By the time they reached the apartment, her temper had reached the boiling point, and she started in on him as soon as the door shut.
“Why did you let me make an ass out of myself? Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I didn't want you to look at me with dollar signs in your eyes.”
“You sure have a lot of faith in me,” Dani shot back, the bitterness evident. Now, I get why you suggested the prenuptial agreement.” She turned and went into the kitchen.
“What a minute.” He followed. “The prenuptial was your idea. I think you had your trust fund in mind.”
“How did you know about that?” She cut her eyes at him while pouring herself a glass of water.
“Rest assured it wasn't from you, sweetheart. You never bothered to mention that little fact to me, either. Maybe, I'm the one that should feel used.”
“It wasn't like that.” She slammed the plastic cup on the counter and some of the liquid splashed out. “Getting married just solved that problem, but you're changing the subject. The subject was you.”
“Dani, if you knew how many bad affairs I'd had--not to mention a bad marriage.” He ran a hand through his hair. “All the problems, every one of them, seemed to be because of my money. Money makes people do funny things. Some people will do anything to get it.”
“I don't want your money. And I'm not like the other women.”
He leaned back against the counter and gazed at her, trying to telegraph his longing to her. “I know that now. But you did use me for money, didn't you?”
She wanted to deny what he said, but she couldn't. “Well, yes, in a way. Why didn't you trust me before?”
“I guess my ex-wife left scars that ran deeper than even I imagined.”
“Yet, you married me. Why?”
“Because of the baby.” Adrian regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, realizing how it sounded.
A look of hurt entered Dani's eyes, then she softly said. “I'm tired, Adrian. I'm going to bed.”
Feeling the gap between them widening, he watched her walk away from him. He knew he should do or say something, but maybe if he just gave her a few days she'd come around. Maybe.
Chapter Sixteen
Adrian had been wrong not to talk everything out that first night. now Dani had withdrawn from him and the gap between them seemed to grow bigger every day.
An icy silence stood like a brick wall between them. The only time Dani let the wall down was when they slept. No matter how far across the bed she started out, by morning she was in his arms, snuggled next to him.
They had polite conversations at dinner, but Adrian could do nothing to get the dull look out of her eyes. And she refused to talk about his business. It was as if she resented his wealth. That, he had to admit, was a definite switch. Their conversations now consisted entirely of the baby. It seemed to him, Dani had convinced herself that the only reason he stayed was because of the baby.
That might have been true once, but not now. Thought over the last few years Adrian hadn’t been able to keep his mind on one woman, but Dani had changed all that.
She had changed his entire way of thinking about everything. In fact, she seemed to be the only thing he did think about.
Finally, Adrian came upon an idea which he thought would bring his wife out of her shell. He brought the subject up at dinner.
“I spoke with your doctor today.”
“Why?”
“The finishing touches have been made on the beach house, and I thought you might like to fly with me to Sea Horse Island to see what they've done. I know Angus and Nettie would like to see you. I called them yesterday.”
Dani's face automatically brightened. “Yes, I would.”
“Good. The doctor said that since we'll be flying on my private jet, he didn't think it would hurt the baby. It will only be a short trip.”
Dani slid back from the table. “When do we leave?”
“First thing tomorrow morning. You'd better pack a few things tonight.”
Dani wasted no time following up on his suggestion. She couldn't have been happier getting away from the apartment and the four walls that seemed to be closing in on her. She had been so depressed these last few weeks all she wanted to do was sit and cry. Pathetic.
She knew she wasn't being fair to Adrian, but he hadn't exactly been fair with her either. She was at a loss to fix what was wrong between them. Perhaps, she was just plan afraid. She loved Adrian, but she didn't want to fall into the same trap twice. With Steven, she'd been so short-sighted that she'd let the man walk all over her. And, she never wanted that again.
She wanted to be an equal partner in her marriage. How could she feel equal with a millionaire? She wasn't really punishing him or at least she didn’t think she was--more like she was protecting herself.
