His eyebrow slanted. “Let’s say I’m giving you the slight benefit of the doubt.”
“How kind,” she drawled, pretending that even his halfhearted support didn’t thrill her. It did. Perhaps he was getting to know the real her. He had to know she wasn’t a person who would steal from others. Hadn’t returning the wallet made him see that?
She mentally slumped. She shouldn’t give too much credence to what he said. If he could make love to her while believing her a thief, then he could as easily change his mind about this.
“Come on. We’re going out to lunch,” he muttered.
Her mind whirled in surprise, then withdrew. “I’d rather stay here and look through these.”
“I want to go shopping.”
She sat up straight. “I told you I don’t want any clothes.”
“It’s not for you. I’m going to buy some things for Megan’s room.”
“Things?”
“Furniture.”
She lifted her chin. “I spent a lot of money on her furniture.” She saw his eyes flicker. “Not stolen money,” she said, feeling as if they were back where they started.
He inclined his head. “And you did well,” he conceded, “but I want her to have the very best. Now that she’s used to her new room, it’s time for new furniture.”
His words reminded her of a discussion at the ballet. “Didn’t I hear your friend Justin talking about buying baby furniture for his son’s room?”
He scowled. “Yeah, so?”
She tilted her head. “You don’t have to one-up him, you know.”
“I won’t even bother to reply to that,” he snapped, then looked at his watch. “I’ve made a booking and we’re going to be late.”
“Since when does that worry you?”
“It doesn’t.”
Sighing, she grabbed her purse and stood up. “I’ve already had a piece of cake for morning tea.”
“Your figure can handle lunch.”
The compliment sent the blood rushing to her head, but she concentrated on getting out of the room. He took her elbow as she passed him by, bringing her close but not too close as he walked her from the room and down the corridor. She wasn’t sure if his hold was to remind everyone she was his wife, or to let her know who was boss.
Probably both, she mused, knowing in either case it was a proprietary gesture and nothing more.
Ten minutes later they were seated at a restaurant with a glorious view of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The weather was perfect for a lunchtime walk or a jog, and many people were doing exactly that along the pathways. Others were sitting on the grass and taking in the harbor view.
Lana wished she was sitting out there in the sunshine, rather than sitting in here with Matt. Out there she could escape being close to him. In here there was no escape.
“We need to talk,” Matt said, once they’d ordered a light lunch. “About Megan.”
Her heart seemed to squeeze tight. Did he want a divorce already? No, then he wouldn’t want to furnish Megan’s room.
A wave of apprehension swept through her as her old fear rose. Perhaps he wanted Megan, but wanted to get rid of her? Perhaps he’d found a way to push her out of her daughter’s life?
He leaned back in his chair. “I’ve located a new day care center for her.”
Lana’s shoulders slumped. “Is that all?”
He scowled. “What did you think I wanted to talk about?”
“I thought you were going to finally offer to buy Megan off me.”
His eyes narrowed. “Would you sell her?”
She looked him straight in the eye. “I’d rather die first.”
Silence; then he said with a twitch of his lips, “Defeats the purpose, don’t you think?”
“You know what I mean.”
His humor disappeared. “I wouldn’t ask that of you, Lana. I can see you love Megan more than life itself.”
A warm feeling bounced inside her chest. “Thank you.”
Their gazes linked, and all at once Lana felt they connected on a level beyond the bedroom. For a moment they both saw a true part of each other, not the facade they sought to present.
Then the waiter provided a diversion by returning with their drinks, and she broke eye contact and took a sip of her mineral water to give herself something to do.
“Now, back to the day care center,” Matt said brusquely once they were alone. “I’ve found a suitable one not too far away.”
Suddenly Lana felt apprehensive. “You have?”
His eyes narrowed. “What’s the matter? I thought you’d be happy.”
“I am. I mean, I am, but I’m not.”