Stealing Rose (The Fowler Sisters #2)(56)

I really hope he’s not trying to butter me up because he’s wasting his breath. “How long have you worked at Fleur?”

“Three years. I came here from Harrods.”

“The department store?”

He nods. “I was one of the perfume buyers. I started out working in the men’s department when I was sixteen. I got hooked into the retail cycle but was promoted rather quickly, and was working at corporate within five years of my starting work there.”

“That’s amazing.” I have no idea how old he is and I’m not about to ask, because that would be rude.

“You’re probably wondering how old I am, aren’t you?”

I feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment. “Maybe. But that would be awfully crass of me to ask, right?”

“I’m twenty-nine.” His lips quirk to the side. “Older than every one of you at this table, I bet.”

“I suppose.” Definitely older than me and Violet and Ryder. Nigel, he can’t be over twenty-five, twenty-six, and Caden … I have no idea how old he is. And that’s just weird. Why haven’t I asked him? Why hasn’t he told me?

He doesn’t tell you a lot of things.

Isn’t that the truth?

“How old are you?” Hugh asks.

“You should never ask a lady her age,” I chastise teasingly, making him grin.

“Forgive me, madam.” He bows and I laugh.

“I’m twenty-two.”

“Ah, so young. And so incredibly smart.” I see the interest flare in his eyes again. It’s hard to miss. He’s not being inappropriate or anything, but he’s definitely flirtatious. “Beautiful, too.”

There go my cheeks again. “Thank you.”

“How much longer are you in London?” he asks.

“I’m not sure.” I’m hedging because I honestly don’t know how much longer I can stay here and avoid my father and my job. I need to return to New York. I have things I need to take care of there. The plants in my apartment are probably dead, though Lily just texted me a few days ago, asking if I wanted her to stop by and check on things. I did and thanked her profusely.

Good thing I don’t have pets. I got so wrapped up in Caden and our whirlwind holiday romance I forgot about everything but … him.

“I could show you around if you like,” Hugh says casually, his expression neutral. “I’ve lived in this city my entire life. I could take you to the best restaurants—”

“The food here isn’t that great, you know,” I interrupt, earning a laugh from him. “Sorry, just being brutally honest.”

“You’re right. That’s why if you stick with me, I’ll steer you to the best food this city has to offer.”

He’s being so nice. If circumstances were different, if Caden weren’t sitting next to me, if I were here on my own and this friendly, handsome, kind man was asking me out I would readily say yes.

But I feel Caden stiffen beside me. He’s gone unusually quiet and I didn’t even notice. He’s probably heard every bit of my conversation with Hugh. I feel sick to my stomach, as if I’ve somehow betrayed him, and all traces of happiness evaporate from within me, just like that.

“Thanks for the offer,” I say sadly, “but I’m afraid I have to decline.”

Hugh’s eyes dim the slightest bit, but otherwise he appears completely unruffled. “No worries. Some other time perhaps?”

“Yes. That sounds good.” I nod and slide from my chair, smoothing out the wrinkles from my dress. I don’t make eye contact with anyone as I say, “I’m going to the restroom. I’ll be right back.”

I leave the table without another word, not looking back, keeping my head held high as I make my way through the crowd. The pub is full of young professionals just off work, most of them dressed like we are. Suits and dresses, ties loosened and high heels kicked off. Lots of raucous laughter and pounding of their beer mugs on tabletops; everyone’s having fun.

So why do I feel so miserable?

Shoving the women’s bathroom door open, I rush to the sink and turn the faucet on so I can splash water on my face. It’s total déjà vu, remembering this almost exact moment from a week ago, when I hid in the bathroom to escape Caden and he followed me in here.

The door swings open and my heart lightens in my chest, only to come crashing down with a dull thud when I see Violet standing there.

“What’s wrong?” she asks.

I turn away from the sink and grab a few paper towels from the dispenser, drying my hands before I toss them into the trash can. “Hugh basically asked me out on a date.”

Violet smiles. “That’s wonderful.”

Ugh. Of course, she would say that. “He asked me out in front of Caden.”

“So?”

“Violet, God. You’re being awful.” I shake my head. “I’ve just spent the last week with him, pretty much the entire time naked in bed. And now you’re encouraging me to agree to go on a date with another man, while sitting beside Caden? That’s low.”

“Rose. Listen to me.” She comes to stand directly in front of me, grasping hold of my shoulders and giving me a firm shake. “Sometimes we meet people in our life and they’re exciting. Different. Unlike anything or anyone we’ve ever experienced before.”