Page 26 of Declan
“Thanks,” he replied. “It took me ages to find exactly what I wanted.”
“What’s in the loft?”
“It’s a small space I use if I want to read. It has a few bookshelves and a nice comfortable chair. The way to it is a loft ladder.” He nodded to a ladder leaning against an open part of the railing.
“How long have you lived here?”
“Five years. I started out in a smaller place, only ten acres, and I wanted more land so my horses could roam.”
She nodded, her eyes tracing the woods beyond the windows and a sparkling swimming pool framed by flagstones. “It’s so pretty.”
She drifted toward the glass doors and peered out. The pool water shimmered like liquid crystal. “Do you use the pool a lot in the summer?”
He grinned. “All year long. It’s heated.”
“Of course, it is” she murmured.
“What?”
“Nothing. It must feel wonderful after a hot day.”
“Or a cold one.” He took her hand. “Come sit.”
They settled onto a cream-colored sofa arranged around a low coffee table. Declan leaned back, studying her face. His gaze was steady, warm. “Elise, I like you. But if you’re still seeing Johnston—”
She shook her head, lips pressing together. “I’m not. Twice was enough punishment. There’s… something about him.” She exhaled as if releasing a burden.
“Oh, there’s something about him, all right,” Declan muttered.
“Tell me.”
He hesitated, then shook his head. “Not now. I want to get to know you better first.”
“I’d like that.” She paused, brow furrowing. “Who was the woman you were with at The Hartland?”
“Denise,” he said.
“Are you dating her? You asked about Stephen.”
He shrugged, lips quirking. “We go out now and then. It’s casual.”
Elise studied him. “For sex, you mean?”
“Sometimes. It’s not serious. She’s not interested in a relationship with me any more than I am with her.”
“You don’t want a relationship?” Her heart skipped a beat.
“Not with her.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, oh.” He grinned. “I’d like to take you to dinner.”
Elise returned his smile. “I’d love that. Though I thought we were going to the diner before you take me home.”
Declan chuckled. “That’s true. How about The Hartland, one evening?”
“I love that place. Only been twice, but the food is mouthwatering.”
