Page 60 of His Weekend Wife

His phone rang from the nightstand. He looked at her as if to ask for permission to answer it. “Go ahead. You should get it.”

She barely paid attention as he spoke. He placed his phone against his chest. “It’s my assistant with numbers I had asked for.”

“Okay.”

“If you don’t want me to take this now—”

“Don’t be silly. That’s why we’re here. You have business to take care of.”

He kissed her on top of the head, stood and reached for his shirt from the floor. He dragged it on, then gave her another kiss, this time on the lips. “I won’t be long.”

She watched him leave into the next room and finally got up herself. The day was beautiful and she was curious about the Hannigan Estate. The sprinkling had stopped and she cleaned up their lunch from the patio, placing the basket inside of the kitchen.

She stepped into the next room where she found Declan shuffling through papers. He looked at her and she mouthed, “I’m taking a walk.” He nodded.

The sun was bright and the sky was a very pale blue, reminding her of Declan’s eyes.

With that thought, she stepped down the cobblestone sidewalk, shielding her eyes from the sun as she scanned her surroundings. It was absolutely a lovely view and she instantly felt her energy triple. She smiled as she made her way further down toward the water, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Declan and how much had transpired between them in a matter of days. Her stomach prickled, much like the area between her legs. She liked the physical sensation.

Taking another deep breath, she inhaled the freshness of nature, the crispness of the water and the hint of fishiness. The sun reflected off the top of the water, and further along she spotted a boat. The day was blissfully quiet, a retreat for the mind and as she strolled between two rows of trees while she listened to the birds chirping playfully. As their singing lulled her, she continued on her path.

The beauty of the estate marveled her. The green of the trees, the bright colorful arrangement of flowers in the beds along the walkway, and a plot of lavender that swayed in the gentle breeze. This was so different than the city, the hustling and bustling of people, car horns and loud radios. The sunshine, the clean fresh scents, the bright sky that seemed, well, brighter here. The flowers perfumed the air, calming her.

She continued to walk and didn’t realize she’d approached the back of the main house until she heard the splashing of water. A man dressed in a T-shirt and shorts stood along the flowers holding a hose. He stopped and took a step backward, but not before he lifted his head and saw her. He was a short, stocky man with dark hair peppered with silver, and a thick mustache. “Hello there, madam.” He smiled.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude. I got to walking along the rows of flowers and I lost my way.” She took another step back.

“Don’t be silly. It appears we’re both enjoying the beautiful afternoon and a man can never complain when he has the company of such a beautiful young woman.”

“Then I’m not disturbing you?”

“Not at all.” He waved a hand through the air as if he could flick away her words.

“I’m Ash Knight. My husband and I are staying in the guest house. Mr. Knight is talking business on the phone and I’m keeping myself occupied with this amazing property.”

The man’s smile grew wider. “I’m Roe.” He laid the hose aside. “It’s an enjoyment to work out here on a sunny afternoon. Have you walked down by the water yet?”

“Not close enough.”

“Then by all means, will you humor an old man and walk with me? I was just heading there myself.”

She had no clue who this man was, but there wasn’t any part of her that warned her to say no. In fact, she thought she’d very much enjoy his company for a walk. “I’d like that.”

He held out his elbow and she tucked her fingers in the curve. He led the way down a beaten path of grass passed the amazing rows of fruit filled trees.

“Does the fruit grow this well every year?” she asked, admiring the plumpness of the peaches.

“Yes. I have a green thumb, fortunately.”

“You most certainly do.”

As they reached the edge of the water he led her to a bench that sat under the shade of a massive, ancient tree. She was grateful to take a seat to enjoy nature a bit longer. He sat at the other end of the bench. “This isn’t like the city. I find myself needing to be one with nature, to rejuvenate. I was never much of a city man.”

“I’ve lived in the city all of my life.”

His gaze narrowed. “Ahh, but please tell me you’ve had the pleasure of visiting such areas like this to refresh yourself.”

She shrugged. “I’m afraid not. Work keeps me busy.”

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