‘That’s ridiculous.’ David looked at her. ‘You would have made a perfect lawyer’s wife.’
‘No.’ Helen lifted her chin. ‘I’m me, David. I’m not here to make your life easier. If that’s what you want, find yourself a secretary. And now I need to get dressed.’
And with that she hurried back into the cottage and up the stairs.
She needed to see Oliver.
She found him in the surgery, absorbed by something on the computer.
‘Oliver?’
He lifted his head, his expression distant. ‘Hi, there.’
She remembered just how close they’d been the night before, how he’d held her and made love to her, and wondered how he could be so reserved.
Her heart plummeted.
That cool reserve hurt her more than she could possibly have imagined.
Had she misread the situation?
‘Listen, about David—’
‘It doesn’t matter, Helen.’ His tone was steady and he turned his attention back to the computer. ‘You must be thrilled that he came back.’
She looked for signs of jealousy. Anything that suggested that he minded, but there was nothing.
Misery spread through her.
If he didn’t mind that David had come back, that could only mean one thing.
‘Oliver—’
‘Our relationship probably helped you put your feelings for him in perspective. It was just a bit of fun. I hope you’re not feeling guilty about it.’
Helen stared at him, really shocked by his almost indifferent response.
Last night he’d kissed every inch of her quivering body.
Last night they’d whispered intimacies and shared secrets.
Last night he’d told her that he loved her.
And now he was talking to her as though she were a patient.
‘Tell me honestly…’ Her voice was croaky and suddenly she found that her hands were shaking. ‘Do you regret last night?’
There was a long silence and when he finally turned to face her she noticed the lines of tiredness around his kind blue eyes. ‘Yes,’ he said quietly, ‘I suppose I do.’
Pain stifled her breathing and she backed away from him. She’d heard all she needed to hear.
‘I’m sorry.’ Her voice was barely audible and she grabbed the door handle for support. ‘If it’s any consolation it won’t matter because I’ve decided to go back to London. I’m catching the train tonight. You won’t have to see me again.’
He gave a brief nod, not in the slightest surprised, and Helen was astonished by the depth of her own disappointment.
What had she expected?
That he’d try and stop her? That he’d beg her to stay?