Page 33 of Meeting the Billionaire Boss

‘Is the book good?’ Edward asks.

‘I think so,’ I say, leaning forwards and peering over Joe’s shoulder. ‘Joe seemed to enjoy the story.’

‘Daddy, can I have a dog?’ Joe asks.

‘A dog?’ Edward frowns.

‘In the story the boy gets a dog and they become best friends.’

‘It’s true,’ I say.

‘Let me have a think about it.’ Edward stands up. ‘It’s almost time for the pumpkin carving competition.’

‘Excellent.’ I slide Joe off my lap and stand up then put Joe’s book back in the bag.

‘Lucas will watch Joe while we compete.’ Edward looks around the hall. ‘There he is. Come on, Joe, let’s get you settled so you can enjoy the show.’

As they walk away, I take a deep breath and prepare to show off my skills. My thoughts stray to my brother. Will he be trying to carve his own pumpkin this evening or will Mum try to do it for him? I miss them both so much but I also feel like my world is changing. I haven’t let anyone else in for years and but now, the Cavendish men are gaining space in my heart.

And you know what? It absolutely terrifies me.

* * *

As I work on the pumpkin, I’m conscious of Edward nearby. He’s rolled up his shirt sleeves and it’s hard to ignore his buff forearms, the ripple of the muscles of his back as he works because his shirt has been stretched over his broad shoulders. I’m impressed by how seriously he’s taking this and by the fact that despite his wealth and how busy he is, he’s prepared to give his time to a local event like this. It shows that he’s so much more than a driven businessman. I remind myself that I need to focus because there’s a time limit and we don’t have long left.

When the whistle sounds to end the competition, I push the back of my hand across my forehead. I’m warm and my cheeks feel flushed, but I think I’ve done a good job.

Edward looks across at me and his eyes widen. ‘Wow! You really are talented.’

‘Didn’t I warn you?’ I wiggle my eyebrows. This is fun.

‘Now it’s time for the judges to score the pumpkins.’ The man, who is apparently a local councillor, waves an arm and the group of judges approach the table. With dismay, I see that the woman who was pawing Edward is among them, and she has eyes only for him. I don’t think I’m going to stand a chance.

There are eight pumpkins to judge and I’m last but one. The judges get to Edward and assess his efforts and then it’s my turn. The woman, I think Edward called her Flo, stares at me, then at my pumpkin and her upper lip wrinkles slightly. She’s clearly not impressed.

‘What’s that meant to be?’ she asks.

‘Isn’t it obvious?’ Edward cuts across her. ‘It’s a dog’s face.’

‘A dog?’ Flo tilts her head then shakes it vigorously. ‘Can’t see it.’

‘Perhaps you need glasses.’ Edward rolls his eyes at me.

I look at his pumpkin and have to admit that it’s a good effort. He’s carved an owl on the pumpkin and it’s perched on the branch of a tree.

As the judges go to the next contestant, I pick up a paper towel and clean off my hands.

‘Yours is brilliant,’ Edward says. ‘Did you do that specially for Joe?’

‘I did. I was going to carve something different but when he asked for a dog, I thought he’d like this more.’

‘He will.’ The look Edward gives me makes my knees weak and I break eye contact. How can he give me all the feels with just his eyes?

When the judges walk away to confer, Joe and Lucas come over to us.

‘Great effort, you two,’ Lucas says. ‘You clearly have some skills in common.’ There’s something in his crooked grin and the sparkle in his piercing blue gaze that oozes mischief. What exactly is he implying here?

‘I think so.’ Edward pats his trouser pocket as if he’s checking something’s there then he narrows his eyes at Lucas and Lucas gives a brief nod.

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