Page 60 of Hearts Aweigh
S PENCER SAT IN THE OFFICE chair facing the window, his elbows propped on the armrest, his forehead resting on his steepled fingers.
He raised his gaze to the outline of the distant horizon against the ocean waves.
Was it too far to swim to shore? Or perhaps he could steal a page from Priscilla’s book and call for a helicopter?
Anything but face Abby after his spur-of-the-moment declaration.
“I’m in love with Ms. O’Brien.”
Was he mad? Abby obviously thought so. The whites of her eyes had shown all the way around her irises. And his ex-wife wore a similar visage. It was the first time in their entire relationship he’d seen her speechless.
Rather than embarrass himself further, he’d done what any good lawyer would do—file a motion for a continuance.
After sending Abby to check on his daughter, he’d alerted Priscilla in no uncertain terms she should leave and then locked himself in the downstairs office for the rest of the day to gather his wits.
“I’m in love with Ms. O’Brien.”
It fit the cover story and picture he’d shown Priscilla. Abby had even played along. A fake relationship was the perfect ploy to discourage his barracuda of an ex-wife. So why did the statement play on a loop in his brain?
“I’m in love with Ms. O’Brien.”
Because the instant the words left his mouth, he’d recognized them for what they were.
The truth.
He—logical, calculating Spencer Randolph Masterson—had fallen for a woman he barely knew. He wasn’t fool enough to believe in love at first sight. But how much better was love at second sight? Or third?
They’d met two and a half weeks ago.
He spun to the desk and rested his head in his palm. A moan escaped from deep in his soul. Was Abby already sneaking out the stateroom door? He doubted she’d ever speak to him again after his crazy confession.
A knock sounded.
“Mr. Masterson?” Abby’s voice carried through the door.
Still with the “Mr. Masterson.” He couldn’t blame her for the verbal distancing. It was a miracle she was speaking to him.
Spencer stood and opened the door.
Abby waited on the other side. “Maddie is upstairs watching a cartoon.” She twisted her fingers together. “Can we talk?”
He spread his feet apart. “Go ahead. Let me have it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Rail at me for my unexpected declaration. I don’t blame you if you’re angry.”
“I’m not angry.” Her calm response confirmed her words. Abby’s green eyes studied him in earnest, with no hint of fury. But there was something else.
Hurt.
“Abby.” He reached for her, but she recoiled. Spencer withdrew. “I didn’t mean to upset you. The words surprised me too. They just”—he ruffled the back of his hair—“popped out.”
She walked away from the office and wrapped her arms around herself, her hands grasping her elbows. “I get it. Your ex-wife is”—she gave a hollow laugh—“determined. You wanted to discourage her. But I can’t help feeling …” She pivoted. “I feel used.”
Spencer stepped forward. “That wasn’t my intention. I honestly—”
“I know you didn’t intend to hurt me. You were probably thinking of Maddie. Trying to protect her. But saying you loved me to get rid of your ex-wife—”
“I didn’t say it to get rid of Priscilla.”
“Then why did you?”
Oh, God, I’ve made a hash of it this time. Haven’t I? Spencer’s soul telegraphed a three-second prayer to heaven.
If he admitted he loved her, she might laugh. But if he didn’t tell her, the wounded expression would stay in her eyes. He couldn’t stand that.
Spencer focused on the view behind her. The ocean water rocked and crashed in turbulent waves, much like his spirit. He drew a fortifying breath.
“I said I loved you”—one more breath—“because it’s the truth.”
No reaction.
He abandoned the stormy view and focused on her. Abby stood with mouth open, eyes even wider than the first time he’d declared he was in love with her. She must perceive him as an unhinged lunatic.
“You”—her voice hardened—“you love me? Is this another ploy to get me to work for you?”
“This has nothing to do with Madeleine. I’m not speaking as a father.
I’m a red-blooded man standing in front of a beautiful woman.
” Spencer stalked to the other side of the apartment.
“I realize this is out of the blue. And illogical. And far too soon in our relationship. But I’d swear to it in court on a stack of Bibles.
In my whole rigid, suffocating existence, I’ve never met a woman more caring and compassionate and captivating—” He rubbed his face.
“Why am I only using words that begin with the letter C ? I sound like a greeting card.”
The woman missed her calling as a poker player. Her demeanor remained unchanged. She didn’t say a word.
Spencer squared his shoulders. If he was surrendering his pride, he might as well do a thorough job of it.
“Before I make a decision, I always count the cost, weigh my options, and consider all alternatives. Yet, when I’m with you, I find myself behaving irrationally.
Responding with my heart instead of my brain.
It’s a completely foreign experience, and I admit I’m floundering.
” His chin rose a notch. “Falling in love and whirlwind romance aren’t in my purview, but I’m a lawyer and I can’t deny the evidence.
When I’m with you … I’m not sure how to explain it.
An emotion floods me. I don’t recognize it because it’s so unfamiliar.
But I think it’s joy. It terrifies me that I could lose it …
lose you.” He slumped. “Forgive me if I expressed it badly, but please don’t doubt my sincerity. I love you.”
Abby’s head tilted ever so slightly to the right.
She took a long, slow look from the tips of his shoes to the top of his head, as if she were testing every part of him.
She glanced around the room. After spinning on her heel, she walked into the kitchen area and returned a moment later with the colorfully painted stool they’d bought in Cozumel.
With purposeful steps, she crossed the space separating them and didn’t stop until she was right under his nose. Then she placed the stool on the ground and climbed on top.
“Maddie won’t mind if I borrow her stool for a few minutes.
” She clasped her slender arms around Spencer’s neck, stared at his Adam’s apple, and sighed in frustration.
“Even with the boost, you’re still a giant.
Can you give a girl some help?” Cupping her hand behind his head, she tugged his face down until his mouth was an inch from hers.
Green eyes ensnared him. He leaned closer until a mere centimeter separated them.
Abby’s warm breath tickled his lips as she spoke.
“Mr. Masterson, I have good news. You may not believe in falling in love, but I do.” As her lips stretched in a smile, they brushed his for the briefest instant.
“I accept your apology and your confession too. That leaves one thing more to say.” She whispered in his ear. “It’s about stinkin’ time.”
Spencer turned his head and captured her mouth in a passionate kiss, followed by another.
His arms crushed her tight. Her petite frame fit against his and locked into place like a missing puzzle piece.
The warmth of her body thawed the frozen corners of his soul, and a sense of home he’d never experienced overwhelmed him.
Love and elation and a million other emotions rushed in, drowning him in their fervor. Pesky reality intruded with questions of locations and careers and taking the proper time to get to know one another, but he pushed them away.
His heart, his mind, and his world were filled with Abby. Everything else could wait.