Page 65 of One Hot Moment

Throughout the drive to Sommerleigh, we all chat and enjoy the snacks provided for us. I hand a half sandwich to Arthur, who smiles and winks at me. I assume that's his way of thanking me. Our driver interjects jokes and fun facts into the conversation occasionally.

Before I know it, we're pulling into the circular driveway at Sommerleigh House. Arthur insists on opening the limo door for us and assisting us ladies in climbing out. Spencer holds my hand as we climb the steps to reach the big wooden front doors. He reaches for the bell.

Before he can push the button, the doors fly open.

A gorgeous man grins at us. "You're finally here, Spence."

"Yes, Hugh, we are here at last. But we're all knackered from the long flight to London and the drive to Sommerleigh."

"Of course, how rude of me." Hugh shouts over his shoulder. "Avery! Mum! Get your arses out here. And find Kendall, would you? Spencer and his entourage are here."

Hugh clamps his hand around Spencer's bicep and tries to drag him into the house. "Well, come inside, Spence. Kendall will probably pass out from shock when we surprise him with your arrival---and the three beautiful ladies you brought with you."

"We have another man with us, Hugh. I realize your eyes refuse to see anything but attractive women. Still, you could at least say hello to my girlfriend's family."

"Of course. Please forgive me, family of Spencer's girlfriend." He winks and smirks at Spencer, then makes a grand gesture of welcome as he scuffles backward into the entryway. "Come in, come in. We'll share names once you're out of the cold. It's rather chilly this evening. Let's go into the drawing room."

Hugh shepherds us down a long hall and into the drawing room, which looks like a spiffy living room to me. Then he greets each of us individually, learning our names while we find out more about him.

"Your name is Hugh Parrish, right?" I ask. "But Spencer also told me your official title is Lord Sommerleigh."

"That is correct. British titles are so bloody confusing, aren't they? My real name is Hugh Parrish, and that's who I am. My title is just words."

"Are you a prince or something?"

"No, pet," Hugh says with a hint of laughter in his voice. "I'm a viscount. Don't worry, no one knows what a viscount actually is. Even I'm not sure half of the time." He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "I would love to be a royal, though. Prince Hugh has regal charm, don't you think?"

"Definitely. Who do you have to kill to become a prince?"

He bursts into a fit of laughter, then wipes his eyes when he's done. "Spencer, my friend, you have chosen wisely. Tabitha is a treasure indeed."

Two women enter the drawing room.

Hugh pulls the younger woman close to his side. "Everyone, meet my wife and soul mate, Lady Sommerleigh, also known as Avery Parrish. And the woman beside her is Rosalyn Parrish, my mother and the Dowager Lady Sommerleigh."

Someone gently knocks on the door.

Hugh smiles with mischievous delight and calls out, "Come in, Kendall."

The drawing room door swings open, and a man who resembles Spencer walks inside. He halts, seeming confused by the gaggle of men and women gathered in this room. Then his gaze shifts from Hugh to Spencer.

Kendall grins and laughs, then drags his brother into a bear hug.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Spencer

Kendall hugs me so fiercely that I'm stunned for a moment, speechless and unable to cobble together a single thought, much less a spoken word. My brother has never reacted this way when he saw me any other time in my entire life. I don't believe he's experiencing an anxiety attack, as Bindy suggested. I'm also quite sure Hugh and our other mates conspired to trick me into coming home.

I don't mind that as much as I'd thought I would.

Finally, Kendall takes a step backward. He keeps hold of my upper arms while grinning at me. "I didn't think you were coming until Saturday."

"The American Wives Club orchestrated an earlier departure time."

Avery and Rosalyn both aim faux looks of outrage at me. But it's Avery who speaks. "How dare you accuse me of such nefarious behavior. I am a titled lady, Spencer Halfenaked."

Rosalyn scowls at me with even less believable fake outrage. "Refined ladies of our stature would never do such a thing."

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