Page 66 of Harry

Hesitating briefly, he looked over at Janelle to find her engrossed in conversation with Ian. Shrugging carelessly, he smiled at the woman and led her from the room.

Janelle knew the exact time they left the room together and felt her heart plummeting. Ian had further hinted that Gayla and Harry had been childhood sweethearts. “They were as thick as thieves when they were younger. We thought they would end up with each other. But I suppose it was not meant to be.”

The woman was beautiful. That kind of red hair did not come from a bottle and her skin was white and creamy. She was perfect. And they had gone somewhere to be alone.

She felt as if the weight of the world was crushing her shoulders and wanted nothing more than to go somewhere she could be alone. Ian said something to her, and she forced herself to turn her attention to him.

*****

“You’re not married.”

“No, but from what I hear, you have done the deed twice already.” He said teasingly.

They had finished most of the rooms and were in the library where she insisted on having a drink. He knew he should get back to Janelle, but he was damned if he was going to go running just to soothe her feelings.

She had nothing to be jealous about and he had proven that to her over and over again. Gayla was an old friend- well, she was a little more than that, but that had been years ago.

“Oh Bobby!” She sighed as she took the glass of scotch and touched his arm. “Why didn’t we get married?”

He had poured himself a glass as well and took a sip. “We were children.”

“We were in love.”

He laughed at that. “No, we weren’t. We were dazzled with each other, and we engaged in some heavy petting.”

“We went all the way one summer,” she reminded him with a pout.

“And it was lovely.” He touched her cheek in return. “But it was over a long time ago.”

“Do you love her?”

He took another sip and eyed her over the rim. “I do.”

“Or are you with her because she is pregnant?”

“No. It’s the real thing.”

Gayla sighed and wandered over the heavy rug next to the window. “I came here hoping to start things up between us.” She turned to face him. “You have been on my mind recently.”

“Looking for husband number three?” He asked with raised brows.

“That’s a rotten thing to say. Oh, why didn’t you come back to Ireland?”

“Because it’s not my home.”

“I think I still love you.”

Harry laughed, genuinely amused by her. At one point he had fancied himself attracted and enchanted by her.

She had always been beautiful and tended to flit around like a butterfly who refused to settle. But he could never be in love with someone like her. Her feelings were too close to the surface. “I seriously doubt that. And besides it’s too late now. I am in love with Janelle, utterly and irrevocably.”

*****

“Let me get Harry.”

“No.” Janelle shook her head. “I’m just tired and want to lie down.”

“At least go into one of the rooms, we have more than enough. And besides, it’s cold. My dear you should not be out in this weather.” Madelyn was beside herself. Janelle had left her seat a few minutes ago and declared that she wanted to call it a night.

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