Read Online The Best Man's Guarded Heart by Katrina Cudmore - Free Book Online Page B

work.
    â€˜I want this to be right for Sofia.’
    For a moment she paused as anxiety steamrollered up through her body, blocking her lungs and throat. She swallowed hard to push the anxiety back down into her tummy, where it nowadays permanently resided.
    â€˜But, let’s face it, most of Greek society are coming to this wedding—along with various well-connected friends of Sofia and Christos from England. If I mess this up I can kiss my career ambitions goodbye. I’ll never be taken seriously as a floral designer.’
    He gestured towards the long line of sketches and plans on the wall. ‘You have this under control. Of course you’re not going to mess up. You’re worrying unnecessarily—relax a little.’
    Tiredness and frustration rolled through her. ‘That’s easy for you to say, with your success and your background.’
    Taken aback by her own words, she inhaled deeply. Andreas stared at her, clearly annoyed.
    She closed her eyes for a second, abhorring her own behaviour. ‘I’m sorry, that was uncalled for.’
    â€˜Then why say it?’
    His tone said he wasn’t about to accept her apology quickly.
    Embarrassment and a growing sense of panic that she didn’t have things under control had her saying in a rush, ‘Because sometimes I feel so damn inadequate.’
    For the longest while they stood in silence. His eyes fixed on hers until humiliation had her glancing away.
    â€˜Why inadequate?’
    His tone was gentle and she gazed back in surprise. Something unlocked in her at the concern in his eyes, and she spoke in a rush, with all the insecurities tied down inside her for so long launching out of her like heat-seeking missiles.
    â€˜I left school early...didn’t go to university. I’m not from a particularly wealthy background...I don’t understand a lot of the nuances of social behaviour with those who are. I’ve probably bitten off more than I can chew with this wedding. And as I’m also the chief bridesmaid I’ll hear directly any unpleasant comments people make about the flowers.’
    For a moment she paused, and then she threw up her hands. A sprig of rosemary from the bundle in her hand worked loose and arced through the air. ‘I’ve no idea why I just told you all of that...but, trust me, I know just how pathetic it sounds. There’s no need for you to say anything.’
    â€˜You’re wrong. There’s a lot I need to say.’
    She blanched at his grave tone. What had she done? Why couldn’t she have kept her mouth shut?
    â€˜You’re a talented and committed florist, and a good friend determined to give her best friend an incredible wedding day. So what if you didn’t go to university? You were caring for your family. And, believe me, coming from a wealthy background doesn’t guarantee any advantage for getting through life.’
    He leaned forward on the workbench and moved closer to her, his eyes swallowing her up.
    â€˜Why do you think you’re inadequate? Why do you think people would pass comment on the flowers?’
    His voice was low and calm. Its quiet strength made her feel even more vulnerable and exposed. She was used to arguments and threats. Not this gentleness.
    With a flippant shrug she said, ‘Maybe I’ve been hanging around my father too long.’
    â€˜Meaning...?’
    She gritted her teeth. ‘My father trusts no one—including me. At work and at home he questioned everything I did, every decision I took. When I was younger I tried to stand up to him, but he would only take it out on Matt and Lizzie...grounding them, dragging them from their beds late at night because we hadn’t tidied the house to his satisfaction. Calling them a useless waste of space.’
    Andreas picked up a bunch of herbs from the table and plucked at the leaves. The sweetness of rosemary infused the air. His tone was anything but sweet when he