Page 80 of Bride Under Contract

‘Anyway,’ he said, ‘it’s a double apology. The reason I came back to the room was to say you were right.’ He looked at her. ‘I am not used to sharing my day with any other—calling, saying goodbye.’

‘I know.’

‘I’m new to this, too, Grace.’

She nodded.

‘I’ll try and call, and I should be back by Sunday.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Very well, I hope to see you on Sunday.’ He looked right into her eyes. ‘Preferably with no knickers on...but I’m guessing I’m not allowed to say that.’

He made her laugh even as she pushed him away, even as he blew her a kiss at the door.

‘Oh, God,’ she said, when he had safely gone.

Grace knew she was in trouble.

Big trouble.

Because she didn’t want Carter to lie and pretend that he loved her.

The more time she spent with him, the more she wanted it to be for real.

She couldn’t be falling in love with him.

That wasn’t the plan...

CHAPTER TWELVE

CARTER’S CONTRITION DIDN’T LAST.

He really was the worst fiancé, even allowing for the fact their engagement was fake.

Not a single call or text.

Even if he was in the desert, there were a couple of airports in between, and when she looked up Sahir and the opulent palace... Oh, she was rather certain there would be the odd occasion when he could call.

But nothing.

So, she’d shopped, as any good Carter Bennett fiancée would.

And Kuala Lumpur was incredible. The shops were airy and beautiful, and the cakes.... Oh, her mother would have loved them. Every afternoon Grace carefully selected a treat and brought one back with her. And she visited the Batu Caves and climbed the coloured stairs, stood at the top and looked out onto the glorious view.

But there was only so much shopping and sightseeing she could do.

And she hated lying to Violet, so their conversations were a little short.

‘What’s happening with you and that guy?’ she’d asked.

‘I like him,’ Grace said. ‘A lot.’

‘And?’ Violet prompted. ‘Does he have a name?’

‘Violet...’

‘God, you’re mean.’ She laughed. ‘I’ll wait for all the gossip when you’re home. I popped in to find out how your mum is getting on today.’

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