Page 37 of Reunited By the Greek's Baby

She had to trust him more and put aside her wariness.

‘I was thinking about how I took to knitting as a kid. I made woollen scarves for everyone I knew.’ Someone had donated a lot of wool so she had plenty to work with. ‘By the time I was in my teens I was making hats, scarves and other things to sell at a neighbourhood market. Earning my own money was a great incentive.’

‘You don’t knit for yourself?’

‘Sometimes. But there’s a good market for quality handmade pieces. I take orders from people who want something unique for themselves or as a special gift. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme because of the work involved. But I find it soothing and any money is welcome when you’re a student.’

Not that she was a student now. The reminder dragged the smile off her face.

Theo didn’t seem to notice. ‘You have a lot in common with my mother.’

‘Sorry? How?’

‘For a start, she knitted this for me.’

He sat straighter as if to show off the fine work. His patent pride dissolved the restriction she’d placed around her heart. It was sweet that he felt that way about his mother.

Excitement stirred. That’s what she hoped for with her child. She hugged the precious idea close.

‘Your mother’s very talented. I wouldn’t mind the pattern.’

‘You can ask for it when you see her. She’ll be back in Athens soon.’ Before Isla could wonder about the possibility of meeting Theo’s mother, he went on. ‘When I was a kid she knitted my pullovers and sewed my clothes. Every night I’d go to sleep to the sound of her knitting needles clacking. Like you, she made extra money making clothes for other people.’

Isla sat back, stunned, not by the fact his mother had made money that way but by the sudden connection she felt to a woman she’d never met. She too had known hardship, far more than Isla. At least Isla had always had a roof over her head.

Both of them had a soft spot for this man. In his mother’s case it was inevitable. In Isla’s it was a weakness, yet tonight she couldn’t find the determination to thrust him away. The knowledge settled in her with something that felt strangely like relief.

‘She’ll enjoy meeting you, I know.’

‘She knows about me?’

Theo shook his head. ‘Not yet. I thought you needed time to rest and acclimatise.’ He paused, holding her gaze and when he spoke it was in a deep voice that sounded sincere. ‘I didn’t want to push you into meeting her too soon. I know I’ve asked a lot of you, Isla. I know this isn’t easy.’

He moved closer and the warmth of his gaze melted another layer of her defences. Soon she’d have none left against him.

She’d done nothing but think about him, yearn for him, even dream about him, since he’d walked back into her life. She’d clung to anger as a defence mechanism but lately, seeing Theo not as an enemy but as someone considerate and patient, it had stopped working. Keeping her distance was increasingly difficult.

‘I’m glad you’re here, Isla.’

The sincerity in his voice and the look in his gilded eyes reminded her of the intimacies they’d shared. Intimacies she missed so much.

‘I’m only here because I’m pregnant. You wouldn’t have come after me if not for that.’

Theo didn’t respond immediately and she saw something in his expression she didn’t understand. A hint of strong emotion. Then he seemed to stiffen, his features setting in hard planes as he lifted his shoulders. ‘I was needed here. That had to be my priority.’ He paused. ‘Would you rather I lied about that?’

‘No!’ Isla surveyed him, astonished to discover his frankness brought a sense of freedom, though once her bruised ego would have protested his words. She’d rather have brutal truth than deceive herself with lies. ‘I only want honesty. I don’t want anything else from you.’

‘Nothing at all?’

She was about to reiterate that she wasn’t interested in wealth or power when his hand covered hers on the table.

Instantly familiar sensations bombarded her. Not merely the warmth and sense of rightness in his touch. But that trembling, eager feeling deep inside.

Of course she wanted more.

Theo Karalis had feet of clay. He wasn’t the ideal man she dreamed about. But she wanted him with an abiding need nothing could obliterate. Not disillusionment nor pride nor willpower.

Isla huffed a silent laugh that felt like a groan.

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