Chapter 6
A nnie scuttled along as fast as she could, her red stilettos clicking against the paved path leading toward the road, and her heart pounding loud in her chest. Conrad tugged on her arm, propelling her forward toward the limousine.
I must be crazy.
Who in their right mind would agree to a honeymoon with a stranger without even knowing where they were going? Especially someone like Conrad, clearly up to no good. Annie chuckled lightly. It was genius. If she didn’t know where she’d be spending the next few days, Darren wouldn’t be able to find her, either.
Her prayers had been answered! She’d been given the time she needed.
I’ll tell him when we get there.
Wherever it was. Much better than here, near her parents’ house and Louise’s apartment. Annie would bet their addresses would be where Darren would start looking for her. The wind blew at Annie’s back, urging her to run faster, swirling around her bare ankles while her feet wobbled on the uneven surface of the paving slabs.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of her parents in the fading sunlight, their faces etched with worry as they trailed behind. Annie nearly reached the car when her heel caught in a crack in the sidewalk, and she winced at the sudden jolt of pain.
Conrad caught her before she could fall—his arms a protective net.
“Are you okay?” he asked with concern flashing in his eyes.
Annie whimpered, unable to put any pressure on the throbbing ankle. “I can’t run in these shoes.”
“No worries.”
Conrad bent down and lifted her in one smooth motion, without even a hint of struggle, like she was a newborn baby, not a mature woman. Holding her close to his chest, he carried Annie toward the awaiting limo.
A delicate scent of wood shavings and coffee beans made Annie want to close her eyes and lay her head on his muscular shoulder.
Oh, wow.
Annie smirked and stiffened in Conrad’s arms, keeping her head away from his devious body.
That was quick even for you. Not so long ago, you wanted absolutely nothing to do with him and now you want to stay in his arms forever?
Annie glanced at Conrad’s face, unsure if the conversation took place in her head or if she said it out loud.
His gaze was fixed on a man in a chauffeur uniform that stood next to the opened side door. A moment later, Conrad lowered Annie onto a plush seat, his fingers briefly touching her calves, making her gasp from the sensation, while he positioned her legs on the sofa.
Before Annie could pretend she didn’t like it, Conrad shut the door and plunged his body onto the other end of the sofa with a deep sigh of relief.
“Are you comfortable?”
Maureen and Richard banged on the metallic exterior of the car, looking frantic, so instead of answering Conrad, Annie lowered the window.
Her father bent down and stuck his head through the open window frame. “What’s the rush? Where are you going?”
Conrad’s grin deepened, creating wrinkles around his eyes—something Annie found oddly comforting. “My wife deserves the best honeymoon, but it’s a surprise. We’ll be in touch once we reach our destination. Thank you for the party, and goodbye.”
He waved at them as Annie raised the window inch by inch, forcing her father to withdraw his head.
Conrad leaned toward the front of the limousine, where the driver had already started the engine. “Let’s go, Colton.”
The car pulled away, leaving Maureen and Richard in the middle of the gravel road.
Colton, the driver, wearing a suit, driving gloves and a chauffeur’s cap, glanced into the rearview mirror.
“Where to, Mr Conrad?”
Conrad rattled off an address in a cryptic manner so Annie couldn’t quite make out the details. She looked around. The posh interior, complete with a minibar, plush seating, and dim, romantic lighting, made her yearn for such a comfortable life.
A life with no worries about where to stay the night, about the next meal, and about the jerks harassing bar staff after a couple of pints. This idea of an untroubled life had made her fall for Darren in the first place. And made her blind to his other side, the cruel and manipulative person he had turned out to be. Or probably had always been. Annie bit on her nail.
So lucky I managed to escape.
Such a coincidence that the wedding invitation had arrived exactly on the first day of his so-called business trip. And that he had left her on her own, thinking that as ill as she had been, she would simply stay put.
“A penny for your thoughts?”
Annie blinked, noticing Conrad’s blue eyes checking her out without even an attempt at hiding it.
“You think I’m so cheap that to share my thoughts for a penny?” She puffed. “Where are we going?”
“Well—” He raised a finger, as if making a point, and opened the minibar. “How about we have a toast first? Then we can discuss where we’re going.” He reached for a bottle of champagne and nodded toward Annie in an inviting gesture, but she shook her head. “I can’t drink on an empty stomach, and I’m not really a fan of champagne.” “An empty stomach?” His eyebrows shot up, accompanied by a wide grin. “I saw you eating at the party.” Annie rolled her eyes. “A reasonably empty stomach. I only had a piece of cake and a few grapes. That’s all I’ve eaten today.” And I spent most of yesterday throwing up. Two days with barely any food, but he didn’t need to know that—or why.
