Page 78 of My Book Boyfriend
“Mmm,” I say. “I was impressed at the book club when you were struck by the same paragraph as me—the one where she describes Herbert in the living room.”
“That’s when I impressed you?” he asks, a slight pout to his lips. “Not when I passed your book quiz?”
“You definitely impressed me when I first saw you. But then I disliked you because you were the Rupert Evans who was about to tear down my garden.”
“The book club banter must have redeemed me somewhat?”
“Somewhat,” I say. “But I was really grateful to you for turning around my night at the gala. And I think I ended up with the right guy. I am lucky Aiden wasn’t interested.”
“I still agree with Mr. Devi—I have no idea how he wasn’t.” He pulls me close against him again. “You didn’t even vent or moan about what a shit he was. You decided to turn your night around, and you did. Rowena has a test for seeing what stuff guys are made of, but I could see right there your resilience and strength.” His eyebrows rise. “Although, those qualities were also very obvious from the fight you put up to keep the garden. Those dancing vegetables and the high school kids. And the interviews with the retirees. They were moving. You were so determined and persistent, so effective with those incredibly creative ideas.”
“Thank you for saving the garden.”
He runs his hands though my hair and then holds my face gently. “You, Mrs. Potter, and your whole team saved the garden.”
“Thank you for telling me not to hold back,” I say. “I didn’t know I could enjoy causing so much trouble.” I was proud of myself for fighting so hard for the garden.
His glance holds mine and he says, “I think you might be the one for me.”
“I feel the same way about you.” I caress his face, already so dear to me. “Should we compare notes now on what we tabbed inA Devilish Dare?”
“I’m all yours. Starting with this.” And with that, he picks me up and carries me to the bedroom. I loop my arms around his neck, laughing, as he gently closes the door with his foot.
Chapter twenty-four
Epilogue – Rupert – 4 Weeks Later
Thegardenlooksfantastic,especially the cherry blossom tree, its pink petals brightening up the sky, dropping pale polka dots on the ground. The daffodils have also opened. Lily stands on a ladder, hanging the last of the fairy lights in the gazebo. I honestly can’t keep my hands off her and have fully converted to hand-holding at all times. But similar to my dad, I think it’s Lily’s hand that I like holding.
The birds are chirping as if they’ve all just returned from Florida and are sharing their adventures.
My private chef, along with the catering crew from the office, including Bella’s friend, are manning the tables of food prepared for a picnic, with little burners underneath the steel pans.
Lily turns around as I walk over. “What do you think? Does it look pretty?”
I stare at her. “Beautiful.” I reach up and lift her from the ladder, letting her slide down my body, torturous as that is.
Her eyes heat up for a minute, and then she shakes her head. I chuckle.
“Is your tall, male friend from the gala coming?” she asks.
“You saw my friend?”
“Yes.”
“You noticed me before I came over? You never told me.” I squeeze her hand.
“You were the enemy. Of course I was keeping my eye on you.” She looks away as if trying to appear innocent.
“If you want to believe that,” I say. “But no. He can’t make it. He has to work late again on some litigation.”
She pouts. “That’s too bad. I was hoping to set him up with one of my friends. Who do you think would be a good match for him?”
“Sebastian is a tricky one. I have no idea.”
“Does he have a girlfriend?”
“He does not. And he’s rather committed to remaining single right now.”
