Page 35 of Duchess Material

Lucy pulled on her bra. “No, no, I left the door open. I thought you would sleep in and—”

Winston turned. “I was only going to ask if you had time to grab breakfast.”

“I could grab a pastry, but I have to get to the airport—”

“Let me drive you.”

“You don’t have to. Really- “

“I want to,” he said. “I’ll miss you anyway.”

She smiled, unable to tell him no. It was sweet.

“Look, there are no rules here, I get it. But… I think we should agree we’ve both seen the other naked. So, there’s no need for modesty. I’m not bothered by it.”

Lucy straightened her dress and stared at Winston as he gazed at her sweetly.

“Are you… are you listening, Winston?”

Winston shook his head. “Yes, I am sorry. You look great. I… sorry, Luce.”

Lucy gave him a kiss. “Let’s grab food on the way to the airport. Can we bring Frida?”

Winston guffawed. “Everyone else will hate you.”

“I don’t care.”

She and Winston departed with Frida, stopping for coffee and breakfast sandwiches at a cosy café up the road.

“When you get back, I’d like to take you out but…”

“I’m going to America soon after. Yes.”

They drove on, listening to Frida knock back the small piece of baguette they brought her.

“Um… one idea. And I am sure you’re like… super busy but… I mean, you could come with me?”

“With you? I don’t have a bag—”

“Not to Stockholm. To Chicago,” she answered. “Like for the week I am there.”

“You want me to come with you?” He looked surprised.

“Yeah, I mean, I think it’d be fine. Don’t judge me by my family. My mom and sisters love you but… my dad. And… yeah.”

Winston hosted her sisters and mother in summer as a buffer for Lucy.

“Would your parents put me up? I don’t want to cause trouble…”

“Winston, I’ve booked a hotel. It’s not the ritz, but it’s a nice room at a suburban hotel. So, you could theoretically come and not engage?”

“God, no. An American Thanksgiving? It sounds brilliant!”

“So, you’re on board?”

Winston nodded.

“This is either the best or worst decision I will make. We can plan to do something fun in Chicago.”

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