Page 56 of Solid Ground

“How did Annabelle get in?” There’s no point in beating around the bush.

At least he has the decency to look sheepish. “I gave her a key. It’s completely my fault.”

I set my jaw. “What on earth did she tell you to convince you to do that?”

He looks at the floor.

“What did she promise you?”

Charlie’s been a part of my life for years. Once I bought this place, I needed a groundskeeper who could maintain it—any effort on my part would have been a token gesture, and there’s far too much garden for me to deal with it.

“She said you’d given her permission to stay—told me the man she was with had been stalking her and she needed somewhere safe.”

I sigh. “You didn’t call me.”

“What can I say? I’m a soft touch.”

I don’t have the heart to let him go. And I get it. The only wife he ever knew me with was Annabelle, even though she never lived in this house. He’s an older man she’s taken advantage of.

“No one stays here unless I bring them.”

He nods. “I’m sorry, Declan. Maybe I’m getting too old in the tooth for this. I only did it because I knew she used to be your wife.”

“We’ve been divorced for five years. She’s not my problem anymore.” I grasp his shoulder. “Don’t let one bad judgment put you off. You know how much I value the way you look after this estate.”

He rises his gaze to meet mine. “How long are you staying this time?”

I grin. “Not long. I’m just here for a premiere. I’ll bring my lady out to meet you at some point. We’ll be staying for a few days.”

“I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks. I’m going to head back in, but please, Charlie. No one gets access to this house unless it’s me or my lady.”

He gives me a nod, and I walk back inside. Zoe looks up from her spot on the couch and smiles. “Everything okay?”

“It will be in a minute.”

Her brows knit, but I sit beside her and pull her toward me, kissing her with every bit of passion I can muster. She laughs against my lips before I deepen the kiss.

When I let her up for air, I hold her close, and she laughs softly.

I run my hand over her head. “Now everything’s right with the world.”

She sighs contentedlywhen she climbs into my big, comfortable bed.

“Your ex didn’t sleep in here, did she?”

I shake my head. “No, she slept down the hall. The room’s a mess. My housekeeper will sort it tomorrow.”

She laughs. “Housekeeper. Groundskeeper. Assistant. It’s like a foreign language.”

“I’ve never gone too crazy. I like doing things for myself.”

Zoe snuggles down under the covers. “Come here and show me.”

After sliding into bed, I spoon my naked body behind hers, placing my hand on her swollen belly.

“Declan?” Zoe lets out a yawn.

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