Chapter Eight #2
She paused mid-stride, as if she noted how his gaze sharpened on her and searched his face. Whatever she saw there caused her lips to curve in a slow smile that hit him like a punch to the gut. His cock twitched.
For God’s sake. What was wrong with him? He turned away from her, tunneling a hand through his hair. He needed to get away from her, at least until he got his body under some semblance of control. He needed a good shake. He needed air. Hell, he needed a soak in an ice bath.
Huh. Luckily, there was one in walking distance, as well as a plethora of bathing machines to choose from. An ice-cold swim would sort matters nicely.
And just like that, a memory emerged. “I can swim,” he announced, with some wonder.
She laughed. Not at him, but in celebration. “Yes, you can. You love the ocean. It’s one of the reasons I purchased the villa.”
“Oh?” Teddy said with a questioning lilt, still gazing out the bank of windows.
“Yes, indeed.” Here, at least, she could be honest.
Unlike a moment ago, when she’d kissed him.
She should’ve found a way to decline his request. After all, he’d stated very clearly his goal in the endeavor was to find clues to his past. Little did he know that kiss had been their first. She should feel guilty for leading him down a false path. And she did.
She also felt utterly, deliciously alive. The kiss had blown away any concept she’d had about how wonderful, how enthralling kissing Teddy might be. Her entire body still tingled with awareness.
“You and my brother, Drake, were friends,” she said when she reached his side. She waited to see if Drake’s name might spark another memory.
When he gave only a nondescript grunt, she went on. “I thought, hoped, you would each fulfill what you considered your civic duty and return home. No more than a year, you assured me the day…that day at Hampstead Heath, where we went to enjoy yours and Drake’s last day as civilians.”
“And yet I remained in the fight over two years,” he stated in a contemplative tone. “I have vague recollections of my time there, oddly, but nothing before.”
“Oh? Is that normal in cases like yours?”
He slanted her a glance. “Darling, there is nothing normal about my so-called case. Apparently, one day I might simply remember all. I might remember things in fits and starts. And I might never regain my past.”
“Have faith. You will recover.” She had no doubt her Teddy would recover. She wondered, however, what he would say on that fateful day. Would he thank her, or curse her for her lies?
“What of your brother?”
A shaft of pain went through her at his question. She realized, somehow, she’d expected him to know he’d died. Silly. Of course, he wouldn’t. She struggled to form an answer.
“I see,” he said, his tone gentle. “I wondered. I’m sorry. When?”
“A little over a year ago. I was so sure you would come home for the funeral, and remain. Instead, you sent word you’d extended your tour.
Soon, I stopped hearing from you at all.
I missed you, and Drake, so dreadfully and…
” She had to break off briefly, to compose herself, lest she turn into a watering pot and send him running from the room.
The last thing he needed was to take on her needs, when he had so many of his own.
With effort, she conjured a bright smile. “In any case, I knew how much you loved the ocean and so I made the decision to buy my little villa hoping it would help me feel your presence, a little.”
“And did it?” he asked softly.
“Yes.”
“And yet, you filed for annulment.”
The breath went out of her at the neat trap he’d set for her. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he was hurt by her supposed decision. But that made no sense. He didn’t even remember her.
“One day you’ll understand,” she managed to say in a chipper voice.
“I’m sure you’re right,” he said, somehow sounding equally chipper and totally false. Without another word, he clipped a crisp bow, and started across the room, making for the closed doors.
“Where are you going?”
“Didn’t I say?” He threw over his shoulder as he reopened the doors she’d asked Danvers to close to give them privacy. “For a swim,” he all but snapped.
“Teddy,” she called, and he paused. She bit her lip, knowing he would not like what she asked next. “Your medicine?”
He gave her a long, considering look, then sent her a cool smile that did not reach his eyes.
Why couldn’t he see she only wanted the best for him?
“I’ve already seen to that.”
She didn’t want to question his veracity. And yet, a niggling doubt pressed on her. “Who did you have prepare it, if I may ask?”
His jaw tightened. “Mr. Danvers.”
Ah. Excellent. Mr. Danvers was honest to a fault and loyal to her. She would verify he’d prepared Teddy’s tincture—out of Teddy’s hearing. She nodded.
A moment later, he was gone, the sound of his boot steps as he trotted down the stairs receding. Then, she heard him ascending the stairs, once more.
Teddy poked his head in the doorway. He was scowling.
What had annoyed him now?
“I need some coin—for the guide. Just what a man enjoys most—coming to his wife for a hand-out.”