Page 78 of Chasing Storm
“Lunch?”
“You know it.”
I smile, and the awkwardness of this conversation is gone.
* * *
True to Josh’s word, Thatcher is waiting for me at home time. “We have something special planned for tonight,” he says, stooping to give me a thorough kiss despite the fact that my mother has walked out right behind me.
I hear her snort into her hand and pull away quickly.
“Thatch, this is mymum. Gloria Rivers, this is Thatcher Sinclair.”
“Charmed,” my mum murmurs as Thatch grins at her. “I see Josh took my advice?” She raises her eyebrow as I gape at her.
“You?” I hiss.
She shrugs. “Me. I adore Josh, and I know he wouldn’t be friends with idiots. These were my first choice for you, and it seems I was right.”
She winks and strolls away, waving as she makes her way to her car.
I shake my head. “Honestly, I don’t even know why I’m surprised.”
“She has been invaluable.”
I narrow my eyes. “Insider info…not fair.”
“Hey, we needed the big guns. You were extremely difficult to pin down.”
I laugh and take his hand, linking our fingers together. “Tell me more about this surprise. I prefer non-surprises.”
“Noted,” he murmurs, halting our slow progress to kiss me again in the middle of the pavement for all of Notting Hill to see.
47
STORM
The guys' surprise, which turned into a non-surprise, which disappointed JP, is something they have been planning for the past few weeks. Or at least some of it.
As we walk up a couple of steps to the fancy restaurant, I’m filled with anticipation. My very high black heels are sexy and strappy, my dress is black and floaty to my knees but tight and low over my cleavage. My hair is loose around my shoulders, and I feel amazing. The compliments from the guys have made my year. A woman could get used to this.
“Gorgeous,” JP whispers to me again.
“You already said that,” I point out, but seriously, keep them coming.
“I will say it every day a thousand times. You are gorgeous.”
A smile stretched across my face as we stepped into the restaurant, my confidence growing with each head that turned. I could almost feel the whispers rippling throughout the room and saw the cameras raised to capture our entrance. JP holds one of my hands while Thatcher holds the other, and I wish I had a third to link fingers with Josh. I see the questioning glances and hear the hushed remarks, but I stand tall, knowing I’m with three of the most incredible men ever. The men don't even seem to know anyone else is in their presence, their focused attention is solely on me. My heart fills with love and joy at their attentiveness.
We are led to a private room at the back.
“Away from prying eyes,” JP murmurs suggestively.
My heart skips a beat at his husky tone, wondering if he is going to try something sexual out in public. I mean, I wouldn’t say no, probably, depending on the circumstances.
My breath catches in my throat as I step into the room and see the small table that has been set for four. It’s illuminated by a single candle, which sends a warm, romantic light across the dimly lit room. Josh pulls out a chair for me to sit on.
I take in the scent of roses mixed with a hint of Champagne and smile as small appetisers are served on delicate plates. The Champagne flows from the bottle like liquid gold. Its cold bubbles mix with the flavour of the food on my tongue, making it even more delicious. The service is nothing short of extraordinary, even more attentive than the intimate care of my men.
