Page 66 of Landen

“Something likethat.” The man said with a twinkle in his smoky gray eyes.

“I think Iwill.” Turning toward the door, he stared at it, his browpleated.

“I just need tosee her before I head out. And I would like your assurance that Iwill be contacted when there is any change.”

“You have myword. Her sister is taking on another shift so that she can also benear her.”

“Something I amgrateful for. Thanks.”

With a nod, the manstepped aside for him to go back into the room.

Huffing out a breath,he stepped in and closed the door behind him. It was hard to believehe had been here for five hours. Dusk was starting to fall, and thestreetlights had come on automatically.

Pulling up a chair,he sat there, just staring at her. Her hair was brushed back from herface and secured in a ponytail. Reaching out a hand, he brushed backtendrils clinging to her cheeks.

A gentle smiletouched his lips as he recalled their conversations, particularly theone where they had the picnic. He loved her unaffected laughter andthe sparkle in her dark brown eyes.

“Oh,sweetheart,” he whispered. “If you would just open yourbeautiful dark brown eyes and talk to me, you would make me thehappiest man on earth. I need you to wake up, darling. I need you tobe all right.”

He turned swiftly atthe knock on the door and watched as her sister came in.

“I thought youhad left.”

He shook his head. “Ijust wanted to see her before I go to my flat and get some sleep, orat least try to. I understand you will be staying?”

“Yes.”She came over to stand next to him. “She has always been sodamn strong and stubborn.” Turning her head, she stared at theman seated there. “My brother and I had our misgivings aboutyou.”

“Oh?”

“After yourmother came to see her.” Her voice petered off in shock at thelook on his face. “You didn’t know?”

“When wasthis?” He asked tightly.

“Sometime lastweek. I thought Tessa told you. Oh, Lord.”

“My mother cameto see her. Where exactly was it?”

“At thegallery.”

“Do you knowwhat was said?” He shook his head, a grim look settling overhis face.

“No need totell me. I can hazard a guess. Do you have any idea why she wouldkeep her pregnancy and my mother’s visit from me?”

“Shedid not want to burden you.”

His eyes flared atthat. “I see.” He rose and took another look at the womanlying on the bed, excused himself, and left the room.

Sinking on the chairhe had vacated, Karen gave a shaky laugh. “I am afraid I juststirred up the ant’s nest.”

Chapter 13

He had made adecision on his way to the apartment he stayed at the last time hewas here. He would take a well-needed shower, shave, and getsomething to eat. He could order something light from the restauranta few blocks away.

He had taken a showerand shaved, but the sight of the meal on his plate made his stomachturn. And he had not managed to contain his rage. His mother hadvisited her at her place of work, and he could just imagine what hadbeen said.

Glancing at theclock, he realized it was almost ten, meaning it was around three inhis country. He didn’t give a damn about waking her.

Plucking the phonefrom the counter, he pressed the number, and she answered after thesecond ring.

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