The Lost Wife by Maggie Cox Read Free Book Online Page A

wasn’t so much as an
ounce
of remorse on his striking face for his distinct coolness towards the other man, she saw. Her blood pumped with indignation.
    ‘Did you have to be so aloof? Linus is a good man. He only came to check up on me and Saskia to make sure we were all right. He even brought us some supplies because I can’t get to the shops.’
    ‘Are you telling me that you’re in need of another man around these days to look out for you and my daughter?’
    In sheer disbelief at what he was assuming, Ailsa clenched her teeth. ‘He’s not “another man” in the way that you’re insinuating. For your information, Jake, I don’t
need
another man for anything! I can take perfectly good care of myself. Linus is just a friend and neighbour.’
    Rubbing his forehead, Jake momentarily glanced down at the floor. When he lifted his gaze the crystalline blue eyes glinted dangerously. ‘You’re telling me you can’t seethat he wants to be much
more
than just a friend and neighbour?’
    ‘What?’
    ‘Perhaps things have progressed beyond friendship and neighbourliness already?’
    ‘We’ve had an occasional cup of tea and a chat together and that’s all. I’ve certainly never encouraged anything more personal than that. And even if I had it’s none of your business who I spend my time with … not any more. Did you forget that we’re divorced?’
    ‘No.’ For a moment his expression bordered on tortured. ‘I didn’t forget.’
    The annoyance and indignation that had threatened to overwhelm Ailsa a few moments ago deflated like a burst balloon. Now, instead of annoyance, the predominant feeling that coursed through her veins was compassion. They’d both been badly injured in the accident that had killed their longed-for baby, and if that wasn’t enough they’d also endured the devastating end of their marriage. On top of that, Jake had recently lost his father. He had to be hurting.
    Was his anger towards her over the thought that she might be seeing someone else a cover for that hurt?
More than ever she realised they needed to talk. Somehow during this enforced stay of his at the cottage they had to find a way to start resolving their shared agony from the past.
    Her gaze came to rest on the sturdy cast iron frying pan she’d left on the stove. ‘I’ll get on with cooking your breakfast. Do you want another cup of tea? That one’s probably gone cold by now.’
    Returning to sit down again at the pine table, Jake pulled the mug of tea that Ailsa had made earlier towards him and took a sip. ‘It’s fine,’ he murmured.
    She was by his side in an instant, taking the mug fromhis hands and cupping her hands round it to glean if the beverage was still sufficiently hot. ‘It’s practically cold. I’ll make you another one. It’s no trouble.’
    ‘Why are you being so pleasant towards me when I’ve just upset you with my less than warm reception of your friend?’ Disturbingly, Jake trapped her with his unflinching gaze.
    ‘Is it going to help us if I’m
unpleasant
?’ she asked reasonably.
    A faint smile curved his lips. ‘I guess not.’
    ‘Then I’ll get on with the breakfast.’
    Opening the cardboard container Linus had left on the table, Ailsa retrieved a box of eggs. ‘The eggs from the farm are amazing. They’re new laid every day and better than anything I can get at the supermarket.’
    ‘How lucky that you can get them from Linus.’
    The comment was a bit more than lightly sarcastic, and she sensed the ground she thought they’d just gained slipping away. ‘He
is
just a friend, you know. I wouldn’t lie to you about that. I have Saskia’s happiness to consider, as well as my own, and while she’s still young I won’t be in the market for a romantic relationship with anyone.’ Her brow furrowing, she didn’t draw away from Jake’s interested glance. ‘How about you? Are there any important new relationships in your life that I should know about?’ Even as she asked the