He shrugged. ‘Pretty sure it is.’ He knew he was on the verge of being obnoxious, but something about their conversation had irritated a wound that was now burning and hurting. He swallowed the last mouthful of the wine and reached for the bottle to top them up, strangely angry with himself and knowing it was just the start. It really hadn’t taken much, it was like throwing kindling on the embers of a fire stoked when he’d first seen her down on the beach earlier that night.

‘It’s just not the right time now, that’s all.’

‘I don’t buy that.’

‘Says the man who can clearly afford to up and leave his business for months,’ she said, the blush now becoming tinged with an anger he almost relished to see. Almost, because in truth he was beginning to hate himself for the way he was talking to her.

‘Says the woman who has quite easily and happily taken weeks away from her business to arrange her friend’s wedding. Even if that wedding will run you in to the ground.’

‘Run me into the …? I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ she said, her eyes now picking up a storm that would rival the tempest happening outside.

‘What? Someone’s got to say it, Lily. You’ve been running around like a blue-arsed fly, exhausting yourself to the point of madness, where you go out into the middle of a storm, put yourself in considerable danger, all for what? A hen party? What the hell is so important about this wedding that you would put your own health at risk?’

CHAPTER ELEVEN

LILY REARED BACK, SHOCKED by his outburst for which he seemed instantly regretful. He shook his head and passed a hand over his face.

‘I know it was silly—’

‘Dangerous.’

‘OK, fine. Dangerous, but …’ Lily suddenly couldn’t find the words. Because it had been dangerous. Reckless even.

‘But what, Lily? Why? Just tell me why so that I can understand.’ He looked so pained, she wanted him to understand. Needed him to.

‘Victoria’s been through so much, Henry. Not being able to have children was so difficult for her and she’s finally found someone who cares about her – her for the amazing, wonderful person she is.’

‘I get that. I really do. They have an epic love—’

‘Don’t mock me,’ she bit.

‘I’m not, I’ve seen it. I’m a believer. Trust me. But the extremes you’ve gone to … It’s not because of her.’ And before she could object, he clarified, ‘Not just because of her.’

His words, his questions were getting too close to the mark. Too close to what she’d been thinking about in the shower. And suddenly it all swirled up about her and she couldn’t keep it in anymore.