered if she was even conscious of it.

  ‘I know, but, as I made it very clear to you, I’m not going anywhere. I’m here to take care of you and our baby.’

  ‘Like you took care of the whole Jessie and Joel situation?’

  He did a double take, surprised by the rapid change in focus. But then, this was Hannah and Jessie was her constant worry. ‘Can we stick to one topic at a time?’

  ‘That was Jessie on the phone.’

  Obviously not...

  ‘But it must be what, three in the morning out there?’ His gut rolled. ‘What’s happened? Did she call you?’

  ‘No. I called her.’

  That was a relief. ‘Did you forget the time difference?’

  ‘No. She’s been ignoring my calls.’

  Not a relief, then. ‘She’s on holiday, surely the fact that her phone isn’t glued to her should be seen as a good thing.’

  ‘It would be if it wasn’t for a certain house guest.’

  ‘Joel assures me he’s keeping his distance.’

  ‘Really?’ Her brows rocketed, her laugh pitched. ‘Well, according to my sister, he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to her so if that’s what you call keeping his distance, I’d love to see what he managed up close and personal.’

  He cursed. ‘He promised me.’

  ‘Did you get it in writing?’ Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

  ‘Hannah, please, they’re adults, they’ll be fine. You shouldn’t let this stress you out, think of your blood—’

  ‘Bring up my blood pressure again and I’ll be seeing Ted myself to put an end to your transfer.’

  If she’d struck him, it couldn’t have hurt more. ‘Is that really what you want?’

  She stared back at him, eyes unblinking, glossy pink lips pursed. And he was done being sweet.

  ‘Do you honestly think you have that level of power over me, over the managing partners? I’d love to know the reason you’ll give.’

  She shuddered, her lashes fluttering as though coming awake to herself and she reached across the desk, her palm soft on the wood. ‘I’m sorry, Brendan, I shouldn’t have said that.’

  ‘No, you shouldn’t have.’

  ‘I’m just—’

  She dragged in a breath, her eyes going to the window, and he caught the glistening edge to one. His chest tightened, his hand forming a fist beneath his chin as he fought the need to go to her. Pregnant women were hormonal, he told himself. Hannah wasn’t your average woman, but she was still a woman. And she was still pregnant. She wasn’t invincible.

  And now that just sounded sexist and belittling and only made him feel worse.

  ‘We fought.’

  He almost didn’t hear her. ‘You and Jessie?’

  She nodded. ‘We don’t ever fight.’ She looked back to him. ‘Not like that.’

  ‘What about?’

  ‘What do you think?’

  ‘Specifically?’

  ‘I warned her about Joel, said he wasn’t to be trusted, not with his ongoing grief and his playboy reputation. She told me I didn’t know what I was talking about, that she believed he was getting better, that she knew what she was doing. I, of course, told her she was wrong.’

  ‘Maybe she’s not wrong.’

  ‘She’s wrong, Brendan. He’s pulled the wool over her eyes good and proper, and she’s besotted. And he’s going to break her heart. I just know it.’

  ‘You don’t know that at all.’

  ‘I also landed you in it.’

  He frowned. ‘How so?’

  ‘I told her about the engagement party, the fact he hadn’t RSVP’d. I was using it as an example of his current state of mind but her takeaway was that you’d been bad-mouthing Joel behind his back and criticising him to me.’

  ‘I see.’ He was already in deep with one Rose sister, what was another? And Joel would understand...his friend knew it came from a good place. He wasn’t worried about him in that moment, or Jessie for that matter, he was worried about the woman sitting before him.

  ‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to drag you into our fight, but I was desperate.’

  ‘And don’t you think you’re projecting a little?’

  * * *

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I know Leon hurt you.’

  She shook her head with a choked scoff. ‘This has nothing to do with him.’

  ‘No, then why have such a low opinion of Joel if it isn’t in some way fuelled by your own experience?’

  ‘It has nothing to do with Leon.’

  ‘But you don’t even know Joel.’

  ‘I know enough.’

 

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