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‘And a mess.’ At his raised eyebrows, she continued. ‘That ex I told you about—he’s the reason my contract wasn’t renewed. We worked together. We’d had a fight. A minor one, I thought. But apparently he took exception to something I said, had a word in the head of faculty’s ear…and my job was suddenly history. I didn’t even realise we were no longer a couple until I was given my marching orders. I guess he wanted to make a big impact.’

Owen’s quick hiss of breath told her what he thought of that.

‘So I promised myself that until I had my career back on track I’d not get involved with anyone.’

He stared at the ceiling for several long moments. ‘I understand, Callie. You don’t owe me any explanations.’

But she wanted to give him one all the same. ‘I know. It’s just… Even though I’m sorely tempted to blow raspberries at my resolution and start something with you…’ She moistened her lips and did what she could to ignore the yearning that pounded through her. ‘If we were to start something, and I were then to refuse the legacy Frances has left me, I can’t help feeling that would hurt you.’

‘Callie—’

‘And I don’t want to hurt you.’ She tried to find a smile. ‘Besides, it was hard sticking up for myself about the painters, but it felt good, and I don’t want to start backsliding—relying on other people instead of myself. Regardless of how much I want to kiss you, it feels like the wrong time to be starting something with someone.’

‘I’m hearing you. Ever since Fiona I haven’t been in the right headspace to start something new. She lied to me…used me…and her viciousness once I found her out…’ He shook his head. ‘I had a lucky escape.’

A lock of hair fell onto his brow, making him look suddenly young and vulnerable. Her heart turned over in her chest.

‘You once asked me if suspicion was my default setting. It never used to be before Fiona.’

She couldn’t stop herself from reaching out and squeezing his hand. He turned it over in his, lacing his fingers through hers.

‘So now I’m going to tell you something I should’ve told you from the very beginning. The company I work for, the one you think is so eager to keep me… Well, I actually own it.’

She stared at him, trying to work out what he meant.

‘I moved back into the apartment building because Frances needed more help than she’d ever admit. I used my break-up with Fiona as an excuse.’

‘You were Frances’s carer?’

‘Of sorts. She didn’t need full-time care, but it became necessary to check on her every day.’

He was a good man. Most men she knew would’ve delegated that task to a mother or sister. ‘So your company…it’s profitable?’

‘Very.’

Her mouth went dry as she went over in her mind some of their previous conversations. ‘Profitable enough to buy the apartment complex?’

‘Several times over.’

She tried to stop her eyes from starting out of her head. ‘Are you trying to tell me you’re a billionaire?’

He grimaced. ‘I guess…’

She gaped at him. ‘I have a billionaire living in the basement?’ And then she swallowed. ‘Oh, Lord. I accused you of using Frances as a meal ticket and resenting the fact you didn’t get anything in her will. But of course you didn’t need anything.’

‘I’m sorry. I…’

Why on earth had he let her make such a fool of herself?

She kept her tone light, even as things inside her shrivelled. ‘Let me guess—you’re self-made, right?’ At his nod, she started to laugh. She couldn’t help it. ‘You know what? I don’t feel guilty any more about dragging you away from your computers or getting you into trouble with your boss.’

‘You shouldn’t feel guilty about anything! I—’

‘Oh, God!’ She swung to him. ‘Fiona only wanted you for your money, didn’t she?’ The realisation struck her like a bolt from the blue, but she should’ve seen the connection immediately. ‘Oh, Owen, I’m so sorry.’ A bad taste coated her tongue. ‘You thought I was like her…’

She tried to pull her hand from his, but he wouldn’t let her.

‘But now I know differently. I know you’re not a gold-digger, Callie. And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth sooner. At first it didn’t seem to matter, but now…’ One broad shoulder lifted. ‘Now it does. I know our relationship isn’t going to develop into anything, but kissing you with that deception hanging over my head…’ He stared down at their linked hands. ‘It felt like a shabby thing to do. If our positions were reversed, I’d want to know the truth.’ He met her gaze. ‘I want you to know I trust you. I don’t exactly know why, but it seems important that we get at least that much settled.’

Very slowly, she nodded. ‘I’m glad I know the truth.’ She pulled in a breath. ‘After what Fiona did, I can even understand why you kept it from me.’

His lips twisted. ‘There’s a hardness in me now that never used to be there.’

That perfectly described how she’d felt ever since Dominic had betrayed her trust so badly.

He squeezed her hand. ‘And you know what? No woman deserves to deal with that. I need to deal with it myself.’

Ditto, she thought.

She glanced about the summerhouse. ‘I’d be lying if I said a part of me isn’t disappointed that we’re being so sensible, but…there are ghosts here. I can almost feel them. Did my mother dance with my father under these same chandeliers? Did they kiss? Did Frances and Richard dance here?’ She swallowed, buttressing her resolve. ‘And look what happened to them. It feels like a warning not to follow in their footsteps.’

After several beats he lifted his head, his eyes hooded and unreadable. ‘Friends?’

From somewhere she found a smile, and while it didn’t ease the burn in her body, it eased the burn in her soul. ‘Yes, please.’

CHAPTER NINE

‘THIS IS AMAZING!’

Callie beamed at him, and Owen