Page 85 of Love ad Lib
‘Ooh! Because I’m twice as important as he is?’
‘Come on, Stelle,’ said Finn. ‘Rip it!’
Estelle tore the paper and stared at the books. One had a photo of a naked man’s torso on the front and was titledBanging the Billionaire Daddy Dom. The other wasSpringtime Kisses and Daffodil Wishes at the Little Cornish Cupcake Café on Mermaid’s Cove.
Estelle threw back her head and roared with laughter. She held up the Polly Hart book. ‘I won’t be seen dead reading this.’
‘I know,’ Libby replied. ‘That’s why I’ve swapped the covers. People will think you’re readingBanging the Billionaire Daddy Dom, but in fact you’re reading about daffodils and cupcakes.’
‘Oh my god, that’s amazing. How did you do it?’
‘A very sharp knife borrowed from Perry, a glue stick, and a fair amount of swearing.’
‘Sounds like my day-to-day life. Well, minus the glue stick.’ Estelle winked at Eveline. ‘You can borrow this one if you like? People will think you’re reading fluffy twaddle but actually you’re reading a filthy hot billionaire bang-fest.’
Eveline blushed as red as her hair. ‘Estelle,’ she murmured.
‘What? No-one apart from us will ever know. You can trust me and Finn. And if Libby rats you out, you can smite her.’
Eveline shook her head but couldn’t keep the smile off her face.
Estelle turned to Libby. ‘These are awesome presents. Thank you. But honestly, just seeing how happy you’ve made Henry is the best present I could ever wish for.’
‘I have?’
Estelle stared at her as if she was mad. ‘Course you bloody have. Look at him. He never smiles.’
Libby turned to see Henry weaving through the crowds holding two glasses of champagne, his face bright and happy.
‘Oh,’ was all she could think to say.
Henry handed her a glass and chinked the side of it with his.
‘Happy birthday,’ Libby said. ‘And happy birthday, Estelle.’
‘Cheers.’ Estelle took Henry’s glass from him and downed it. ‘Did you see what Libby got me?’ She showed him the books. ‘I got more presents from your girlfriend than you did.’
‘That’s what you think,’ came a voice behind Libby. ‘But you’re not getting a birthday blow-job later.’
‘Ah, Julian.’ Henry’s face was set tight. ‘Please apologise, then go away.’
Libby turned to see a man in his early thirties, dressed in black tie. He had sandy blond hair, a bright red face, and judging by the fumes emanating from him, had already been drinking a while.
His eyes slid over her like an oily caress. ‘Well, hel-lo. Julian Mountjoy at your service. You must be Libby. Rupert’s told meallabout you.’
‘Smite him! Smite him!’ Estelle hissed at Eveline.
Henry glanced at Finn and the two of them moved as one, standing either side of Julian, lifting an arm each and propelling him away.
Libby’s hand fluttered to her chest as if to keep her heart from leaping out and following them.
‘Are you about to swoon?’ Estelle asked.
She nodded. ‘I think so.’
Eveline laughed. ‘Henry and Finn are good men.’
Estelle sighed and looked at her friend. ‘Shame you won’t shag him.’
