Page 10 of Modern Romance Collection December 2024 Books 1-4

Quin was disappearing down a path between the trees now, and Sadie followed him into a lush, quiet space where a separate building stood. It was in the same vein as the main house but smaller—lots of glass and wood and concrete, all on one level—yet it still managed to blend in with the background.

Quin said, ‘This is our guest house. You can stay here.’

So she wasn’t to be allowed in the familial space. Silly to feel hurt. But it was a reminder that when her memory had returned she’d realised just how alone she’d been all her life—first because of her parents’ tragic premature deaths and then through years of a failed adoption and fostering.

No wonder she’d cleaved to Quin with such passion and blind trust. He’d been the first person to give her any sense of total security andlove. A sense of home.

After the surfing accident Quin had offered to let her stay with him—the relative stranger who had saved her life. It had been nuts to say yes, but she’d known on some deep level that she could trust him.

Ostensibly it had been for practical reasons—the hospital had said they weren’t going to release Sadie after the head trauma she’d suffered—and also because she’d lost her memory—unless she could be observed and cared for. There had been no friends rushing forward to offer to take care of her. Her mobile phone had been lost or stolen in the aftermath of the accident. She’d been on her own and vulnerable.

But by the time Sadie had fully recovered, there had been no question of her moving out. By then, she and Quin had embarked on a passionate love affair. All-consuming and life-changing.

She forced down the echoes of the past and moved forward to take in the sizeable property, hoping that her emotions wouldn’t show on her face. ‘This is more than generous, Quin.’

He was moving to the side of the property and Sadie followed him, even though it didn’t seem as if he much cared if she did.

He stood at a break in the trees and pointed. ‘The pool is through there, and the pool house is fully stocked with swimwear and robes, if you want to swim.’

Just looking at the pool made Sadie feel dusty and grimy. It was deliciously inviting, barely a ripple on the green-blue water as it glistened under the sun.

Quin was already moving back to the house, going up a couple of steps, opening the front door. He stood aside to let her pass him and his scent—hints of sea and leather and earth—made her want to close her eyes to breathe him in fully. She kept them wide open and held her breath.

This building was like a micro version of the main house—open spaces, flowing rooms. A massive bedroom suite with dressing room and bathroom. The bathroom had a shower area that was open to the elements, and a colourful bird flew past as Sadie looked up. It was whimsical and romantic.

She quickly diverted her attention back to Quin’s whistlestop tour to crush such rogue notions.

There was a fully stocked kitchen, and a living area that had a luxurious L-shaped couch and a massive TV, even a separate dining area. There was a utility room—the height of luxury to Sadie, who had been pretty much living out of her case and washing her clothes in laundromats for four years.

Again, there were colourful rugs and art to soften the stark modern lines. Sadie liked the style, she found it soothing.

Quin was talking. ‘We have a housekeeper too—Sara. She’s probably in town, shopping for supplies. She’ll unpack your things when she returns.’

Sadie thought of her paltry belongings and said quickly, ‘There’s no need for that. I’ll come and get my case.’

Quin shrugged. ‘Suit yourself.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘We’ll have something to eat and then I have to go into the office.’

He led the way back up to the main house through the garden, and Sadie once again hurried after him to keep up. A vivid memory assailed her of running to catch up with Quin on the beach in Sao Sebastiao, and how she’d jumped onto his back. He’d caught her legs under her knees. She’d wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, tasting the salt of the sea on his skin.

She stumbled on one of the flagstones, and was pitching forward with a small cry when Quin turned around and caught her.

She fell against him with a smalloof.

An immediate wave of heat flushed through her entire body, bringing cells alive that had lain dormant for four years. Electricity hummed along her skin, raising the small hairs. Lust, immediate and raw, pooled in her belly.

She looked up, off-balance and helpless against the storm raging inside her at being so close to him. His eyes were unreadable, though. Two pools of dark obsidian. No chink of light. No forgiveness. Jaw tight. Nostrils flaring.

Before she knew what was happening Quin was putting her away from him with two strong hands on her arms and letting her go. Practically pushing her away. Showing his distaste for having any part of them touching.

Her face flamed. ‘I’m sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going.’

He was already turning around and striding forward, saying, ‘It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.’

Sadie followed, and wondered if this man would ever look at her again the way he had on that beautiful day on the beach when they’d been married by a humanist celebrant. Joined by love and the baby growing in her belly. He’d looked at her as if she was the only precious thing in the world. She’d felt so loved...treasured. And she knew that she’d been looking at him the same way because he had been her world.

Still was.

No matter how she might wish otherwise, she’d never stopped loving him. How could she? He was the father of her child. He’d been her first lover.

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