Page 76 of Love and Loathing

“I didn’t know there was a garden there,” he said. “I had nothing to do with Bluedeen or the sites they selected. I wasn’t involved on that level at all. I advised Domnall on a particular strategy that involved property. That was the beginning and end of my involvement in it.”

“I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”

“I don’t.” He met her doubtful look. “I know you think I should be wracked with guilt, but I’m not. I gave my client a sound strategy, which is what I was paid to do. This is why I refused to apologise, Evie. It was my professional duty. I don’t sit at my office plotting out ways to make people cry. If I did, then, yes, you would be right to be angry with me.”

“But surely you care… Now you’ve seen it… You can imagine what it was like, how it’s going to be…”

“No. I only care that you were sad, and now you’re happy. I’m sorry if that makes me a monster.”

He got up from the table, far angrier than he’d realised. He took his plate to the kitchen, dropped it in the sink with a crash, stood there, gripping the edge of the counter, breathing slowly. Why did he care so much what she thought? Stupid question. He knew why.

She came to stand by him, put a hand on his back. He tensed at the touch.

“I care about people,” he said. “Not many of them. My family. Friends. I care about them the way you care about places and animals. I’d do anything for them. But I can’t pretend to be anything more than that. If that’s not enough for you…”

His voice broke off, and he let out a long breath. Steeling himself, he turned to meet her eye, sure he’d find the answer there—apology, sorrow.It’s not enough… This can’t work…

But he found her smiling slightly, perplexed.

“I think…” she said. “I think I’m in love with you.”

He went completely still—everything except his heart.

She laughed slightly, still seeming confused. “It’s the only thing that explains it. Love isn’t rational. And this isn’t rational. I’m obsessed with a man who probably can’t tell the difference between an apple tree and an oak.”

“I said I don’t care, not that I’m stupid.”

She laughed again. “You know what I mean.”

He searched her face, heartbeat ringing in his ears. “Is it true?”

“I think so?”

“Youthinkso? Jesus Christ, Evie!” He dragged a hand down his face. “Are you trying to kill me?”

She grinned. “Not anymore.”

“Youthinkso,” he muttered. “You bloodythinkso.”

“Well?” she said.

“Well, what?”

“Aren’t you meant to say it back? I’m feeling out on a limb here.”

“Maybe you justthinkyou’re on a limb.”

She laughed, stepping closer to him, hand coming up to his cheek. “You’re not going to let me forget that one, are you?”

“No, I’m bloody well not.”

“But Aubrey…do you?”

“Of course I fucking love you, Evie.”

Her eyes opened wide, colour flooding her face. “You do?”

“Like a madman.”

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