Page 32 of Leon

Waiting until their basket of freshly baked bread was placed in front of them, she commented, "What is it, darling?"

"Nothing." He forced a smile and reached for a roll. Breaking it in two, he handed her a piece. "I want children."

"Of course you do."

"I want to start a family. I've wanted that since I met her." He smiled slightly.

"And that's not what she wants?"

"She does." He nodded. "I've been using protection because she insisted on it." He put aside the roll and took up the glass of water to take a sip. "The need has become even more intense."

"Have you mentioned it to her?"

"No." He shrugged. "I promised that I would wait until the time is right."

"Darling," she broke off as her phone rang. Plucking it from her pocket, she stared at the screen. "I'm sorry, I have to take this."

"Go ahead."

Pushing back the chair, she made her way over to the corner, where a potted palm provided privacy. He was about to make a phone call when a shadow fell over the table and had him looking up.

A surprised smile touched his lips as he saw who was standing there.

Pushing back the chair, he greeted the woman with a warm hug. "As I live and breathe. Constance Merrick. What on earth are you doing here?"

The stunning brunette kissed him full on the mouth and kept her arms around him. "I've been in town for three days and was about to storm your office." Her blue eyes danced merrily as she stared at him. "Leon Whitlock, is it my imagination, or have you grown even better looking since we last saw each other?"

"I think it's a trick of the light." He grinned at her and turned as his sister came back to the table. "Constance, you remember my sister, Lisa?"

"Of course." Keeping one hand on his arm, she held out the other to be shaken.

"The famous opera singer. I'm a huge fan," Lisa shook her hand briefly.

"Always enjoy hearing that. As I recall, you're some sort of doctor, aren't you?"

"Something like that." Lisa did not take offence at the woman's careless dismissal of her career but found it very amusing. Turning to her brother, she continued, "That was the hospital. An emergency with a patient. I've asked them to package my lunch to go. Sorry, darling."

"Duty calls." Easing away from the woman clinging to his arm, he wrapped his arms around his sister and kissed her cheek. "Call me later."

"Will do." With a wave, she walked away.

"I disturbed your lunch. And since I am here and your sister has deserted you, why don't I keep you company, and you can tell me all you've been up to for the past three years."

"Three?" He lifted a brow as he pulled out the chair for her. Signaling to the waiter, he placed another order. "That long?"

"Absolutely. And please begin by telling me that you're still single."

He jolted at the blunt statement and had no idea how to answer. "It's complicated," he finally responded.

Picking up his glass of water, she took a delicate sip, one tapered brow lifting.

"I'm afraid you're going to have to explain that to me." One delicate hand with the talon red nails settled over his. "I've never been much for riddles."

Forcing a smile, he pulled his hand away from hers. It just occurred to him where they were and that reporters were always lurking around for a story. "I'm afraid you're going to have to be content with that much. Now tell me what's been happening with you."

On the drive to the office, he allowed the bad attitude to take full rein. Several times Constance had circled back to the topic of his 'availability,' and those times he had to skirt around the topic. It did not help one bit that they had been lovers several years ago and that they had remained friends. That he had once contemplated taking it further, until her career had gotten in the way.

She was a beautiful and ambitious woman and had made something of herself. Her incredible talent had catapulted her to instant stardom, but it was her determination and drive that had kept her there when much younger women had popped up on the scene. He liked her. She had grit and style and was unapologetically frank.

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