Page 42 of One Weekend in London

But if he keeps it up...

“Good ear,” she replies, her Southern drawl one of the most mesmerizing sounds I’ve ever heard. “Born and raised in Garrison, about an hour outside Atlanta.”

“No kidding?” Releasing her hand, he crosses his arms. “I’m a Charleston boy myself. Spent my summers on Pawleys Island, chasing crabs and pretty girls.”

I clear my throat, narrowing my eyes at him in silent warning. The tosser just smirks, unrepentant as ever. He’s clearly enjoying making my blood pressure rise.

“Say, Sadie, you wouldn’t happen to have a sister, would you? Or a cousin, perhaps?”

He must be taking the piss. It’s the only explanation for such a question. If he thinks I’ll allow Sadie to find his next passing fancy for him, he has another think coming.

She laughs again, shaking her head. “Only one cousin of age, Lillian. But she’s technically my cousin-in-law, in addition to being married and pregnant, so I’m afraid you’re slap out of luck.”

He clutches his chest in mock despair. “Married, you say? That’s a damn crying shame. I don’t mind buying diapers and formula, but I draw the line at husbands.”

Sadie giggles, the sound soft and feminine, as I work to stop the roll of my eyes, fighting a smile of my own. “Bugger off, Grant. Go and find your own date to pester.”

He winks at Sadie again, the cheeky bastard. “I can take a hint. You kids have fun, now. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” With a final salute, he saunters off, hands in his pockets, whistling some tune.

Sadie turns to me, her eyes sparkling. “I like him. He’s funny.”

“He’s a pain in the arse. Mine in particular.” There’s no heat behind my grumbled words. “But yes, he has his moments. And if you decide to stay, love, you’ll be seeing a lot more of him. Not only is he my long-time business partner, but he’s also my best mate. God help me.”

“Stay.” Her smile softens, turning wistful. “I’m beginning to like the sound of that.”

Before I can respond, the lights dim and the orchestra begins swelling. As the curtain rises on the glittering world of Moulin Rouge, I find myself watching Sadie more than the stage, captivated by the play of emotions that flicker across her expressive face.

Time passes so quickly.

Enamored with her, I easily lose track of it.

Before I can blink, intermission arrives and a royal box waiter appears with a tray of crystal flutes filled with vintage Dom Pérignon and chocolate-dipped strawberries, identical to the ones we enjoyed earlier in the day.

As Sadie bites into a berry, the undoubtedly tart sweetness mingling with the rich decadence of the champagne on her tongue, a drop of juice escapes, trailing down her chin.

Reacting on instinct, I lean in, capturing the errant drop with my thumb. Her breath hitches as I bring it to my mouth, licking it clean, my eyes never leaving hers.

“Delicious, but not nearly as sweet as you.”

She inhales swiftly, her gaze dropping to my lips. “You can’t just go around saying things like that. At least, not without kissing me—”

I close the distance between us, brushing my lips against hers in a kiss that’s softer than any we’ve shared. She sighs against me, her fingers coming up to toy with the hair at my nape, sending sparks of electricity skittering down my spine.

It takes every ounce of my control to keep the kiss chaste, mindful of our semi-public setting. When I pull back, her eyes are glazed over, her lips swollen.

Just as they are each time.

“I can’t thank you enough for last night and today.” Her fingers remain tangled in my hair as she holds me close, not that I’d try to pull away. “For everything, really. You’ve been amazing. I never thought I could feel like this, not after Maxwell...”

I slide her hand from my hair and pull her closer, tucking her into my side. “You never have to thank me. Being with you, seeing you smile, it’s the greatest gift I could ask for. And as for that tosser who hurt you...”

I tighten my grip on her waist, fighting back a surge of rage. “As I’ve said before, he never deserved you. Because you, my beautiful belle, deserve the world.” I push a stray lock of hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear. “And I intend to give it to you.”

Tears shimmer in her eyes, but the smile that curves her lips is utterly blinding. “Want to know something?” She doesn’t give me the chance to respond. “Hearing his name, thinking about what he did, it suddenly doesn’t hurt like it used to. And I think that’s because of you, Rhys. Because of how you make me feel. Like I’m special. Cherished, even.”

“That’s because you are.” I pinch her chin, keeping her stare locked with mine. “You’re so incredibly special, Sadie. And I’ll spend every day we have together making sure you never forget it.”

One last kiss is all I get in.

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