Page 21 of Believing in a Billionaire
She offered a soft laugh. “It’s not, but…”
“But?”
“It’s nothing,” she assured him. “Why don’t we get some sleep?”
“Julia,” he said as he leaned forward again, “you spent two years keeping your personal life hidden from me. I didn’t want you to do it then, and I definitely don’t want you to do it now.”
“It’s not that important, and it’s handled. You’ve had a long day. You’re tired.”
“And I’m still your husband, and I want to know. Now, what happened?”
She settled back in her chair with a sigh. “Sierra and Kyle weren’t very pleased about our houseguest.”
Grant groaned as he let his head smack into the chair behind him, letting his eyes slide closed. He imagined the scene that had ensued. He’d have to have a conversation with both of them about giving Julia a hard time. He heaved a deep sigh, adding it to his problem list. “I’m sorry. I’ll talk to them.”
Julia eyed him as she traced the rim of her glass. “No, I handled it. It’s okay–”
“No, it’s not,” he said as he leapt from his seat and stalked to the mantel, his voice sharper than he’d intended. The stress of the day coupled with his children’s bad behavior frayed his already damaged nerves.
She remained silent as he stared into the flames until a hand wrapped around his shoulder. He slid his eyes closed as he reached for her, interlacing his fingers through hers. He didn’t want to face her, afraid he’d burden her with all of his day’s issues.
“Grant,” she said, her voice soft.
He couldn’t resist turning to face her and pulling her closer. “I’m sorry–”
“Don’t apologize. But you don’t need to talk to Sierra or Kyle. It’s handled. I am capable of solving problems, you know?” she said with a coy smile.
“I know, but I don’t want you to solve them. I just want you to be happy.”
She squeezed his shoulders. “I’m fine.”
He pulled her into a hug again, appreciating her warmth and the gentle comfort her presence offered. At least one of them was fine. As he leaned back, he said, “At least tell me Alicia took the news about our marriage better than I’m thinking she did.”
“What are you thinking?” Julia asked.
“An epic meltdown in which she handcuffed you and tried to drag you straight back to Harbor Cove.”
Julia grinned at him. “Well, then I’m happy to tell you it’s better than what you were thinking.”
“Well, at least one thing’s gone right,” Grant said with a sigh.
The smile slipped from her face, replaced with concern. “Are you sure everything’s okay?”
He pulled back from her, staring down into his bourbon. “Yeah, just…a long, long day.”
She rubbed his arm as he downed the last of his drink.
“I just need some sleep.”
“You sure there’s nothing you want to talk about? I’m a good listener.”
“I know you are,” he said with a smile. “But I promise, everything is fine. I’m just tired.”
“Okay, let’s get some sleep.”
He set his glass on the table as he followed her from the room, hating that he’d spent their first day as a couple buried in work at the office. He wondered if Alicia had told her what a terrible husband he was, leaving her for the entire day when he’d promised her a weekend away.
He’d find out tomorrow. He planned to spend the entire day with Julia, leaving all the troubles still brewing at Harrington Global far away.
