AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“But that’s wonderful news.”
“I know,” she snapped and stepped back until he released his hold on her.
His eyes softened. “Is that why you left?”
Georgiana looked away. “What kind of friend would I be if I did that?”
“The same one you have always been,” he pronounced. “Dedicated, compassionate, and human.”
She turned to him in surprise, but this time the stern set of his features was a comfort. It brooked no argument. “Let’s get you something to eat,” he said. “I take it you haven’t had breakfast yet?”
“I’m not hungry,” Georgiana insisted, even while her mouth practically salivated at the mere mention of food.
“Well, I am. Seeing how mine was interrupted by a pair of incompetent protection officers.”
“Oh,” Georgiana said. “And then you had to come here to fetch me.”
Captain Harris gave her a brief smile. “It’s all right. Part of the job.”
She stiffened a little at the unwelcome reminder. He may be seeking her confidenceandbedding her, but this man wasn’t her friend, nor the solution to any of her problems. Georgiana needed to remember that.
Captain Harris failed to notice her discomfort, as he was already looking back to the main thoroughfare. He pointed to a charming little café close by and gently gripped her elbow as he guided her to it. A table opened up just as they arrived, and, ever the gentleman, he pulled out her chair for her rather than let the waiter do it.
“How is your knee?” Georgiana asked as he sat down across from her. She didn’t like the thought of him traipsing all over Monte Carlo on account of her foul mood.
“It’s fine,” he replied, keeping his eyes on the menu.
“Bea says you do exercises for it.”
That got his full attention. He raised an eyebrow. “Does she?”
“She also thinks your cane hides a sword.”
“How intriguing.”
“Then it’s true?”
“I can’t possibly comment on that,” he said with a sly smile that answered for him and set down the menu. “I see a specialist my sister’s husband recommended.”
“Anna?”
The corner of his mouth lifted. “Agatha,” he corrected.
She nodded. “You said you stayed with them after you returned from Turkey.”
But before he could answer, the waiter reappeared. Captain Harris ordered a coffee and croissant.
“I’ll have the same,” Georgiana said without looking at the menu. It seemed like a safe choice. The waiter went off to fetch their drinks, leaving them alone once again. But Captain Harris did not continue. He was looking off in the direction they had come from. Toward the sea. She picked up a fork and began tapping it against the table.
“That must have been nice to spend time with them,” Georgiana gently prodded.
Captain Harris glanced at her, but his gaze was wary. “It was…helpful,” he said, choosing the words carefully. “Dr. Burnett, my brother-in-law, is a very knowledgeable man. But I was not at my best while I was there.”
“I understand.”
The tension left his shoulders as he nodded, realizing she wouldn’t pry any deeper. “They have a son now. William. He’s named after my father.”
Georgiana smiled. “Do you enjoy being an uncle?”