A light chuckle escaped Conrad’s mouth. “Fair enough.”
He retrieved a bottle of Perrier water and filled the champagne flutes halfway through, placing one of them in her hand.
“Let’s have a toast to our happy future and an enjoyable honeymoon.”
They clinked their glasses of sparkling water, making the bubbles rise.
Annie took a sip, her mind racing with thoughts, a bile of guilt coming up from her stomach to her throat.
A happy future together?
No, she couldn’t let him believe there would be a happily ever after. That was just wrong, no matter what her father had tried to make her believe. Turning the glass in her hands, she cleared her throat.
“I wish there was a happy future for us, but unfortunately, that’s not on the cards.”
Conrad raised his hands. “Oh, come on. Give us a chance.” He leaned closer, emanating that wood dust and coffee scent, a scent of hard work and safety. “Let’s spend some time together before making any rushed decisions.”
Annie found herself drawn to his eyes, which were full of intensity and attention.
“I wish it was that easy.”
“Then what is it? Is it about the deal?” he asked, his eyes searching hers.
Annie hesitated, knowing she had to tell him she wasn’t Louise and that there would be no deal. She bit on her lip, trying to find the right words.
Before she could speak, her phone rang, making her roll her eyes. “I bet it’s my mother.”
“You’d better take this, or they’ll send a search party.”
Annie chuckled and pulled out the phone from her purse. When she glanced at the screen, she noticed her sister’s name.
“Mother, we only just left. I’m in the car with Conrad, so I’ll call you later.”
Louise paused for a second, then played along. “Sure, honey. I was worried since you didn’t answer my texts. Talk to you later.”
Annie hung up and checked the message from her sister.
Lou: “He was at my place asking for you. Paul, our doorman, left me a message that Darren would be back later. Be careful xx”
Annie gasped and gulped down her drink, her heart pounding like the frantic wings of a caged bird.
Conrad noticed her reaction. “What is it?”
She swallowed hard, uncertain of what to do or say. Darren was closer than she thought. Like a trapped animal, she tensed and shrunk into herself, expecting an attack. Her eyes darted from side to side, looking for a way out.
When she shifted in her seat, a pain shot through her leg.
“Ouch. My ankle.”
Annie extended her hand to touch it, but couldn’t quite reach her foot without moving in her seat again.
“Your ankle? Let me see it.”
Annie blushed, “No, it’s fine.”
Conrad removed his suit jacket and tossed it onto the seat next to him before bending down to examine her ankle. When he lifted the bottom of the dress enough to see, he whistled.
“Definitely not fine. Nice shoes, by the way. Not what I’d expect with a white dress. You need to take them off, though, as very soon you won’t be able to. And we need to get you an ice pack to reduce the swelling.”
He lifted his head. “Colton, could you stop at the nearest grocery store or a petrol station, please?”
“Right away, sir. I believe there’s a Tesco Express, not a mile from here.”
“Excellent.” Conrad looked at Annie with concern in his eyes while rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, uncovering muscular and tan forearms. “I need to remove your shoes. It may hurt a little.”
“But I have no other shoes. In fact, I don’t have any clothes or anything.” Annie’s voice reached a high pitch. “I wasn’t planning on travelling anywhere after the wedding. My change of clothes is still at the venue.”
Tears welled in her eyes as she struggled to breathe. Not only because of the pain, but also because Darren had finally tracked her down, and she had nowhere to go.
“If I may,” Colton interjected, his soothing voice calming her down like Aloe Vera on a sunburn. “Your suitcase is in the car boot, ma’am. We packed it right after the ceremony, ready to go back to Mr Conrad’s house in Bath for the night, as planned.”
“Your house in Bath?” Annie blinked the wetness from her eyes, sniffling, and looked down at Conrad.
He nodded while unstrapping her shoe, his fingers working with precision, gently pulling it free—his chiselled hands like unfinished sculptures against the smooth curves of her calf and foot. The pain subsided, replaced by a tingling warmth that seemed to seep beneath the surface of her skin, stirring feelings long dormant.
Annie’s cheeks darkened, and she tore her gaze away, needing a distraction before she did something stupid, like moan or massage his neck.
“But we’ve left Bath, haven’t we?” she blurted, her voice sharper than she intended.
“Yes, we have.” He made a face. “But I’m not going to tell you where we’re going. It’s a surprise, remember?”
The limo pulled over at a petrol station with a Tesco Express store.
“I’ll go and get that ice.” Conrad opened the door and stepped out. Then he turned around, bending slightly to meet her gaze. “Do you want anything to eat or drink?”
Her stomach growled audibly at the mention of food. She tried to laugh it off but gave up. “Actually, I’m starving. Maybe a sandwich or a wrap? Ham, chicken, or cheese. And a drink.”
