Page 39 of At His Wife's Behest

The taxi disappeared from sight, and Connor walked back to finish his packing, his heart heavy. Instead of packing, he sat on the edge of the bed, lost.

Let it go? Easier said than done.

When Kellan’s jet arrived home, Emma and Abigail waited on the tarmac, standing just outside the same black vehicle that had dropped him off a week ago. A week? It had felt longer, yet at the same time like the blink of an eye. As soon as he climbed down the steps, Abigail raced closer and jumped into his arms. He hugged her little body close to him. “I missed these hugs so much!”

“Hugs?” Abigail asked, smiling broadly. “Didn’t you missme,Daddy?”

“Well, of course.” Kellan glanced at Emma, holding Abigail against one hip. “I appreciate the welcome wagon.”

“I knew it was hard for you to be away from Abby. I figured I’d end your suffering as soon as possible.”

“You’re a gem.”

“Let’s go home,” Abigail yelled. “It’s hot.” She eyed him, swiping the back of her hand over her forehead. “Wanna go swimming when we get home? I can show you what I learned.”

“Sure thing,” Kellan said, walking toward the SUV. Emma entered first, and he helped Abigail inside before sliding in himself.

Once Abigail was in her booster seat between them, Emma looked past her. He felt her gaze burning into him. He ignored it. He wasn’t about to share details of his trip in front of their daughter—at least not the more colorful ones. Plus, he didn’t want to slip up and have Abigail overhear that he’d had a houseguest and ask more questions he couldn’t answer.

If he was honest, Connor had been much more than a houseguest. Not for the first time that day, his mind slipped back to Italy and the man who’d changed him.

Yet I’m going back to being the same old, boring asshole.

Abigail chattered about the best parts of her week, and he forced thoughts of Connor from his mind, focusing on her. He was more than happy to sit back and listen. Hearing her tales allowed him some peace. Once home, he showered and changed into a pair of swim trunks and a tee. Exhausted, he could only imagine sliding into bed and sleeping for a couple of days, but he’d promised Abigail they’d swim.

Before he could leave his bedroom, Emma sauntered in. “So?Howwas it?”

“It was nice.” He forced a smile.

She cocked her head to the side, narrowing her eyes. “Did you enjoy yourself?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you enjoyhim?”

Kellan smiled involuntarily, but it quickly faded.

“You lookmiserable.”She moved closer, tipping his face in her direction. “What happened? Did he hurt you?”

“No. Nothing like that.”

Emma frowned. “So, why does your face look like that?”

Kellan opened his mouth, but no words would come out. After a few seconds of silence, he shrugged.

“What is it, Kel?”

Kellan avoided her gaze. “It was… lovely there. I miss Italy.”

Emma snatched his chin and forced him to face her. “Did youfallfor him?”

“Absurd,”he balked.

She held his gaze, her eagle eyes taking in too much. “You’re a terrible liar. Did you know that?”

He pulled from her grip. “I’m not lying. He was a nice guy, and we had a nice time… and now it’s back to the real world.”

“I call bullshit,” Emma said. “I know you too well.”

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