Page 52 of Landen

He hesitated briefly.“Stamford,” he responded before settling back in theseat. He had the unpleasant task of breaking it off with his mistressand was not looking forward to it.

Turning his wrist, helooked at the time and contemplated calling Tessa. But he was on hisway to a woman he had been sleeping with, and this was not a goodtime to be calling the woman he loved. Leaning his head back, heclosed his eyes wearily and realized that he had aged drastically infour weeks.

“We arehere, sir. Shall I leave you-”

“No,” hesaid curtly. “I will be back in a few minutes.”

“Right, sir.”

Without waiting forhis driver to open the door, he pushed open the gate of thepicturesque cottage. Ignoring the flowers blooming in wild profusionin the garden, he bounded up the steps and knocked briskly on thedoor.

He knew she was athome because he had called the tavern where she worked and was toldthis was her evening off.

The door was pulledopen with a force that indicated her happiness to see him.

“You are back.I heard about your father.” Jillian’s expression wasbeaming as she stared at him.

“Yes. May Icome in?” He asked formally.

“Yes, yes.”Stepping aside, she waited until he was inside before closing thedoor.

“Would you likesome wine?”

“No.”Landen stood where he was, eyes roving over her lush figure,realizing he felt nothing.

“Shall we gointo the living room?”

“I am notstaying long.” Shoving his hands into his pockets, he continuedto study her.

“You must betired.”

“I am. Jillian,I am sorry. But it’s over between us. I will make arrangementsfor you to keep the property and transfer some money into youraccount so that you can maintain the living arrangements.”

She blinked at him.“Was it something I did?”

“No.” Hesnapped, feeling lower than dirt. “No.” He shook hishead. “I have to stand up to my responsibilities now thatFather is not well.” It was not the entire truth, but she didnot need to know the whole story. “I have to go.”

“Oh please,Landen-” Before he could reach for the door handle, she clungto his arm. “Just tell me what to do. You don’t have tobe here frequently-”

Removing her handfrom his arm, he put her away. “I am sorry, but this isgoodbye.” Pulling the door open, he made his exit and slammedit shut. Making his way down the steps, he jumped into the vehicleand bid the driver to go, his expression grim.

He had been carelesswith women’s feelings in the past because, to him, they hadjust been diversions, welcome ones. But now he was in love, and hisheart felt as if it was being shattered into a million pieces.Reaching for the phone, he dialed her number. He had to hear hervoice.

“Hi.”

Closing his eyes, heleaned back in the seat and breathed. “Hi,” he whisperedhuskily. “Do you know how good it feels to hear your voice?”

“I could saythe same. How is your dad?”

Taking a deep breath, herealized he could not put off telling her. “He is in a coma.”

He waited for herto respond.

“I see. Whatare they saying?”

“A massiveheart attack.”

“What are hischances?”

---