Annie’s eyes opened wider, and she licked her lips. “What I’d really love is a burger or a hot dog, but I doubt they have any of that.”
Conrad chuckled, his laugh deep and rich.
“What?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
He shook his head, still grinning. “Nothing. Just imagining you in that white dress, biting into a burger.”
He winked at her and strode away, not letting Annie have the last word. She shook her head, half amused, half irritated.
Not that she came up with any retort, anyway. The moment he disappeared, Annie checked her swollen ankle. It hurt under her touch. When she attempted to put pressure on her foot, a sharp pain shot up her leg, and she bit her lip to stifle a cry.
“Are you okay, ma’am?” Worried eyes looked at her in the rearview mirror.
“I’m fine—” Annie hesitated before adding, “Colton? May I call you Colton?”
“Yes, ma’am.” His tone was polite but kind, carrying a warmth that made her relax a fraction.
Annie shifted in her seat, wincing as she tried to find a position that didn’t aggravate her ankle.
“It’s just this damn ankle. I can’t stand on it.”
“Don’t worry, ma’am. No walking necessary tonight.”
Her brow furrowed. No walking, huh?
Maybe the driver would share more on the destination. He must have understood Conrad’s directions, as he had not asked for clarification.
“Speaking of which, where are we going?” Annie watched the man’s brows furrow.
“Sorry, ma’am. Mr Conrad didn’t want me to say.” His voice was warm and apologetic.
Well, it was worth a shot. Annie leaned back, drawing complex shapes in the misted window with her finger. “But maybe you could give me some clues. Is it far?”
“No, ma’am.” Colton glanced at the sat nav. “About half an hour’s drive.”
Her lips pressed into a thin line. “It must be one of his pubs, then.” She didn’t sound thrilled by the prospect.
“No, ma’am.”
She raised an eyebrow at his quick response. Colton touched the air-con controls and increased the airflow while reducing the temperature. The mist dissolved.
“It’s clearly not in Bath, since we left it behind. Is it in the countryside?”
Colton offered a comforting smile. “I’ve already said too much, ma’am. And Mr Conrad is coming back.”
Annie sank back into the plush leather seat, frustrated but unwilling to push the kind driver any further. Instead, she turned her gaze to the landscape outside the window. The sun was sinking lower now, casting the rolling hills and scattered cottages in a golden glow that made the entire world feel softer and quieter. Peaceful. Yet inside, her thoughts churned.
Her fingers brushed her lap as she considered the situation. *Where is he taking me?* The unknown unsettled her, and a faint knot of anxiety tightened in her chest. She didn’t like being out of control—not anymore. But at the same time, a flicker of excitement sparked deep down. A part of her, one she hadn’t acknowledged in years, wanted to believe this was something good. Something unexpected and maybe even ... thoughtful.
Before she could overthink it, the car door opened, and Conrad returned, a plastic bag in hand.
“Here—a Caesar wrap and an orange juice for the lady.” Conrad handed food to Annie before crouching down to wrap a cold compress around her ankle. The sudden cold against her feverish skin made her jump, but the pain started to dissipate.
“Painkillers?” He extended his palm with tablets that she accepted and swallowed, washing them down with the juice. After helping her with the seat belt, Conrad motioned for Colton to drive.
“Let’s get going. We can sort a proper dinner and everything else once we get there.”
“Get where?” she pressed, her voice tinged with both curiosity and suspicion.
Conrad’s lips curled into a mischievous grin, but he said nothing. Unbelievable.
Annie rolled her eyes and leaned back in her seat, torn between annoyance and intrigue. The landscape outside blurred as the limo rolled forward, but her thoughts stayed sharp.
What is he planning?
Part of her hated not knowing, the vulnerability of being in someone else’s hands. But another part, one she wasn’t sure she trusted, whispered that maybe—just maybe—it was still okay to let someone else take the lead sometimes.
The wrap in her hands sat forgotten as her mind wandered, wondering what the next half hour would bring.
***
?
A nnie watched the scenery pass by as the limo drove deeper into the countryside, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts while she dangled her shoes on her fingertips. Her injured ankle rested on the seat with an ice pack on top—a constant reminder of her predicament.
How did he find Lou’s address?
Annie couldn’t recall if she had ever shared it with Darren. Probably not. Not that she had any reservations about him knowing—well, not till recently anyway. He had never been interested in her family. Worse, he was the reason her relationship with Louise had suffered, sulking for hours every time Annie had made so much as a call.
At first, she had tried to talk to her sister when he hadn’t been around, but one time he had caught her, and it had ended in weeks of silent treatment, with Annie begging him to forgive her.
