Page 66 of Love, Academically
“Rhys, we’ll talk later, yes?” his mother said, desperate hope written across her face.
“Of course, Mam,” Rhys said with a soft smile, before watching his mother continue to work the room. This was a room in which people ‘worked’.
“Don’t you look divine! Miquita?” Elin was saying.
“Miquita,” Lila agreed with a grateful smile. “Thank you so much for helping. I had no idea what to wear. I’ve never been to a black-tie thing before, certainly not anything like this,” she said, words just falling out of her mouth.
Rhys squeezed her waist and she took that as a signal to remain calm.
“You are a delight, Lila, an absolute delight. How did myawful brother manage to snag someone so beautiful?” Elin said, raising an eyebrow at Rhys. Good, if Elin bought it, then everyone else would.
“Oh, and this is James,” Elin said, flicking her fingers over her shoulder at the man standing just behind her.
“James, hi,” Rhys said, reaching past Elin to shake his hand.
“Rhys, it’s been a while,” James said with a bright, handsome smile.
If there were two people more opposite than her and Rhys, it was Elin and James. Where Elin was hard, ruthless edges with sharp eyes that never rested on one place too long, James was a laidback little cinnamon roll who was protecting his wife’s handbag like his life depended on it. Perhaps that’s what these Dallimores needed, a little fluffy unicorn to soften their hard points.
“I’m so glad Rhys has found you,” Elin said, stepping closer to Lila. “We’re not the dragons that he likes to make out. Well, I’m not, at least.”
“Oh, um,” Lila said. What could she say to that?Oh yes, Rhys is so stressed out about seeing you all that he’s enlisted me as a fake girlfriend.
“Elin, you’re making Lila uncomfortable,” Rhys said smoothly, stepping closer, pressing against her.
“Oh, you worry too much, big brother,” Elin rolled her eyes. “No, in all seriousness, regardless of what he’s told you, I love him. I miss him. I’m so proud of him for standing up for himself, doing what he wants to do. And now he has you as well, and you both look so happy.”
A lopsided smile tugged at the corner of Elin’s mouth as she looked between them.
“In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Rhys with that sparkle in his eye.”
“Elin,” Rhys said, pulling at his collar.
Something caught Elin’s eye behind her. “James, can you see Madoc?” Elin asked, craning her neck. “He’s over there talking to dad and Rhydian.”
“Is Rhydian your uncle?” Lila asked.
“Yes, and Madoc his son, our cousin,” Elin said, eyes on the cluster of men on the other side of the room. “He’s probably plotting my downfall, trying to get on Dad’s good side so I’ll be cut out of the Spanish merger.”
Elin spared a sardonic smile for Rhys.
“Seriously big brother, thanks for taking yourself out of the equation. I can deal with Madoc, you taught me well.”
She swept away, only turning to give James a nod as if to say ‘you’re coming’ and for him to follow.
Lila smothered a laugh.
“Poor James.”
“Nah, he loves it. He loves her,” Rhys said with a grin. “Oh, and uh, just so you know, Seren is on her way over.”
“Seren your ex?” Lila whispered with a nervous smile.
“Yes, apparently everyone wants to meet my girlfriend.” Rhys smiled back at her and linked his fingers with hers.
“Rhys, hello.”
“Seren, how are you?”
