Page 55 of Conail

"Conail, this is my husband Clive." She gestured to the suspicious man, giving him a look of reproach, before turning to Madeline. "And this is my son's fiancée. We were just celebrating the good news. They're getting married February fourteenth."

His brows lifted at that and he wondered if people still put stock in the day.

"Congratulations," he murmured to the striking looking woman cuddled next to the man who had not risen since he came into the room. "I wondered if you would like to take a ride with me?" He turned to ask Yasmine.

Before she could answer, Maeve was ushering her out of the room to go and change into something warm.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"No," he shook his head.

"You might as well sit." Clive told him grudgingly. The man looked like he was about to bolt. For someone so rich, he did not look at all comfortable. Or maybe it was their very plain farmhouse that was making him so antsy. He wanted to demand some answers from him but was afraid Maeve, who seemed to be all smiles, would hush him up.

"Thank you."

"At least have some of the champagne." Maeve urged.

"It's not your usual style, but I'm sure you can endure a sip or two." Clive drawled and earned a poke in the ribs from Maddy and a look of reproach from his mother.

Christ! As long as a guy has a somewhat halfway decent look, women tend to make fools of themselves, he thought in disgust.

"It's a rather decent brand." Conail sent him a challenging look as he sipped champagne, wishing with all his heart that he had stayed home or gone golfing with the friends who had called. Hewas just finishing the drink when Yasmine came back into the room and everyone else faded from his mind. She had changed into a soft blue clingy wool that molded her bulge. And she was wearing knee-high boots.

He could not wait to get her alone.

Unaware that the occupants in the room had seen his reaction, he crossed to her and helped her on with her jacket.

"Thanks for the champagne," he offered politely as he took her hand and led her from the room.

"My God," Maddy whispered into the silence.

"What?" Colin turned to stare at her with a frown.

"He's in love with her."

"He's not."

"I am happy I was not the only one to notice it." Maeve had a smile curving her lips.

"Why do you think he is?" Colin demanded.

"Men." Shaking her head, Maddy slid from the chair. "Maeve, why don't I help you out in the kitchen and discuss what kind of cake you'll be making?"

"Excellent idea." She beamed at the girl and led the way.

*****

Her scent assailed his nostrils and filled the vehicle. They made the journey in silence, and he was happy she had not asked where they were going. It was an impulse drive. One minute he was sitting at his desk, wading through legal documents withnothing registering and the next, he was getting dressed and heading out. Until he found himself heading in the direction of the farmhouse.

He kept glancing at her, taking in the way she had her hands covering her belly as if trying to protect the babe from danger. A jolt went through his system and left him weak.

Yasmine had her eyes closed, but she was not sleeping. Her thoughts were riotous as she found herself wondering what this meant. He had come after her again. She did not dare to put a name to it. He might just want sex. And if that's all, what was she supposed to do about it?

Her eyes flickered open when the vehicle came to a stop in front of a very modern brick and glass standalone apartment with a curving driveway and snow glinting off palm trees.

"It's my home."

"I see."

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