At night bad dreams would wake her. Terrible dreams of Adrian walking out and leaving her with the baby to raise all alone. Panic would overwhelm her so much that she'd have to sit up and wait for her heart to stop racing. Then, despite how she felt, she'd snuggle next to her husband, and that empty feeling would go away. Until the next night when it would start all over again.
Dani knew her lack of sleep and growing panic was making her irritable, and she wouldn't blame Adrian if he ran out the door and never looked back. She wanted to stop her roller coaster of emotions but seemed helpless to do so. Her hormones didn’t exactly help keep her on an even keel, either.
She pulled out a small overnight bag. Maybe a change of scenery would help them both.
It certainly couldn't hurt.
As the cab drove them right up to a sleek Boeing, business jet on the tarmac, Dani couldn’t help admiring the gleaming white and silver aircraft that was large enough to seat twenty. Adrian paid the cab driver, then escorted her up the short flight of steps.
“Watch your step,” he cautioned.
“This plane is yours?”
“Yes, it is. I've had to travel so much in the past, the jet seemed practical.”
“So this is how you managed to get to my parents’ place so quickly?”
“That's right.”
Dani sat down in the plush, royal blue seat Adrian guided her to. Unlike the uncomfortable airline seats she was accustomed to, these seats were roomy and soft. She and Adrian faced each other much like they would in a cozy living room instead of sitting side by side.
A hostess appeared with a bright smile. Would you like the usual, Mr. Massimino?”
“Yes. And bring my wife some--.” He looked at Dani.
“Ginger ale,” she supplied, liking the way Adrian had referred to her as his wife. It was the first time she’d actually heard him say it.
After the hostess had brought them their drinks, she left them alone and the plane taxied down the runway.
“I think it's time we talked, Dani,” Adrian said, and Dani's heart fluttered as her stomach tightened. Just like in her dreams, panic set in.
“I'm sorry I didn’t tell you the complete truth,” Adrian went on. “If you remember, you were the one who jumped to conclusions. You thought from the start that I was a beach bum. And I thought I’d never see you again.”
Dani took a deep breath, preparing herself for the worst. “You could have corrected me.”
“As I recall, when I talked about the house, you still didn't believe me.”
“Well.” Dani tried to swallow the lump in her throat. “I thought you were house sitting or maybe a contractor or something.”
Adrian's eyes glinted with amusement. “I think you enjoyed believing the worst of me.”
Dani felt her face grow pale as all the blood rushed to her sinking stomach. Oh God, here it came. He was going to leave her. She hadn't been very nice to him during that time--that much she remembered. “You could have told me later.”
“Yes, I could have. But later, I felt there was something special between us, and I wanted to find out if I was wrong. You see, my first wife seemed picture perfe
ct when I met her. Much like you, at first. I fell head over heels for her. It wasn't until we were married that I began to realize everything about the woman was an act.
“One night I got drunk and turned to the woman you met when we were in New York. I knew it was a mistake the next morning, but that didn't stop me from going back time and again.
“Then my wife found out she was pregnant. It was considered a miracle that I could even father children since I had the mumps when I was younger, but it had happened or so I thought.
“I had always wanted a large family. I was thrilled. I told myself from then on I'd be a faithful husband. I showered her with gifts and tried to do everything in my power to make her happy. I hoped she would change. I knew she would.” He shook his head.
“She didn't.” Adrian paused and sipped his drink. Dani could see the pain deep in the eyes.
“She found out about the affair, and one day when I was at work, she had an abortion. She told me it was because of the affair, and she hoped it taught me a lesson.” Adrian sucked in his breath and blew it out slowly. “I found out sometime later that it wasn’t my child.
“It did teach me a lesson. I left her. After three years, she finally agreed to give me a divorce. I dated other women, but it was the same thing every time. They saw my money--they never saw me.
