Page 67 of Until I Have You

“There’s my favorite Brit!”Edwin exclaims as soon as he lays eyes on Bonnie.

He accepts her into a viciously tight hug, and I try not to think too hard about whyIam not the favorite Brit.

Is it because he knows?Can he just tell?Did Abigail tell him about our one night of indiscretion?

Don’t be silly, she’s a child.Of course he’s going to fawn over her.As he should.

“Where’sAbigail?”Bonnie asks.

I swallow.

She wastes no time, does she?

“What?Am I not fun enough for you?”Edwin shoots back.

“Here I am!”

Her voice brings me back to that night.Her foggy breath and desperate whimpers.The utterance of my name.

And with the memory of the sound comes the memory of the feeling.Hands sliding over my torso, gripping my thighs.

It comes back like lightning, so hard and aggressive I already have half a hard on.

Abigail emerges from the hall and, Christ almighty, she’s decided to try and kill me tonight.

A tiny knit top that shows off her midriff and loose-fitting jeans that sit on her hips.Her hair is down, long, freshly brushed.

Bonnie darts across the front hall and straight into Abigail’s embrace.

Abigail grabs onto the wall to steady herself.

I watch the two embracing, chattering like old friends.

Edwin clears his throat.

I rip my gaze from Abigail and start to shuck off my scarf.Need to stay busy.Distracted.“Sorry about that.Bonnie’s been talking about this all week.”

Edwin beams.“Who can blame her?You’ve been making yourself scarce.”

My friend reaches out for a handshake of familiarity, and I break out into a cold sweat.

I try to hold back my guilt from seeping into my expression, smiling sheepishly.“Yes, well, been busy.”

We shake hands.

Traitor.

“Don’t make it a habit.”Edwin smacks me on the shoulder.He takes my coat and goes to hang it up in the coat closet.“We need your British cheek around here.”

“Ha, ha.”I roll my eyes.

“Everyone’s just getting ready to sit down for dinner.”Edwin backs away toward the kitchen.“I’m just about to serve.”

I try to stride after him.“Need any help?”

“No, you’re my guest.Just relax.”My friend smiles at me.

And out of the corner of my eye, my daughter hugs his daughter.It should be a beautiful and pure sight, but I’ve made it rotten by being unable to resist my impulses.

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