A Sicilian Husband - Kate Walker [50]
‘We’ll decide when we have some facts to act on. Who knows, by then we might find that the answer’s taken care of itself?’
‘That we get on so well together that we want to stay that way for the baby’s sake? Don’t bank on it!’
Terrie prayed that the shake in her voice could be taken as having been put there by laughter at just the thought of the two of them ever wanting to decide that. At least that way it might somehow conceal the pain that tore at her inside, the sudden longing to be able to believe that it could happen. That if they had time together they might just grow close, come to feel more for each other.
‘Stranger things have happened.’
‘But not to me.’
‘I’m not looking for another love of my life—I already had that with Lucia, and lightning doesn’t strike twice.’
‘If you’re trying to persuade me that we could have a future together, then you’re going exactly the wrong way about it!’
Did he know how much it hurt to know that she would always be second best to his beloved dead wife? That he had wanted Lucia for love, but the only reason he wanted her was because she might be carrying his child?
‘What makes you think that this would work?’
‘Why not? We get on well enough together in bed. More than well enough. That has to count for something.’
‘And sex is the answer to all of this?’
‘It’s a damned good place to start.’
And the only one, his expression said. The one and only thing she gave him that he couldn’t live without. Any dream she had had of finding that there was more to the way he was feeling shrivelled into a microscopic pile of dust on the floor at her feet.
But almost immediately foolish hope reasserted itself. Perhaps there was a chance. If she went along with Gio’s plan then maybe, just maybe, as they spent the days together they could get to know each other better, grow closer—at least closer on his part. Perhaps they might come to, if not a love relationship, then at least an understanding—and from an understanding something more could grow, given time.
And Gio had offered her time.
Only four weeks, it was true. But it was better than nothing. Better than watching him walk out of here once more and knowing that this time he would never come back.
She could give it a try. She had to give it a try. After all, what did she have to lose—how could she come out of it with any less than what she had now? And there might just be the faintest chance that she could end up with more.
‘So…’ Gio’s voice broke into her thoughts. ‘What’s your answer? Are you coming with me?’
His swift glance at his watch told her that he was already thinking impatiently of leaving and the things he had to do before he got on the plane. She had to make her mind up and she had to do it fast.
‘All right,’ Terrie said cautiously. ‘I’ll do it.’
The look in his eyes gave him away. He might have schooled his expression into the cool, noncommittal mask that met her anxious gaze, but he couldn’t disguise the flare of triumph, the sexual satisfaction that gleamed in the ebony darkness.
‘Bene!’
He was taking a step towards her, his intention to kiss her evident. But that was a move too far. Terrie had been caught that way once already. She had no intention of letting it happen again.
Instinctively she held up her hand, bringing him to a reluctant halt.
‘One condition!’
His swift sidelong glance told her that she was in no position to go laying down conditions, but to her relief he paused and nodded slowly.
‘And that is?’
‘While we’re in Sicily it’s strictly hands off! Is that understood?’
It was clearly the last thing he had expected and the black, arched brows shot up in evident surprise.
‘Is that so?’
‘Yes!’
She prayed she sounded more confident than she felt. The mocking note in his voice, the devilish look in his eye, both set her nerves on edge and made her wonder just what she had taken on.
‘Hands off?’
He was coming towards her with the slow, deliberate prowl of a hunting cat; gleaming eyes fixed on her face.