How could she be so malleable? At what point had she lost herself so completely that the only thing she had cared about was his approval? And love. And that had only been offered when she had behaved exactly as Darren expected her to.
Since the escape, Annie had felt like she could breathe again. And now ... Now he was closing in.
Leather creaked when Conrad shifted in his place.
“A devil and a saint,” he muttered.
“What?” Annie’s attention snapped back to the present.
Conrad pointed at the red stilettos she held by the straps. “Those shoes. One minute, they’re an elegant accessory, and the next, a twisted ankle’s worst enemy.” He smiled, and she couldn’t help but return it.
Annie turned the shoe in her hand, running her finger over the polished, shiny surface that caught the sunlight streaming through the window. Conrad was so right. The shoes that made her feel so powerful and bold had this time led to her fall. Quite literally. However, her ankle hurt a bit less, thanks to the combined efforts of the ice pack and painkillers.
The limousine slowed as the road turned into a gravel path. Conrad leaned closer, his bare, tan forearm brushing against her pale skin, and pressed the button to open the window. “We’re almost there.”
The smell of freshly cut grass, spring blossom, and hot rubber tingled Annie’s nose. “Where?”
She peered out the opened car window, her eyes widening as she took in the picturesque scene while they zoomed by.
Tall lilac trees lined the driveway, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air now, overpowering all other scents, their leaves rustling in the wind. The cobblestone path led to a charming cottage surrounded by blooming flowers, with wisteria climbing the sandy brick walls, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun.
Her breath caught in her throat. “Is this what I think it is?”
As the limo came to a stop in front of the house and the driver opened the door, Conrad dashed to help her out. In just her stockings, which provided little protection for her injured ankle, Annie leaned on him and Colton for support and opened her eyes wider to take in the enchanting place—a sanctuary hidden from the world.
She couldn’t help but feel drawn to the building, the green wooden shutters and thatched roof exuding warmth and charm. She had seen photos of this cottage in her grandmother’s albums, but she had never expected it to be so well-preserved and inviting.
“Is this the Lilac Croft, the old, dishevelled and rundown cottage, according to my parents?”
Conrad laughed. “Is this what they said?”
Annie nodded. “You could fool me !” She scoffed, more at herself for having believed her parents instead of Grandma Ann, who had always cherished this place, saying how magical it was.
With a jingle of keys, Conrad unlocked the front door. He put his arm around her waist, placed her arm around his neck, and almost carried Annie inside, while Colton stayed behind.
The warm, inviting living room beckoned with its crackling fireplace, exposed wooden beams, and lilac branches in a tall vase on a side table. The immaculate condition of the cottage—from the polished wooden floors to the carefully renovated door frames—left Annie standing there with her mouth open, like a little child in a candy shop.
“Did your grandfather live here before he passed away?”
Conrad nodded, leading her down a hallway to a bedroom, the wooden floor creaking under their steps. As he opened the door, Annie could feel the lingering presence of another woman.
She glanced at Conrad, her curiosity piqued. “Was this your grandmother’s room?”
A nostalgic smile played across Conrad’s lips. “It was. A long time ago. But it looked different then.”
As Annie lowered herself into a wooden chair by the window, Conrad loomed over her, his arms dangling at his sides, his thigh brushing against her hip. She averted her gaze, unsure of what to say, and the awkward silence stretched between them.
“You okay?”
She nodded without lifting her eyes, suddenly realising that this was it. She was here, in his house, with this man, alone. Well, with Colton too, but he didn’t seem to actually live here.
She cleared her throat. “I need a minute.”
Conrad shifted from one leg to the other, increasing the distance between them. “Take your time. I’m going to get changed and help Colton unload the car.” He strolled toward the door and left the room.
So, what now?
Louise’s place was out of the question. But even if Annie could stay there, she couldn’t walk, not without someone’s help, anyway.
“Here’s a crutch to help you move around, ma’am.” Colton stood in the doorway with Louise’s battered leather suitcase and a shiny red crutch matching Annie’s shoes.
“Thank you, Colton.” Annie beckoned him to come inside, and he placed the suitcase on the wooden double bed, handing her the crutch.
“Do you need any help unpacking, ma’am?”
“No, I’ll manage on my own, and please, call me A—” She blinked. That was close. “—ahem, using my name.”
“Certainly, ma’am.” She raised her eyebrows. “I mean, Ms Louise. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Annie shook her head. “I could use some time alone if you don’t mind.”
“Of course. Just let me know if you need anything.”
Once the sound of Colton’s steps faded, Annie hobbled to the bed with her crutch and unzipped her suitcase, assessing its contents—there wasn’t much inside. Louise had packed for an overnight stay, not a honeymoon in the cottage.
