Page 40 of Bargaining

I spun, taking in the perfect expanse of immaculate countryside. It had been at least half an hour since we’d passed through a small village. This was even more remote than Ecclesdale.

“But you’ll still be in London for work?”

“Yes. I’ll come back when I can, to keep up appearances.”

I’d probably never see him again. Was that the plan? Drop me off here in the middle of nowhere and pick me up again when he next needed me? It shouldn’t have bothered me. This was what I’d agreed to.

I folded my arms. “If your plan is to leave me here, then I’d rather go back home. I’ll be happier at Dad’s place.”

“I need you in one of my properties, or people will talk. If you don’t like it here, then I have places abroad. Maybe you want something completely different. I have a little French château, or there’s my lodge in Zakopane if you like to ski?”

Of course I didn’t ski. Posh people skied. “What does it matter where I am? No one will know.”

“Because you are my fiancée. People will notice, and then they will talk. I can’t take the risk. It will look odd if you go back to Ecclesdale alone.”

“What am I supposed to do out here all day?”

His face brightened, and he beckoned me to follow. “Excellent question. Come with me.”

I followed Cole past tinkling fountains and manicured lawns to a beautiful cottage garden dotted with wildflowers. A sheep bleated somewhere in the distance, and another replied. The aromaof freshly cut grass scented the air. Nestled in the greenery was a rustic outhouse with glass doors and lilac-painted timber frames.

“I know it’s a little out of the way, but I thought you’d appreciate hearing the birds while you work.”

“Work?”

He opened the double doors. “I’ve had it all decked out with the latest equipment, but if I’ve missed anything, then let me know.”

A potter’s wheel on a sturdy base dominated the bright space. Plants and tools lined the worktops and shelves. Artsy-looking books were piled high by the huge ceramic sink. A cozy armchair loaded with cushions and patchwork blankets sat in the corner.

“It has electricity and water. The kiln is the largest allowed in a residential space, but we had to put it in the shed next door so it’s properly ventilated.”

I drifted toward the huge easel. An intimidating blank canvas stared back at me. “What is this?”

“It’s your art studio. Do you like it?”

I ran a hand over a smooth worktop. I’d made an offhand comment about pottery and he’d made this for me?

My chest felt suddenly tight. “I don’t really do this kind of thing anymore. When did you do all this?”

“It didn’t take long.”

I opened my mouth and closed it again, speechless. What was not to like? It was perfect. A little creative oasis just for me. I’d be able to sit out here with all this beautiful natural light spilling in and work on ceramics. It was a dream I’d never even dared to have, except I didn’t do this anymore. I hadn’t even picked up a brush since I dropped out of art school. This was the old me. The girl I’d been before.

I turned on a tap and held a finger under the warm splash of water. “I don’t even know if I remember how. I’m not good enough for my own studio.”

“You don’t need to be good. It’s a way to have fun. We’ll hire a tutor to start you off, if you like. You’ll soon remember.”

Gold glinted by the window and I wandered over and picked up the ornamental jeweled sausage dog that I’d seen in Harrods. A couple of neat stacks of bank notes were piled next to it.

I looked up to find Cole watching me with a solid, brooding look. “Two grand. You can look at both of them.”

“Pardon?”

“You said you’d rather look at two grand than the ornament. Why not have both?”

I hardly remembered what I’d said. My brain was foggy lately. I was probably spewing all kinds of nonsense, although I did recall saying this dog was ridiculous, and I had no use for it. “I can’t take this from you. Any of this. It’s too much.”

“This is your home now. Whatever you need, you can have.”