Page 72 of Signed, Sealed, Married

The problem was she’d had trouble reaching him. Even when he’d gone away prior to their wedding he’d rung every night. Was his schedule so busy now that he had no time for her? Or was he avoiding her?

Nausea swirled in the pit of her stomach.

She’d told herself their convenient marriage had turned into something special. That Adam was the man she wanted, not just in bed but in her life.

She’d never expected to feel this way about any man. Never wanted so much from one.

Gisèle respected his intellect and his ability to make things happen, the way he could turn a failing enterprise into an exciting venture. But more important than that was the man behind the tycoon and the way he made her feel. Desired, and valued, even cherished.

His kindness had been an unexpected bonus. He was forever telling her how beautiful she was. They weren’t just words. The way he looked at her, the almost reverent way he touched her sometimes, made her feel beautiful inside. He laughed with her and made the days seemed brighter.

She’d begun to hope that one day he might love her.

Because she was almost sure she’d fallen in love with him. The idea alternately thrilled and terrified her.

Everywhere he went he was popular, as if the corporate shark were a part-time persona. He took an interest in everyone and everything. It didn’t matter whether they were wait staff, highflying executives or cleaners.

How often had she found him laughing with one of the staff at the villa or on the yacht? When the housekeeper had received a call saying her son had been in an accident, it was Adam who’d driven her to the hospital in his sports car, then stayed till the boy had received treatment.

Would a man so thoughtful simply drop Fontaine’s after so much work? And if his focushadshifted to the US, what about their relationship?

Frustratingly Gisèle didn’t have a chance to find out for twenty-four hours. Adam called when she was in the shower but when she rang back he was in a meeting. Then she dropped and damaged her phone and had to wait until business hours to get a new one. Only to find he’d switched his to message bank.

Unable to settle, she couldn’t face the effort of appearing cheerful for her team. She opted to work from home, giving the villa staff the day off.

So when the front door opened and firm footsteps echoed from the tiled foyer her blood fizzed with nervous anticipation. Adam wasn’t due until tomorrow but there was no mistaking his gait.

‘I’m on the terrace,’ she called, shutting her laptop.

‘Gisèle? Are you all right? Why aren’t you at work?’

His concern was a relief. Stupid to have been nervous.

Except when Adam appeared he didn’t look glad to see her. He looked...wary. Instead of drawing her into his arms he dropped a peck on her head and stood back.

Even so, she found time to admire the way he filled out jeans and a leather jacket, his black T-shirt shaping his solid chest.

‘I’m working from home. I didn’t expect you until tomorrow. Is everything okay? The US deal’s progressing?’

‘It’s done, wrapped up early.’

Yet there was no elation as he took a chair on the other side of the outdoor table. Normally they’d be in each other’s arms. Her body ached with the need to touch him, be held by him. But he kept his distance like a stranger.

Gisèle bit down a rising bubble of distress. Something was definitely amiss. Adam didn’t even meet her eyes after that initial, piercing glance. She shivered, reading his body language. This was a man with bad news to break.

She clamped her fingers on the edge of the table, sitting straighter. ‘Whatever it is, Adam, tell me. Don’t make me try to guess what’s wrong.’

Deep green eyes met hers and there was that familiar spark igniting in her blood. But was it in hers alone? He gave no indication the feeling was mutual.

Could it really be that she’d been a passing diversion? She’d been so sure they shared something special and strong.

‘Are you really getting rid of Fontaine’s?’

That drew a response. Adam cursed under his breath.

His scowl, his shadowed jaw and the delicious tangle of dark hair made him look like a bad-tempered pirate. But Gisèle refused to let attraction distract her. ‘You don’t think I have a right to know?’

‘That’s it. I intended to tell you myself.’

---