Page 59 of Declan
“You sounded different there for a second.”
Elise sighed. “I need to talk to you.”
“About?”
“The other day when you walked me back to the studio after lunch, Stephen came in.”
“I thought you told him to stay out?” Declan clenched his jaw.
“I did but it was cold and he was only there to pick up Jenny.”
“But?”
“He made some accusations about you. He said you were only seeing me because I had gone out with him. It was payback because he took Dawn from you.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“He said one day he went home early and saw you leaving and she was in her robe, so you were having an affair.”
Declan frowned. “She was in a robe?”
“That’s what he said. He told me he asked her why you were there, and she said you fixed a busted pipe for her.”
“And you don’t believe that?”
“Of course, I do. I’m just telling you how he’s trying to ruin this between us.”
“I was there to fix a pipe, but I sure as hell don’t remember Dawn being in a robe, and even if she had been, I never would have touched her. For God’s sake, Elise, I wouldn’t go out with you until I knew for sure you weren’t seeing Johnston anymore.”
“I know. Declan, I don’t doubt you. I know how he is. I just wanted to tell you, not accuse you.” She cupped his cheeks in her hands.
“I hope so. I’m not the type of man to go after another man’s woman. No matter how attractive she is, or if I was involved with her before.”
“I believe you. I do. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
“No, I’m glad you did. At least now I know what he’s capable of.”
“He’s just trying to rattle me and it’s not going to work. I want you. No one else.”
“Okay, good, that’s how I feel about you. I meant to ask you if you’d like to go to a wedding with me? A good friend of mine is getting married in December, and I’m invited. I can bring a guest.”
“I’d love to go. I love weddings. I’ve never been to a wedding in December.”
“Nate said it’s what Markie has always wanted.”
“Well, I am anxious to go now.” She kissed his lips.
“Once we warm up, we’ll head back in a couple of hours. I don’t want to be out in the dark,” he planned, glancing at the fading light outside.
Elise walked over to the window, her breath misting the glass as she peered out. “The sky is dark now. Maybe we should go.”
Declan opened the door to see snow cascading down thickly, the sky dark gray. He quickly shut the door, extinguished the fire, and they bundled up in their coats, gloves, scarves, and helmets. Stepping outside, they climbed onto the snowmobile.
“I was hoping we could spend some more time here,” Declan said.
“Another time. This snow is really getting thicker,” Elise replied, her voice slightly muffled by the helmet.
“Yeah, we’d better go.” Declan looked over his shoulder at the dog. “Tank, stay close. Let’s go.”
