The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1247

"Why didn't you tell Harold you were leaving?" Stella asked softly.

"I woke up from a nap and he was gone," Joshua replied. "I figured he had left."

"And why didn't you answer your phone?"

He pulled out his phone and glanced at it. "The battery's dead."

Stella was quiet for a few moments. "Joshua, the wind is strong tonight, and it's cold. You haven't fully recovered yet. You shouldn't be out here. Let's go back. If you want to see the ocean, I'll bring you back during the day when you're feeling better."

Just then, she sneezed. She had been dressed for the auction, and her clothes were thin. In her rush to find him, she hadn't had time to change. The biting sea wind was already making her shiver.

Joshua leaped down from the rock and draped his jacket over her shoulders. "I'm sorry I worried you," he said, his voice low and deep. "Let's go back."

His understanding tone made Stella feel a little guilty. He had been cooped up in the hospital for so long; it was natural for him to feel bored and want to get out. And he had been injured because of her.

"When you're discharged, I'll give you a few days off," she said. "You can go wherever you want."

"There's no point in wandering around alone," he replied. "Don't worry about it."

Back in the car, Neville watched from a distance as Stella and Joshua approached. He noted the man's jacket draped over her shoulders, and his eyes darkened.

Joshua knew Stella's schedule better than anyone. She had nothing planned for the following night.

Stella's impression of Grandma Connolly was very positive, so upon hearing the invitation was from her, she immediately agreed. "I'm free. By the way, Neville, is your grandmother a fan of paintings?"

"She is," Neville said. "In her youth, she was a renowned painter."

Stella's eyes widened in understanding. No wonder the old woman had become so enthusiastic when she learned Stella was a former violinist with a minor in painting.

Neville glanced at Joshua and said playfully, "Joshua, you're not planning on another trip to clear your head tomorrow, are you?"