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And peruse he did.
Yet not with his normal control, but with the focus of a predator. Inch by inch, limb by limb, he studied every last detail. His nostrils flared, betraying his perfect discipline, and the truth he couldn’t hide. She affected him as much as he affected her.
Laura shook her head, as if the physical action could slay traitorous thoughts. This moment would define everything. Would he confront her with the truth, that he was the father of a little girl tucked in bed not ten minutes away? Would he demand his child, her family? Would he steal her every choice? There was only one way to find out. “Why are you here?”
Aidan smiled, and as earlier, it transformed him and relaxed her. Why, she didn't know… perhaps it had to do with his resemblance to Jeanie. Perhaps it was something else entirely.
“You don’t waste any time, do you?” he asked smoothly. “No ‘How are you, how is everything, thank you for this exciting opportunity?’” In stark contrast to the harshness of earlier, his voice was softer, lighter. And suddenly, relief brought the world back into focus. He didn't know about his daughter. His tone was too calm, his manner too relaxed. No matter how good a pretender, he couldn't be this composed if he knew the secret.
All the options she had once thought gone reappeared, as well as the decisions. In an instant, his visit turned from tragedy to opportunity, from disaster to boon. She would now have the time and power to decide whether to share the most beautiful part of her life with him.
Of course, she would have to be careful. His visit was no coincidence – no doubt he had come to investigate her. His amicability toward her could certainty not be genuine, not after his accusations. She must ward off his suspicions and safeguard the secret until she deemed it time to reveal the truth. And somehow she would ignore the attraction that usurped her control.
Now, however, she could enjoy the renewed oxygen in the world. Cooperation might even help her attain information. She smiled. “How are you? How is everything? And thank you so much for this exciting opportunity.”
“Fine, satisfactory, and you’re welcome. You?”
“Splendid, great, andyou’rewelcome.” Her voice surged in strength. “Why did you say you were here again?”
Aidan’s fierce gaze pinned her. “I don’t think I did say.”
“Ahh, so you didn’t.” Laura took a sip of her wine. “Then why don’t you tell me now?”
“You don't ever give up, do you?"
“Answering a question with a question to avoid responding?” Laura applauded the man’s clever manipulations. “I'm a reporter, as you are well aware, and you asked for me by name. Thus I can only assume your visit has something to do with me. Something to do with yesterday?” she ventured, raising an eyebrow and waiting for a reaction. It didn’t take long.
Aidan’s eyes darkened. His jaw tightened and he flexed his fingers. Before he could respond, she whispered in softer tones, "I wanted to apologize again. I shouldn’t have come to see you.” Sincere regret infused her voice, a sliver of honesty she could provide. If she addressed the incident, perhaps he would reveal his true reason for coming to Pine Ridge.
Aidan, however, was not to be deterred. “No, you shouldn’t have.” His voice was quiet and serious. “So why did you?”
Laura fought the urge to share all. Only her daughter’s welfare gave her the strength to continue her plan. “I wanted to do a story but hadn’t considered how it would affect you. When you confronted me, I realized a scoop wasn’t worth the price you would pay. So I dropped it.”
“Just like that?” he murmured.
“Just like that,” she affirmed.
“I see.” His expression was unrevealing. “Then it’s my turn to share why I'm here.”
A thousand possibilities screamed. Instead of speaking, however, he leaned in close. Real. Close. Her breath hitched as his own fanned her cheek. “I’m here because I don’t believe you.”
Where had the oxygen gone? As Laura sucked in sharp breaths, she leaned back, fighting to form a cognizant retort. She opened her mouth, stopped as a group of people descended.
“Aidan Bancroft, a pleasure to meet you!”
“Yes, what a delight!”
"We've heard so much about you!"
She closed and opened her eyes, but could only play passive audience as the “Official Pine Ridge Delegation” greeted the billionaire businessman in a manner fit for a newfound prince. He responded graciously, sharing niceties and promising a new relationship between Bancroft Enterprises and the small town. And during every painful second, she stood by his side, a false smile stretching her lips.
If only they had finished the conversation. He had come to investigate her, that he had outright admitted, because he didn’t believe her. Although he didn't yet suspect the truth, how long could she hide? With the loose-tongued receptionist at the Peace Field Fertility Center, it would take thirty seconds to have all his questions answered, should he ask. It was his asking she needed to prevent.
“And Laura, you lucky lady, do you know how many people would like to be in your shoes? Those big-city reporters are swarming like a hive of bees.”
Laura winced at the city chairman’s statement. If they had any idea… “I’m quite fortunate. I’m not going to leave this man for a moment.” In a bold move, she reached out and grasped Aidan’s arm, basking in the surprise that fired in his eyes.
His smile widened as he laughed. “I'm the lucky one. I would never allow such a fascinating woman to leave my side.” He put his hand possessively around her, matching the danger lurking in his expression. Its message was clear – he was the predator, and she was his prey.