“After awhile they all became the same, and I worked harder...longer.” Adrian looked out the window, lost in his thoughts. “Work became my haven. My safety zone. Besides, I really wasn’t sure I could be faithful. I'd tried marriage, and I had failed, miserably.” His gaze again rested on Dani, and he leaned forward, placing his arms on his knees.
“And then you blew into my life much like a storm. I didn't want you. I didn't need you. But unfortunately, I couldn't get you out of my mind. And, believe me sweetheart, I tried.
“I could tell that something was changing, but this time I wanted to be sure. I wanted you to want me--not my money. Therefore, I didn't tell you about it.”
Dani took a breath, then shifted in her seat.
“Wait.” Adrian held up his hand. “A woman I dated two years ago tried the pregnancy bit on me, but when the results came back from the blood test, the child wasn't mine.”
“You never asked me to have a blood test.”
“I know.”
“Why?” she whispered. “Since you'd been burned in the past, you had every right to think the worst.”
“For two reasons. First, I went for a physical, and the doctor said my sperm count was up, which was a hopeful sign. But the second reason is the reason I married you, though I didn't realize it at the time.”
“And that was ...?” Dani's voice broke with emotion.
Adrian took her hand. With the pad of his thumb, he rubbed the place her wedding ring should be, but she'd outgrown the simple ring two months ago. Dani wondering why he wasn't saying anything. She was on the edge of her seat waiting for him to speak. Finally, he looked up at her with those big chocolate eyes of his, and her breath caught in her throat.
“Because I love you, Danielle Massimino. From the minute you stumbled into the bedroom with hiccups, I knew there was something special about you. Something different.”
The tears, burning Dani's eyes, spilled over onto her cheeks. “Are you sure?”
“I'm positive, sweetheart.”
Dani rushed into his arms, knocking him back against the seat. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him more like an excited puppy than a woman. “You don't know how long I've wanted to hear those words.”
The kiss suddenly turned more serious, and Dani melted against him. It had been so long. His lips moved with a languor that suggested that if she were not with child they would be doing more. She kissed him with all her heart, and he clutched her tighter.
Sighing, Dani opened her mouth to invite his tongue. God, how she'd miss this closeness with Adrian. He was her whole life, and she knew at long last she'd found where she belonged ... in the arms of her Prince Charming.
“Excuse me, Mr. Massimino, but it's time to land.”
Reluctantly, Adrian pulled back and looked over Dani's shoulder. “All right, I'll return my wife to her seat.”
“Adrian.” Dani felt her cheeks grow warm.
“She might as well get used to seeing us like this because after the baby is born, I'm not going to let you get two feet away from me.”
Finally, the plane's wheels touched down. She hadn't gotten sick at all. Funny in all the turmoil and excitement of the trip, she’d forgotten all about her motion sickness. For that she was thankful.
However, the boat trip told an entirely different story. Dani's happiness soon became misery as she hung her head over the side of the boat.
After the boat docked, Dani couldn't make up her mind whether to crawl off the boat or walk, but Adrian took that decision out of her hands, by sweeping her into his arms and carrying her to dry land.
Once her feet were firmly planted on dry land, Dani felt better, so they headed toward the General Store. She couldn’t wait to see Angus and Nettie.
“I didn't realize that motion bothered you. You should have said something to me earlier,” Adrian told her.
“It's not a subject I like talking about. Normally, I would take some medication, but with the baby I couldn't. I did so well on the plane, I thought maybe I’d be all right. That is the first time I've ever gotten seasick.” She laughed. “Now I can truthfully say that I've thrown up on every kind of transportation there is. I guess I'm just not a good traveler. It's funny. I didn't feel sick until the boat slowed for that other vessel.”
“It's probably the rocking motion that got to you. At least that’s behind us. How do you feel now?”
“Better. My back aches a little, but I'm sure it’s from the plane ride.”
