Page 55 of Axel

“Leave it alone!” His voice was brusque, his face set in a hard line.

“How can you be so damn pigheaded? Why don’t you call her?”

“Drop it.”

“You are my brother, and I love you, but sometimes you can be such an ass.” Downing her wine, she rose. “Dinner will be served in a few minutes.” With that, she flounced from the room and slammed the doors behind her.

Downing the wine, he marched over to the cabinet to get something stronger. He had thought he could forget about her, but even amid the worries over his mother, she was still lodged inside his brain. Cutting off a groan, he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes wearily.

Chapter 14

He was almost inside the doorway before he noticed the achingly familiar form seated in an easy chair next to his mother’s bed.

The argument he had with his sister two days ago was still fresh in his mind and had made situation worse for him. His mother was doing a lot better and was allowed to move around somewhat. Dr. Braithwaite had left because of some urgent matters needing his attention, but the nurse was still here and monitoring her recovery.

He stood there just staring at her, his expression one of uncontrolled yearning. She was wearing a thick green and white cashmere sweater over painted on denims and knee-high black leather boots. Was it his imagination or did she look a little thinner than usual? He wondered.

The article was out, and he had read the first draft she had sent to Felicia, the head of his PR team. He had approved of her style of writing and how she had managed in her own inimitable way to bring the town of River Glades and its occupants to vivid life.

He had no complaints and Felicia was raving over the article. She pronounced that it was the best that has ever been written.

“It’s like she knows you better than anyone else.”

She was laughing at something his mother said when she happened to look up and saw him standing there. He saw the naked hurt and pain on her face before it was masked into a cool and neutral look.

“Ellie arrived this afternoon.” His mother said as he came into the room. “She is on her way to Europe.”

“I see.” He had to drag his eyes away from her to concentrate on his mother. “Good to see you.”

“Well, yes.” Ellie rose. Ignoring him completely, she took Caitlin’s hand and squeezed. “I will make certain to come and say goodbye before I leave. I am very relieved that you are doing much better.”

Caitlin, held her hand, a fond expression on her face. “Please do.”

With a nod, she turned and walked out without looking at Axel.

There was a very pregnant silence for a few seconds after she left.

“Are you going to let her leave?” His mother demanded.

“It’s not my place to stop her.” Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans, he rocked back on his heels, uncertain what to do with himself. “What is she doing here?”

“She came because she heard I was ill and wanted to see me before she goes.” Caitlin gave him an exasperated glance. “She is leaving for an indefinite period. Are you going to allow this wonderful woman to just walk out of your life?”

“She is not in my life.” He closed his eyes briefly. “Look, this is between me and Ellie, and I don’t…” He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “Mom, you don’t understand.”

“I do, absolutely.” She patted the place at her left hip, and he sat, albeit reluctantly. “She is in love with you and from the look on your face and the fact that you have been moping around!” She shook her head when he opened his mouth. “Don’t bother telling me it’s because of my illness.

You have been out of sorts since you met her, and it’s only gotten worse.” Taking his hands in his, she linked their fingers together.

“Don’t allow what happened with your dad and that – that woman sour you and have you making the biggest mistake of your life. She is staying at the cottage and leaving first thing in the morning. Persuade her to stay.”

“I can’t…”

“Axel Liam Lakeside, if you let that beautiful girl slip through your fingers, I am going to be very upset.”

“Me too.” They both looked up as Cathy came into the room. “Go after her, for goodness’ sake and stop being so damned stubborn.”

“Both of you ganging up on me now?” He asked with raised brows.