Читать книгу The Billionaire's Defiant Wife - AMANDA BROWNING, Amanda Browning - Страница 8

CHAPTER THREE

IN AN effort to do that very thing, Aimi quickly finished her breakfast, then went indoors to find the library. It was a wonderful room, full of shelves of leather-bound books that called to her. For the next few hours she happily browsed, making notes of the books she wanted to dip into for the information Nick required. Finding a diary written by Nick’s great-grandfather, she took it to a chair where she tucked her feet up under her and was soon lost in another world.

Nick found her there much later. ‘There you are!’ he exclaimed as he entered the room, and Aimi looked up in surprise. She had been so lost in the writing she hadn’t heard anything.

‘Did you want me?’ she asked, hastily sitting up, swinging her legs down and slipping her feet back into her shoes.

‘Yes, the rest of the family have arrived. We’ll be eating soon,’ he told her as she stood up, and Aimi’s heart sank.

‘Honestly, Nick, your family don’t want a stranger in their midst. I’ll be much more use to you here.’

‘The books can wait,’ he said, removing the diary from her fingers and setting it down on a table. ‘I want you to have some fun this weekend, too.’

He would not be gainsaid and, without further protest, Aimi allowed herself to be ushered out of the house and into the garden. The barbecue had been set up by the pool, and that was where the family had congregated. Nick introduced Aimi to the various groups around the tables. Everyone made her feel welcome and were genuinely fascinated about the book she was helping Nick to research. In a very short time, Aimi was able to relax and, instead of going through the motions of acting as if she were enjoying herself, was actually doing that very thing. She said as much to Nick when they had a brief moment to themselves.

‘My family are good people. I’m glad they’ve made you feel comfortable.’

Aimi glanced around her, seeing the large group of laughing, happy people through new eyes. It had taken a long time, but today she was discovering that she could actually enjoy herself without feeling guilty. The sky hadn’t fallen in, nor the world come to an end. She didn’t know why today had proved to be different from all the other days, but for the first time in aeons she had been able to put her burden aside for a few hours and simply live for the moment.

‘Thank you for insisting I join you,’ she responded with a smile, and Nick gave a tiny bow.

‘You’re very welcome, I’m sure,’ he quipped and, as they moved on, Aimi’s heart felt that tiniest bit lighter. Of course it wouldn’t last. Later, reality would return, but for now she accepted this strange new sense of freedom without question.

It was while they were chatting to one of his cousins that Nick’s beeper sounded. Though it was his weekend off, as a specialist surgeon he was often on call for emergencies.

‘It’s the hospital,’ Nick informed her, recognising the number of the caller. ‘I’d better take it inside. I won’t be long.’ He gave her a rueful look before striding away.

Aimi remained where she was, chatting until the conversation turned to a subject she knew nothing about, and then her attention wandered. She was watching the antics of two of the children when a movement drew her gaze. Her heart skipped a beat when she realised she was looking at Jonas, who was strolling along talking to a much older man.

She knew she ought not to look, but somehow she just couldn’t tear her eyes away. He appeared totally at ease, laughing at something the other man said, and the sheer pleasure on his face made her catch her breath.

‘That’s Great-Uncle Jack,’ one of the women at the table said, almost making Aimi jump. She looked round immediately.

‘Sorry?’

‘With Jonas. He used to be a sailor, and has loads of old yarns about his adventures. The children love him,’ the woman explained with a friendly smile.

‘Ah, yes,’ Aimi murmured faintly, deeply relieved the woman had mistaken the source of her interest. ‘I don’t think I’ve met him yet.’

‘Then you’re in for a treat. Look, we’re going to get something to eat. Are you coming?’ the woman invited, but Aimi shook her head.

‘I’ll wait for Nick. He shouldn’t be too much longer.’

The others wandered off to join the mêlée for food, leaving Aimi alone for the moment. Of course, she immediately looked for Jonas where she had last seen him, but the two men were no longer there. No amount of searching brought him into her view again, and her heart sank. That was when she asked herself just what she thought she was doing. Had she gone completely insane? This won’t do, Aimi. It really won’t do, she castigated herself.

She stood up, deciding to go and join the queue after all. Anything to take her mind off the wretched man. Yet, as she turned, she found herself looking straight at him over a sea of seated people. Before she could move, and as if he could feel her eyes on him, Jonas glanced round. Their eyes locked and once more the intensity of the connection staggered her. This time, though, there was an added extra. It was a physical pull which silently urged her to close the distance between them. That blue gaze seemed to be saying, I know where you want to be, and all you have to do is come to me. Her lips parted on a sharply indrawn breath, and she saw the upward curve of his lips as he smiled faintly.