A group of sea gulls swooped down in front of them diving toward the ground and raising back up in the air. Sea Horse Island seemed different. Maybe it was because people were there milling around as they prepared for the upcoming season. As she looked around, Dani realized that she now had a home. It was fitting that they had come back to the place they had first met.
“I'm looking forward to seeing Angus and Nettie,” Dani said as she opened the front door of the store.
“The Saints be had! Look who's come home, Nettie girl,” Angus shouted as they stepped inside.
“Adrian. Dani. 'Tis good tae see ya.” Nettie started toward them, then suddenly stopped and stared. “Mercy me. Is this the surprise ye mentioned, Adrian?” Nettie's eyes fastened on Dani's stomach.
“Yes, it is.” Adrian said, grinning broadly.
Nettie hugged Dani. “Don't need tae be askin' how yer doin'. Can see for myself. Yer fit as a fiddle.”
Dani cheeks were so hot she was sure they'd melt butter. One look at her belly told the whole world what she'd been doing and with whom.
“Yer beautiful, lass,” Angus chirped in. “I was glad tae hear ye finally settled down, Adrian, and with a mighty fine lass, too.”
“I knew you’d be pleased,” Adrian said. “We would like for both of you to be the godparents to our child.”
Nettie nodded her eyes bright with tears. “We'd be happy to.” She wiped at her eyes. “When is the little one due?”
Dani finally found her voice. “Next month.”
Nettie arched an eyebrow. “I’d be thinkin’ sooner than that by yer shape,” she said eyeing Dani’s stomach. “What do the doctors know anyway? Come, help me fix some lunch.”
Dani followed Nettie to the kitchen where she stopped at the refrigerator and took a huge ham out. “How about slicing some sandwich meat while I wash the lettuce.” She jerked her head toward a knife rack. “The knives are there.
“It's strange tae see ye again, lass. I was just talkin' about ye the other night with Angus, and, the Saints be had, Adrian called us out of the blue.” Nettie tore strips of lettuce as she talked. “He didn't sound much like himself on the phone. I've been a wee bit worri
ed about him ever since.”
Dani quit slicing. “Oh, Nettie, I don't know what to say.”
“Would ye like tae talk, lass?”
“I’m not sure where to start.” Dani arranged the sliced meat on the platter. “It's just that Adrian didn't meet me because he wanted to. I just kind of showed up by mistake.” She sighed. “And we didn't date for years, fall madly in love, then marry like normal people are supposed to do.”
Nettie chuckled. “Do ye think most people plan their love life, lass?”
Dani nodded.
“Nay, 'tisn't so. Great love is spontaneous combustion. Take Angus and me. He never planned tae meet me, either. Instead he found me head first in a hedgerow.”
Dani struggled to hide a smile.
“Don't laugh, lass. 'Tis true. See, I was riding my scooter when I hit a rock and flew over the handlebars. Luckily, Angus was drivin' along and spotted me in the bush.”
Dani smiled. “Adrian rescued me, too.”
“See.” Nettie took the platter to the table. “Took Angus a bit before he found out he couldn't live without me.” She chuckled. “But he came tae his senses, and the rest ... has been an adventure.
“ 'Twill never be smooth sailin', lass, but trust me. The voyage is well worth the adventure.”
“Owww!” Dani grabbed her side.
“What's wrong?”
“Nothing. Sometimes the baby hits the wrong thing.” Dani placed her hand on Nettie's arm. “Thanks. I think I've been afraid to relax and let Mother Nature takes its course.”
“Now, yer at Sea Horse, lass. Relax. Ye've come home.”
After lunch, Dani and Adrian went to the beach house. As they approached, driving slowly in their golf cart so many fond memories came flooding back into Dani’s head that all the bad times faded into nothing when they pulled up in the driveway. The ocean breeze gently blew the pampas grass, and a big pelican sat perched on the deck rail as if he were waiting for her.
“It's such a beautiful home.”
“I'm partial to the place myself,” Adrian drawled. “Come over here. I want to show you something.”
Stormy Passion Page 19
