Page 72 of Seduction Under the Southern Stars

“All right. I’m sorry. Look, it’s your life, and you don’t need to ask my permission anyway.”

“I wasn’t,” I reply sharply. “I was asking you for a few days off.”

He’s quiet for a moment. Then he says, “Yes, of course. That’s not a problem at all.”

“Right. I’ll see you soon.”

“Take care of yourself.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too.”

We end the call.

I try not to feel frustrated. He’s been an absolute rock over the past few years and been there for me many times when I’ve felt vulnerable or scared. He’s reassured me, encouraged me to get out and about, and yet been happy to come and pick me up from somewhere if I’ve felt unsafe. He and Joel are the best brothers a girl could have.

But I’m twenty-four, and I’m a little lonely, and I need more than a brother right now.

My phone buzzes again, and I look down expecting to see another text from Fraser, but it’s from Linc. Ten a.m. at the airport. Meet me there?

I smile and text back. Will do! Looking forward to it.

Linc: Me too. Bring something warm to wear :-)

My eyebrows rise. It’s summer! Why do I need something warm?

Linc: It’s a secret. Sleep tight x

Oh, mystery man. Smiling, I go off to my room to start packing my bag, excited about the few days ahead.

Chapter Fifteen

Linc

I’m waiting outside the airport when Elora’s Uber turns up at five to ten.

Relieved, as I’d wondered whether she’d back out at the last minute, I retrieve her case from the boot of the car, then put my free arm around her and kiss her as she closes the door.

“Ooh!” she says. “Good morning.”

“Hello, you. Ready for a fun adventure?”

“Definitely.” Her eyes are sparkling and wide with excitement. Her hair is up in a bun, a little looser than before, so strands of her blonde hair curl around her face. She’s wearing jeans and Converses, and a bright pink tee that makes her look young and sexy.

Not for the first time, I feel a twinge of warning, deep down. I push it away, though, pick up my case as well, and gesture with my head for her to follow me into the airport. “Come on, gorgeous.”

I lead her to the quiet gate that services charter flights, we check in, and then we’re shown through to the plane that’s standing on the tarmac, waiting for us. I’m conscious that, despite her insistence that she doesn’t have claustrophobia, she might not enjoy flying, but she climbs the steps readily, and when the attendant shows us to the plush leather seats, she slides into them without any sign of concern.

We have a quick safety speech, and before long we’re in the air and on our way. The attendant makes us both a coffee and brings a plate of mini muffins and cookies with it, and we nibble the snacks while we sip our steaming-hot lattes.

“Let me know if you need the bathroom,” I say. “I’m happy to stand guard.”

She giggles and pushes my foot under the table. “Behave.”

I grin, happier than I have been for a long time. I’m excited, too, to meet my father and to spend some more time with her. Both things lift my heart in ways I hadn’t expected.

“So what time are we meeting Edmund?” she asks.

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