Page 55 of His Weekend Wife

Abby laughed, but it quickly fizzled. “You can’t be serious.”

“Unfortunately, I am. I no longer know you or what you’ve become.” Tears blurred Ash’s vision as she turned her back, allowing the tears to fall down her cheeks. She heard a rustling sound and the faded tapping of Abby’s heels as she made her way down the hall.

Turning, Ash spotted the earrings, still sitting on the dresser.

*****

“Shall we see what’s inside, Ash?” Declan tapped the picnic basket sitting between them on the glass table. They’d arrived at Hannigan’s palatial estate and were shown to the guest house that was elegant in itself. The backdoor opened into the vineyard, exposing an amazing view. Ash had been quiet the long drive here and seem preoccupied now, although she gave a great impression that she was relaxed. She had removed her sandals and her feet were propped on the side of another chair. Her legs looked exceptionally long and toned in the white shorts. “Ash? Are you okay?”

“Sure.” Ash gave him a shy smile.

He pulled out containers of salad, fruit, sub sandwiches, and spinach dip with a variety of crackers and two covered glasses of sweet tea. Her stomach growled and she laid a hand over her waist. “Hungry?” he asked.

“Starving,” she admitted. “Very sweet that Mr. Hannigan invited us here, and made sure we had this wonderful lunch available.”

Declan growled under his breath, not feeling as generous as Ash did under the circumstances. “He invited us here and doesn’t have the decency to be here when we arrive.”

“But didn’t you say he was called away?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sure he couldn’t help the change of plans. I can think of someone else who works crazy hours.” She wagged her brows.

“Touché.” He dipped a cracker into the creamy dip and popped it into his mouth. At least he would enjoy his time here with his wife.

She dug her fork into her salad and he watched her. She lifted her eyes and smiled coyly. “Do you plan on staring at me while I eat?”

“I enjoy staring at you, period. Maybe if I continue, you’ll finally tell me what’s bothering you. It’s possible I can figure out a solution.”

“What makes you think something’s bothering me?” She stopped chewing.

“You have been unusually quiet and you have a thin vein between your brows that shows when you’re upset.” She brought her hand up and touched her brow. “Do you not want to be here?” He ate a strawberry.

“No, I’m glad to be here, with you. It’s beautiful.” Her shoulders slumped some and she placed the full salad on the table. She turned slightly toward him. “I’m afraid to tell you.”

He frowned. “You should never be afraid of me, sweetheart.” His gut twisted.

“You might think differently of me.”

“Well, if I didn’t give up on you for leaving me, what wouldn’t I forgive you of?”

She shrugged. “For you to understand, I have to rewind a bit.” She nibbled on her bottom lip and he could see the tense set of her shoulders.

“Here, while you talk I’ll rub.”

“Rub?”

“Put your feet up here.” He patted his lap.

Reluctantly, she did as he requested, but he noticed the instant softness in her body.

“You have magical hands,” she murmured.

“Now start talking, baby,” he encouraged.

She nodded. “Okay, a year ago my sister met this man, Phillipe Diego, and from the get-go, I knew he was bad news, but you know Abby. If she has her mind set on something, there’s no changing it.”

“Really? Think it could be genetic?” He lifted a brow.

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