Page 45 of Wanting Mr Black

It’s not difficult to understand why Art struggled to cope when he lost his dad. It was hard enough when my dad died, but at least I hadn’t had to wait for him to come into my life.

“My happiest memories of my dad are from when we used to go to Cornwall each summer. Mum would sunbathe, and he and I would sit on our stools, watching the waves. He’d paint, and I’d try my best to copy him.” I smile at the memory. “That’s my happy place.”

Art’s eyes slide to me. “This is mine. Whenever there’s something weighing on my mind, I come here, and I always leave, knowing what to do. It’s my sanctuary. When I first met you, you threw me into a tailspin. Made me feel things I’d never felt before. I ended up here. The flowers seemed right.”

I lean my head against his chest, and a warm feeling envelops me in the knowledge he’s slowly letting me in. He’s brought me to his sanctuary, his most private space.

“Thank you for bringing me here.”

He kisses me on the cheek, and I close my eyes.

“I wanted to share this with you.”

A high-pitched beep sounds from inside the clutch bag tucked under my arm, disrupting the moment. I instinctively know it’s a text from Lucy. I don’t want to ruin the mood, but I also need to know that she’s okay after yesterday’s circus. I pull out my phone and read the text.

Mark and I have talked and decided to go our separate ways. He’s gone to Toby’s for a while. Don’t suppose you fancy coming on my honeymoon to Ibiza with me? X

“Is everything okay?”

My heart sinks at the news. It’s not a surprise, but I still can’t quite believe they’re over. I slide my phone back into my bag. “It’s Lucy. It’s official; she and Mark are finished. I’ll give her a call later and check that she’s all right.”

I decide to skip the fact that she’s invited me to go to Ibiza with her.

“That’s sad.” Art kisses the top of my head. “They were together a long time, weren’t they? Are you okay?”

“Yes. It’s sad, but it’s ultimately what’s right for them. I think they got stuck in a rut and grew apart.”

His fingertips glide down my shoulder. “That won’t happen to us.”

The commitment in his tone makes me smile, and I nuzzle my nose against the base of his neck.

“Won’t it?”

Warm lips rest against my head. “As long as there’s breath in my body, we’ll be together.”

By the time we return to the house, Barbara is at the front door, seeing off guests.

“Goodbye, Margaret. I’ll see you at the coffee morning on Tuesday.” Barbara waves her guest goodbye, clutching a glass of white wine.

Art squeezes my hand and leans into me. “Careful, Mum’s on the wine now,” he jokes, and I smile. “Mum, Sophie and I are going to head off.”

Barbara takes a sip of her drink and beams. “Of course, darling. Thank you both for coming. It was so lovely to see you again, Sophie.”

His phone rings, and he pulls it from his pocket with a frown. “It’s the club. I’ll be two minutes.” He glances at me and answers the call, wandering off into another room.

Barbara’s eyes twinkle from one too many glasses of fizz. “I had such a lovely afternoon the other day at The Ritz.”

“Yes, it was nice wasn’t it?”

“And I’m so glad you and Art worked things out after your fight last week.”

I smile. “So am I. We agreed no more secrets and talked things through.”

“Really?” Her eyes widen, and I can’t miss the surprised note in her voice. “I am pleased he’s told you everything. I really hoped he would. He made some bad decisions but paid the price.”

Told me everything?

Paid the price?

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