All of Annie’s clothes and possessions were in her sister’s apartment, except for a pair of joggers, a hoodie, and trainers she had worn when she sneaked into the dressing room in the morning. That suitcase had been already there, along with the wedding gown and accessories, so Annie had simply shoved her casual clothes inside alongside Louise’s clothes.
She rummaged through, looking for something casual enough for an evening in, avoiding her own crumpled clothes. After finding a pale blue shirt and loose grey trousers, Annie unzipped her dress and pulled it over her head, leaving on her skimpy white lace underwear. As delicately as possible, she rolled off her stockings without touching her ankle and pulled on the trousers, leaving her feet bare. Sitting on the bed, she fastened all but the last button of her shirt and glanced around the room.
Her gaze landed on a rustic wooden wardrobe, then a matching dressing table with a tall, cushioned chair. Light, flowery curtains hung on both sides of a double window hidden behind white voile dancing in the breeze. The attention to detail gave the room a feminine touch Annie found comforting.
She limped toward a wall adorned with framed pictures, her eyes drawn to a familiar image. It was a photo of her grandmother as a child and a boy holding her bicycle. The same photograph she had seen at her grandmother’s house. Beside it, another image caught Annie’s attention—her grandmother as a young woman, her smile radiant and full of life.
The sound of a lawn mower in the distance drifted in through the open window, mingling with the scent of lilac and the soft chirping of birds. Annie closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, the idyllic scene offering a temporary relief from her troubles.
As Annie opened her eyes again, she noticed a small inscription at the bottom of the second picture. It read, “To George, Always Yours.”
***
?
H is wife stood by the window, supported by the crutch, sunlight streaming through and casting a warm glow on her loose shirt and casual trousers. Her curly hair cascaded down her back, giving her an innocent, youthful look. She seemed so thin, almost fragile, as she traced her grandma’s face in the picture. Conrad couldn’t help but feel a sudden urge to protect her.
He approached her quietly, and when he was just behind her, he spoke softly. “Beautiful pictures, aren’t they?”
Startled, his wife nearly lost her balance, but Conrad caught her just in time and helped her into a nearby chair.
“I don’t understand,” she stammered. “This is my grandma, isn’t it?”
Conrad leaned against the wall, raking through his hair. “Indeed.”
“But how?”
“That’s a long story.” He motioned toward the door. “Shall we order some food, and I can tell you all about it?”
She nodded and, holding on to her crutch, started hobbling toward the door.
“Would you like some help?”
His wife turned her head to glance at him, a question in her eyes. He pointed at the crutch, took a step forward and extended his hand to wrap it around his wife’s waist, but a vigorous shake of her head made him stop.
“No, I’m good, but thanks.” A small smile brought out a bunch of freckles on her face that he hadn’t noticed before.
She trudged to the living room with Conrad following close by, ready to scoop her if she wobbled. With a sigh of relief, Louise lowered herself onto his favourite three-seater sofa. The weathered leather creaked under the pressure of her body. After securing the crutch against the arm of the sofa, she stretched her legs and sunk deeper into the cushions.
Conrad grabbed his tablet and flopped down beside her. The scent of coconut made him lick his lips in anticipation, as if she were a dessert he had craved for days. And maybe she was.
He cleared his throat, hoping his thoughts were not showing. “What do you feel like eating?”
“Pizza.” Her eyes sparkled like precious stones. “I’d like vegetarian with ham. What about you?”
“That’s an interesting combo.” He chuckled. “I’ll go for something hot and spicy.”
Swiping and tapping on the food delivery app, he composed their order in seconds.
“What about Colton?”
He looked up, confused. “Colton?”
“Yes, shouldn’t we ask him what he wants for dinner?” Louise tilted her head.
Conrad waved his hand. “Ah, no, he already left to return the limousine and go home to his family.”
“Oh.” She shifted on the sofa and crossed her arms.
“Are you cold? I can bring you a blanket?”
His wife shook her head and averted her gaze.
Not cold then. Maybe she was scared? Alone with a stranger. He had to make her feel at ease. Somehow.
“Food will be here in about forty minutes.” Conrad jumped up and headed to the side cabinet, which held bottles and glasses.
“What would you like? Baileys?” He lifted the chocolate-coloured bottle and showed it to her. Louise shook her head, bending a little, dragged a cushioned stool closer, and lifted her leg onto it.
Moron. He should have thought about that. Returning the Baileys to the cabinet, he shifted bottles around.
“How about wine? Red or white?” He held a bottle of each in his hands, waiting for a decision.
“I prefer red, but not today. So much has happened.” She massaged her temples. “But if you have some juice or sparkling water that would be great.”
