Page 60 of One Hot Deal

"It's a little village in Essex.That's where Nick and Siobhan Hunter live too.I work for Nick at his day spa, Nick's Nirvana."

"You are a massage therapist?"

"I am, and I love my job.Sam is a virtual assistant, so she can work from anywhere."

A hand appears on Bennett's shoulder."May I cut in, mate?"

Ben swivels his head to see Hugh."She's all yours, Lord Sommerleigh."

The former crown prince walks away, and Hugh clasps my hand as we begin to glide across the floor.He is a superb dancer, very light on his feet and always aware of his partner's needs.I imagine he's like that with Avery too, even when they aren't dancing.

"I wanted to talk to you," he says, "and this seemed like the best way to get you alone."

"We're surrounded by enough people to form our own village."

"You know what I meant."He deftly avoids Reese and Arden Dixon, since the couple seems too focused on each other to notice us."I need to thank you, Diana.Avery saved my soul, but you saved my company and my family's legacy.I will always be grateful to you for that, more grateful than words can express."

"I provided capital and advice, that's all.You did the rest."

He smiles and sighs."I had a feeling you wouldn't accept the credit."

"Of course I wouldn't.I work in the background.Taking the credit is not how I do things."

"That won't stop me from being grateful."He glances at something past my shoulder, then he halts us and kisses my hand."Thank you for a lovely dance, Diana."

Hugh disappears into the crowd, and Derek takes his place.

"May I have this dance?"he asks."I'm not as smooth as Hugh, but I won't step on your feet."

"I've seen you dancing with other women."As he clasps my hand and we begin to move, I experience a sudden flutter in my belly."You are an excellent dancer.With your looks and charm, you could have any woman you want."

He pulls me snugly against his body."I've got the woman I want."

That flutter intensifies, and warmth rushes through me."Do we still have a date for midnight?"

"Can we move that up?Don't think I can wait until midnight."He twirls us around, then dips his head to whisper in my ear, "Let's go upstairs as soon as we see the newlyweds off."

"Oh, thank goodness.I was afraid you'd insist on waiting until midnight."

"No way."His voice becomes deeper and more sensual as he murmurs, "I've never seen you naked, except from the waist down."

"That changes tonight."

Derek's mobile chimes.He pulls the device out to check what must be a text message, then tucks the mobile back into his pocket."It's time for the send-off."

While the revelry continues all around us, we briskly walk around the house to the driveway, hand in hand.Rupert, Pippa, Sally, Callum, and Kate have joined Hugh and Avery at the bottom of the steps.A limousine waits for the newlyweds.But first, we need to say goodbye.

The limousine will take them to London for a night at the most expensive hotel in the city.Then tomorrow, they'll fly to Elusion Island for their Caribbean honeymoon on Dexter Armstrong-Hill's private getaway.These two deserve the best of everything.

Rupert hugs his cousin and jokes with him, then Pippa gives Hugh and Avery big hugs while grinning.Rupert's wife had taken their son upstairs to put him to bed for the night, but their daughter Sally stayed with her father.Now, she gives Hugh and Avery big hugs too.Kate goes next, offering her goodbyes and good wishes.Then Callum steps up to his best friend.

He hauls Hugh into a bear hug, thumping him on the back.Then he steps back and slaps Hugh's arm."Shag a lot and drink plenty of champagne.You're one lucky sod to convince a woman like Avery to marry acacanlike you."

Callum grins and winks at the bride.

Hugh pulls his wife close and gazes at her with genuine love."Yes, I am one lucky sod."

Callum moves aside.

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