Page 48 of One Hot Deal

Chapter Eighteen

Diana

Hugh and Avery have seen fit to seat me beside Derek during breakfast.Two days ago, I would have balked at that.But this morning, I look forward to sitting beside Derek while we enjoy a delicious meal and conversation with our friends.I haven't let a man get this close to me in years, not since my divorce, and I'm not talking about physical proximity.I shared the most painful moments of my life with Derek Hahn.

But he did the same.I've gotten to know him, and I can't deny I like what I've learned.

I also can't deny that man has a beautiful body and knows how to use all those muscles.

Despite the fact I left my room after Derek went downstairs, I still sit down at the dining room table before he does.I see Pippa at a smaller table with Rupert's daughter, and I'm glad she's enjoying herself.I'm chatting to Hugh when Derek finally ambles into the room.He smiles when he realizes the one empty chair beside mine at the table is for him.Another chair sits vacant on beside Dominic, and Hugh had mentioned that seat awaits a guest who hasn't arrived yet.

Derek settles onto his seat and leans in to whisper to me, "Are you hungry, Diana?"

"Yes, famished."

"I'd say 'ravenous' is a better description of you."He sneaks a hand onto my thigh under the table."I see pancakes are on the menu.I'd love to take our food up to our adjoining rooms and pour syrup over your skin so I can lick—"

"Yes, I agree," I say a bit too loudly."Pancakes are the perfect breakfast food.Let's get some of those."

Hugh smirks.Avery slants forward to peer around her brother at me, strictly so she can smile knowingly.

Dominic is seated directly across the table from me.Though I hardly know the man, he seems amused by what's happening on this side of the table."I'd love something sweet too.Someone pass me a plate of banana pancakes, please.Those of us relegated to the healthy food section of this table demand equity in food distribution.Who wants oat bran?Give me a sugary meal."

Everyone starts chattering away and passing platters back and forth so we can all enjoy a taste of every dish.Dominic's statement also has the added benefit of distracting Avery and Hugh from noticing whatever Derek and I might say to each other.

I could kiss Dominic for that.As much as I adore the soon-to-be newlyweds, I do not like being the center of attention, particularly when that attention involves meddling.

Someone clangs a bell.

We all turn to glance at the doorway, where Kendall stands proudly holding a brass bell."Mr.Rigby's guest has arrived.Shall I escort her into the dining room, sir?"

He looks at Hugh when he says that.At least Lord Sommerleigh has stopped wincing whenever Kendall refers to him as "sir."I think Hugh might finally be settling into his role as lord of the manor.It suits him.

"Yes, Kendall," Hugh says."Please bring her.Dominic has been anxiously awaiting the girl's arrival."

Kendall nods crisply, turns on his heels, and strides down the hall.

Dominic aims a half-hearted scowl at Hugh."I am not 'anxiously awaiting' anything.Focus your meddling on someone else, please."He glances conspicuously at me and Derek."I'm not the one who needs it."

Someone chatters in the hall, the woman's voice growing louder along with her footsteps as she draws nearer to the dining room.She and Kendall halt in the doorway.

"For heaven's sake, you shouldn't make such a fuss," the American woman says."There's no need to announce me."

Hugh twists his head around to say, "It's all right, Kendall.You can go now."

Kendall nods crisply once again and marches off down the hall.

Dominic rises from his chair."Over here, Chelsea.We saved you a seat."

The newcomer hurries over to Dominic, who gives her a quick hug.They both sit down.The last chair has finally been occupied, which means we are at full capacity now.

"Blimey, I almost forgot to introduce you," Dominic tells the woman seated beside him."Everyone, this is Chelsea Vance from America.We've been mates for years, and some of you have met her before.She's my guest for the wedding."He squints at Hugh when Lord Sommerleigh smirks."But we are not a couple."

"Too bad," Reese Dixon says."You look like you need a good shag, mate."

"Piss off, Reese."

Everyone goes back to conversing with whoever is seated nearby, and no one else harasses Dominic about his relationship with Chelsea.But I do start up a conversation with her, since she seems a bit uncomfortable in a room packed with people.

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