“Sure.” After putting the bottles down, Conrad strode to the kitchen area and rummaged through the cupboards. No juice. Not that he expected to find any, but Colton might have stocked some up.
Instead, he filled a bottle with filtered water and attached it to the soda stream machine. The water in the bottle fizzed when he pressed the button, then he transferred it to a tumbler with a thick bottom.
From a fruit bowl, Conrad selected a sunny yellow lemon and decorated the glass with a slice.
In a few steps, he returned to the sofa when his tablet pinged and flashed a notification that their pizzas were on the way.
“Here you go.” He handed her the glass. “Do you mind if I have a beer?”
His wife shook her head again while taking a sip of water. Not so talkative anymore.
After a quick trip back to the fridge for a bottle of Punk IPA, Conrad finally collapsed on the sofa, an arm’s distance away from his wife. They still had about half an hour before the food would arrive.
As they sat in silence, he could feel the tension in the room growing, like a thickening jelly, trapping them in the awkwardness.
“So.” Conrad smacked his lips, not sure what to say next.
His wife shifted in her spot and turned toward him with a curious look on her face. “So, what is that long story?”
Conrad forgot all about it. What an idiot.
“As you know, this cottage used to belong to your family, and your grandma had spent her childhood here.”
She nodded, while he took a sip of cold liquid from his bottle.
“What you might not know is that our families knew each other, and my grandpa was a frequent visitor whenever his own father met with your grandma’s father.”
“The boy on the bike.” She clasped her hands.
“Exactly.” Conrad smiled, mesmerised by the childlike wonder in her eyes.
“So, what about that other photo?” Her curious voice nudged him back.
“Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. So, they were childhood friends until the day her dad, your great-grandfather, lost the cottage to my great-granddad at the gambling table.”
Her eyes widened as she gasped.
“You didn’t know?” That was weird. Conrad rose from his seat and walked to the bookshelf in the room’s corner with his grandpa’s photos and documents. He picked up a folder and carried it back to the sofa.
“Check this out.” He retrieved a laminated document signed by her great-grandfather William transferring cottage ownership to Conrad’s family. While he handed it over to his wife, the doorbell rang.
“Our food is here.” He opened the door and accepted the steaming boxes. Pepperoni and oregano filled the air. “Plates and forks? Or boxes and—”
“Box is fine.” She waved a hand holding the document. “This is ... Wow. I had no idea.”
Conrad pushed the side table toward Louise and placed the pizza boxes on it while shifting the document folder to the side.
“So, what happened next?” His wife shoved half of a slice into her mouth like she hadn’t eaten for days.
A woman after my own heart.
He could count on one hand the women he knew who enjoyed eating openly, as most either were constantly on a diet or never ate in public. Conrad bent a slice in half from his box and chewed on it.
After swallowing the piece, he washed it down with his beer.
“Well, as you can imagine, the families were no longer friendly, and the kids were not allowed to hang out together anymore.” He pointed with another pizza slice in hand in Louise’s direction. “Your family moved to Bath, and it would have been the end of the story if—” Conrad swallowed another bite. “—my grandfather George hadn’t bumped into your Grandma Ann in the shop when he was in town. One thing led to another, the old friendship rekindled, and they started seeing each other.”
“No way.” A shock in her voice made him pause. Conrad smiled. He had reacted the same way when his grandpa had told him the story for the first time.
“Oh yes. In secret, of course, as their families were still sworn enemies. As you may imagine, the friendship turned into love.”
Louise wiped her mouth and hands with a napkin, her box of pizza half empty.
“But my grandma never mentioned your grandpa. And also, she was married to my grandfather Edward. So, what happened?”
“Well, life happened. Her parents chose your grandpa Edward as a suitable husband, and your Grandma Ann had no say in it.”
Conrad paused with a slice hanging from his fingers, thinking about their own arranged marriage. Maybe his wife loved someone else, but her parents had made her marry him instead. The thought gnawed at him, sending a pang of jealousy through his chest, followed quickly by a wave of guilt. He had no right to her heart—not yet anyway. Still, the idea of her longing for someone else left him feeling unexpectedly disappointed. Not everyone was married to their work, and she would certainly have her pick if she wanted.
So, what if there was somebody? Would she meet with him in secret or remain unhappy for the rest of her life? How could he live with himself if that was the truth?
“And this was the end?”
Louise’s question pulled him back to the story, pushing his worries about his wife’s potential lover aside. For another day.
“Not exactly.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and gulped the rest of his beer. “Even though my grandpa George got married and had kids, he never stopped loving your grandma.”
Conrad looked toward the window, remembering the smell of cigars and the old-style armchair that had stood there, near the window, his grandpa’s reading and napping spot.
