Baby Of Fortune. Shirley Rogers

her. He’d humbly apologized and sworn it wouldn’t happen again. It was such an overreaction that it had caused her concern.

      After that day, she’d never had to ask him to pick up behind himself again or even had to remind him to wash out the sink after he shaved. She’d always thought that was a little strange, and she’d broached the subject with him once, but he wouldn’t talk about it.

      “I’ve been traveling a lot lately.”

      His words broke into her thoughts, and he seemed amused by her curiosity. Heather gave him a small smile. “I see.”

      “Besides the trips to Texas, I’ve been out of town a lot for the company.” Putting his hand behind her back, Justin led her toward a door across the room. “Would you like a drink before dinner?”

      “Dinner?” she repeated, then flashed him a confused look.

      “I was hoping you hadn’t eaten,” he told her, ushering her into a large formal dining room. “Have you?”

      “No…no, I haven’t,” she stammered.

      He grinned. “Great! I wanted to surprise you.”

      He’d certainly done that, she thought as she walked inside and examined the room. There was an ornate cherry-wood china cabinet and a matching oval table that could comfortably seat twelve people. Two single candles in crystal heart-shaped bases added atmosphere to what she thought was probably normally an austere room. The table had been set for two, with one place setting at the end and the other to the left.

      Touching a switch on the wall, Justin lowered the lights a fraction, adding a touch of ambience. “Here, sit down,” he invited, leading her to the side of the table and holding her chair.

      Like a robot programmed to follow orders, Heather slid onto a softly padded chair. A single red rose rested across the plate in front of her.

      Justin touched her shoulder, then slid his hand with familiar ease to her neck. He leaned over and whispered near her ear, “I’ll be right back.” Then, before moving away, he murmured, “You smell wonderful.”

      Heather shivered as he left her. She felt like a bug caught in a spider’s web, a tiny little bug facing a really big spider. Apprehension warred with excitement inside her. He’d certainly gone to a lot of trouble for her, and despite her resolve to remain aloof, it touched a tender spot in her heart. This was a side of him she wasn’t used to. It made her wonder what else about him had changed.

      Fingering the soft petals of the rose, she pondered its intent. Justin had never been what one would call romantic. Though he’d always acknowledged her birthday and their anniversary with gifts, Heather had never felt that he’d put much thought into them. They were never overly personal, and actually, she’d wondered if he’d had his secretary choose them.

      Picking up the rose, she breathed in its sweet, floral scent. Justin knew she loved roses, and he’d occasionally brought a dozen home to her. Red roses were her favorite. She trailed the soft, velvet-like petals across her cheek.

      Closing her eyes, she remembered the first time he’d given her roses. It had been the night he’d asked her to marry him. From the moment she’d met him, she’d never looked at another man. She’d been thrilled when he proposed.

      Now he was proposing something totally different.

      The door to the kitchen opened, and heat rushed to her face. She swung her head around in time to see him stop beside her and place two silver covered dishes and a basket of bread on the table. Not wanting him to wonder what suddenly had her hot all over, she quipped, “You cooked?” The truth was, they both knew he’d burn water if it was possible.

      That brought a quick smile to his lips. “Smart aleck.” His expression was teasing as he lifted the lids and the aroma of garlic and tomato sauce filled the room.

      They both laughed, and Heather enjoyed hearing the rich, cheerful sound of his voice. How long had it been since they’d share such a moment? She stared at him, all kinds of raw emotions wreaking havoc inside her.

      Life just didn’t play fair. When they’d married, she’d thought they’d be happy forever. She supposed that was silly, but it was what she’d longed for, wanted to believe in, despite her father’s desertion. It had taken a lot of courage to trust Justin with her heart. What had happened to the love they’d once shared? Where had they failed?

      The shared moment died, and as her eyes watered, she looked away.

      Justin’s lips flattened into a thin line. “What?” he asked as he took his seat. He reached over and touched her hand.

      “Nothing.”

      “Heather—”

      She reluctantly turned her gaze to his, her eyes glistening.

      “I don’t want to hurt you.”

      “I think I know that,” she said, then continued rather solemnly, “in my head. My heart is quite another matter. Sometimes whether we want to or not, we do hurt each other.” She stopped speaking to take a breath, to will herself to get control. “I don’t know if I can do this again,” she admitted truthfully.

      “Give us a chance. That’s all I’m asking.”

      She couldn’t look at him. “You make it sound so simple, so easy. But it isn’t.”

      Justin let go of her hand and sat back. He breathed heavily. “I don’t know what you think, but this past year hasn’t been easy for me, either.”