Free The Bridal Bargain by Emma Darcy Page B

jelly. But any chance of a forced meeting with Jodie and Flynn was now behind her so at least she could breathe freely again. She took a big gulp of air and shot Tony King a genuine if somewhat wobbly smile.
    “Thank you for escorting me.”
    His eyes lightly teased. “I quite enjoy the role of white knight to fair maiden in distress.”
    Very conscious that she had put him to considerable trouble on her account today she promised, “I’ll be fine tomorrow.”
    He squeezed her hand. “Let’s get through today first.”
    It reminded Hannah there was still work to be done and she had to get her mind focused on what needed to be ordered to cater for tomorrow’s trip. She didn’t think of extracting her hand from Tony’s. He didn’t release it, either, until they reached the office and they went about their separate responsibilities. Only then did she realise how deeply comforting that physical link with him had been.
    Over the past two years she had become accustomed to conducting her life on her own. She hadn’t minded being alone. It was easy enough to seek company when she wanted it. Strange to recall now how wary she had been of Tony King’s effect on her this morning. It was different, feeling he cared about her. Or maybe it was just the job he cared about, making sure she didn’t let him down.
    Somehow that didn’t matter. He had held her hand when she had needed it held and it had felt good. Better than anything she’d felt for a long time.
    Having completed the salad and seafood orders for Sunday, and feeling more positive about her job now that Tony had been so decisive about keeping her on—pleased by her cooking, too—Hannah set her mind on tomorrow as she prepared to leave the office. She didn’t have to think about Jodie and Flynn anymore and she wouldn’t. Tomorrow would not be darkened by the past. Tomorrow she would see more of Tony King who might be the man to blot Flynn out of her memory on every level. Mr Right...
    Now there was a piece of whimsy, she thought, given how wrong she’d been about Flynn wearing that title. Still, one could but hope. Better than wallowing in old mistakes.
    “Hannah!”
    Her heart jumped. Tony was coming out of his private office, obviously wanting some last word with her. She paused, nervous tension gripping her again at the thought of being queried on her connection to Jodie and Flynn.
    “I’ll drive you home,” he said with serious intent. “See you safely to your door.”
    She stared at him, realising he thought there was a possibility of her being accosted by the two people she wished to avoid. It didn’t seem likely to Hannah, yet...they had been waiting for her to come off Duchess.
    “It’s only a ten-minute walk,” she started to reason.
    “A two-minute drive,” he returned pointedly. “And not out of my way. I have to drop by the castle. My grandmother will want to know how you’re doing.”
    He didn’t allow for any further argument, asking Sally to lock up the office and sweeping Hannah out to the car-park with him. The reminder of his grandmother’s part in her current situation was exercising Hannah’s mind as they settled in his jeep.
    “Sally said I have Monday and Tuesday off,” she quickly mentioned, once they were on the road. “I’ll find some accommodation for myself then.”
    “There’s no big hurry,” he said offhandedly, as though her staying in the Coral King apartment was of no concern to him.
    Had she taken a completely wrong impression of his attitude last Wednesday? Needing the issue clarified, she said, “I thought you would prefer me out as soon as possible.”
    He slanted her a look that seemed to simmer with personal re-assessments, setting her pulse skittering and re-igniting a very strong sexual awareness of the physical attraction she’d tried to put at a sensible distance.
    “I’d prefer you to feel settled in Port Douglas,” he answered. “Take your time in finding what’s right for you.”
    They