“Grandpa George told me once that she was the love of his life. And he knew the cottage was precious to her, so he offered it to her.”
“When?” His wife held her breath, covering her open mouth.
“Several years ago, after my grandma died. They met in Bath and sat on the same bench they used to sit on in their youth. But your grandma refused to accept it.”
Louise leaned forward, her shoulders tensed, like someone watching a film who was afraid of what was coming but couldn’t live without knowing.
“See, it happened when your grandpa was still alive, and she believed that wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“Inappropriate.” Louise shook her head. “What a love story.”
His wife’s gaze wandered over to the open window and she stared at something, but Conrad would bet that she was there on that bench with her grandma.
He reached out and picked a small box from a shelf above his head. After retrieving a soft green leather pouch from it, he took Louise’s hand and emptied the content of the pouch onto her palm. An old key fell out with engraving on its head: “To Ann, the love of my life.”
Louise stared at her hand with eyes matching the colour of that pouch.
“My grandfather hoped that one day he could make things right, and this cottage meant more to him than anything. It reminded him of the love of his life, and that’s why I cannot ever sell it.”
Conrad moved closer to his wife, the jasmine scent of her hair intoxicating.
“So sad.” She turned the key in her fingers while her eyes focused on his. “And that’s why you’re gifting it to me?”
A question hung in the air as their eyes met, and their hands brushed against each other.
“I might be your wife, but I’m certainly not the love of your life.” A twinkle in her eyes and the warmth emanating from her made his heart race.
Wistfully, he said. “Not yet, but one day, hopefully.”
He leaned closer, losing himself in her eyes. Tracing her chin with his fingers, he stroked her hip with his other hand, feeling the heat emanating from her body.
The softness of her skin and the enlarged pupils reminded him of the kiss earlier, back at the church. Every muscle in his body ached for her. This was real. Neither of them could deny the magnetic pull between them.
“Admit it, you’re starting to find my charm irresistible,” he said in a deep tone of voice. His wife jolted back.
“What?” Her eyes flared, but not with the kind of fire he’d hoped for. “I don’t know what you’re thinking but I’m not part of your fan club.”
Conrad groaned. “I was joking.” Was he? He could swear she wanted him as much as he wanted her. It was all going so well.
Louise huffed, grabbed her crutch and limped back to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.
Staring at the polished oak door, he wondered if he should follow and apologise again or let her sleep her irritation away. The anger in her eyes and her flushed cheeks made her look incredibly attractive, but somehow, he knew that if he mentioned this to her, she might bite his head off.
He sighed and decided to take a cold shower to clear his head.
As he stripped down to his boxers, he couldn’t shake the image of her fiery, flushed face and glimmering eyes. He needed to find a way to break through her defences, to make her see that they could have a future together.
As he strolled past Louise’s room, she opened the door and gasped. “You must be kidding me!”
Before he could utter a word, Louise slammed the door shut, causing small pieces of plaster to fall from the ceiling.
Shit.
He knocked on the door. “It’s not what you think.” What a stupid thing to say. “I’m just heading for a shower.” No response. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
***
?
A nnie lay on the bed , mortified by the unexpected encounter with Conrad in his boxers.
“The nerve!”
What was he thinking? That the sight of his naked body would make her weak in her knees? Seriously? She had met men with enormous egos, but this one would easily take the first place if there was a contest.
Her heart raced, and she tried to focus on the soothing sounds of the crickets chirping and the distant barking of a dog.
After a few moments, she heard the shower turn off, followed by the sound of his footsteps retreating down the hall.
So, he took a shower after all.
A weight lifted from her chest, and she giggled like that little girl chasing her veil.
“He was on his way to the shower.” She snorted. Not so ladylike. What were the odds?
An image of the encounter appeared in her mind, his hairless, muscled chest so close to her fingers. It wasn’t what she would expect from the businessman sitting behind the desk all day.
Her swollen ankle throbbed, but she wouldn’t dare look for an ice pack now. What if she bumped into him? Rummaging through the contents of her suitcase, hoping for some soothing balm, Annie picked out the sound of light steps outside her room, followed by the thud of a door being shut.
The house had grown quiet, except for the rhythmic sound of wood being chopped outside. Between the steady thuds, she could hear a voice, though the words were inaudible. Straining to listen, Annie hobbled toward the open window.
“What an idiot.” Swoosh. Chop. “Moron.” Chop. Thunk. “Really, man?” Creak. Clunk.
Annie chortled, shaking her head. He wasn’t such a narcissist after all. If only she could see him right now, channelling all that energy into splintering wood.
Seizing the opportunity, Annie grabbed her sister’s overnight bag and limped to the bathroom, locking the door behind her.
The hot water washed away her uneasiness and worry as she let her thoughts wander, the tiny droplets massaging her tense muscles. As she dried off and wrapped herself in a fluffy towel, she examined her sister’s lacy nightgown—too daring to wear in Conrad’s presence. Why did Louise pack it instead of a sensible cotton PJ?
A blush crept up Annie’s cheeks, and she splashed cold water onto her face. An image of Conrad’s toned muscles flashed in her mind, surprising her with a sudden desire she hadn’t felt in a long time. She bit her lip, remembering that kiss after the wedding ceremony, and his powerful arms when he had carried her to the limo.
When his hand touched her thigh on the sofa, the only thing she could think of was his lips on hers. If he hadn’t opened his stupid mouth, who knows what would have happened?
Annie hadn’t been with a man since ... Memories of Darren invaded her thoughts, and she shuddered, rubbing her arms for comfort. Then massaged her belly. It would work this time. She wouldn’t be able to live through this again. This. No, she couldn’t go there. Blinking fast, she pressed her hands against her ears, pushing the memory of her miscarriage back into the box she had kept it in. As long as she stayed away from Darren, all would be fine.
“Fine.” She took a few shallow breaths. “All will be fine. I promise you.” Taking a few more, slower and deeper breaths, Annie unclenched her jaw and glanced around at the tiled walls. After checking a few cupboards, she found a thick white bathrobe, only a size too big.
Who was she?
Annie stroked the fluffy fabric, wondering if Conrad brought many women to his cottage. She rummaged through cabinets, looking for clues and signs of other women, but found nothing else.
A sigh of relief escaped her mouth, and she shook her head.
And what if he did?
It was his right. They weren’t a couple, not really.
Somehow, thinking about Conrad pulled Annie back into the present, with all its endless possibilities, rather than trapping her in the past that she couldn’t change.
Annie cleared a steamed-up mirror with a sleeve. Her own face, without make-up, stared back. Older. Annie lifted the skin around her eyes in a futile attempt to remove wrinkles. The moment she let go, they were back. Not the face of a twenty-seven-year-old, for sure. But why would it be? She wasn’t Louise.
With a sigh, she slipped into the silky, lace-trimmed nightgown. The fabric was soft to the touch, but the gown was too short for her comfort. Shivering, she wrapped the robe around her like a warm blanket and cracked open the bathroom door.
No sounds apart from a fridge whirring and a clock ticking in the distance. With her sister’s bag in one hand, Annie limped to the kitchen and retrieved a fresh ice pack from the fridge. With floorboards creaking beneath her feet, she returned to her room.
As Annie nestled into the bed, the silky nightgown cold against her skin, she wrapped the robe around her like a protective shield. With her back against the pillows and legs resting on the duvet, she carefully applied the ice pack to her ankle, wincing as the coldness seeped into her skin, numbing the pain.
The sound of wood chopping had stopped as the wind picked up and ruffled the voile. Annie re-read the text from her sister about Darren visiting her apartment, and her hands trembled. So close, too close.
He had been charming, even loving, convincing her she didn’t need her family, and that he was all she needed.
Darren’s soothing voice echoed in her head, promising love and devotion.
And she had believed him until she had overheard him using the same soothing voice on the phone saying, “Teach that geezer a lesson. The hospital is fine as long as he lives. He owes me. And tell him his wife and kiddo are next.”
That had hit her like a ton of bricks. What else hadn’t she known about him? Darren had always described himself as a businessman, frequently travelling and attending meetings in far-off cities, but she had never truly known what his business entailed. He had kept her in the dark, brushing off her questions with charming smiles and condescending reassurances about how she didn’t need to worry her pretty little head with unnecessary details. At that moment, when she had overheard him, Annie had realised those trips might have involved more than simple deals and networking.
And now he’d found her sister’s place. The wind outside intensified, rattling the windowpanes and mirroring the horror brewing within her.
Annie’s gaze drifted to her grandmother’s photo on the nightstand. How wonderful it must feel to be loved so deeply by someone.
“But not by this one, you blew it already,” she whispered into the shadows, only brightened by the moonlight. Even if she told Conrad the truth about her now, he would never forgive her. Besides, he wasn’t such a catch himself. Even if her own body kept betraying her.
She had never felt such chemistry with Darren. Not even at the beginning. He had won her with his chivalry and kindness, or what he had made her believe. Annie bit on her nail, remembering Darren’s pleasant smile. Wolf in disguise. She knew better now.
“What if he finds me?” Her heart pounded fast, her breathing shallow.
But he wouldn’t know about the cottage, would he? Nobody knew except for her and Conrad. And Colton. But that man had already gained Annie’s trust. She was safe here. For now.
The raindrops splashed at the windowsill like a series from a machine gun.?