London Falling (Falling #2)(62)
I think in her own way, she understands that there is no fighting what’s between us. But we do have some things to work out.
Things like her job. At the risk of sounding like a brute, no woman of mine will be moving in with her male clients. Period.
I don’t care if that’s her unconventional way of connecting with them. She can spend her days learning about them and her nights warming my bed, giving herself time to be free to enjoy the people in her life. She also doesn’t need to spend weekends there. That time needs to be spent with family, friends and me.
If she wants to fix this between us, she will need to make a couple concessions. When she’s had time to spend with me and her friends during hours she’d normally be with a client, she’ll appreciate her off time more fully. It will be more valuable and she’ll not be so keen to give it away so freely.
The period for dithering is over. I needed to find my Beauty. The anticipation of seeing her after not laying my eyes on her for so long has been quite unbearable.
I wished for her at night while I was in England. Having her by my side during the scare with my step-father would have gone a long way to easing my burden. No more separation. It would be now or never. The next day or two would determine whether or not we’d be together and for good.
Nathaniel finally pulled up to a beautiful country home. White, with dark shutters, it was lovely and reminded me of the sprawling lands back home on the outskirts of the country. I heard music in the distance.
When we exited the car, a man in a suit asked for the keys and notified Nathaniel he’d be moving the rental to an unseen parking location. The three of us walked up the wooden steps and were greeted by a lovely woman with long dark hair and eyes. Her smile brightened.
“Welcome, I’m Jess. Groom’s sister-in-law. Thank you for coming. Go on back down the steps and you’ll see the tents. A bar has been set in the dining room if you’d like to wet your whistle,” she added with a drawl that matched Hank’s.
“You fancy a drink, mate?” Nathaniel asked.
“Oh, you’re the British folks. Bride’s sister will be so happy to know you’re here. She told me to get her the moment the sexy Brits arrived!” She smiled.
I couldn’t help but smile in return. “Please don’t tell her just yet. I’d like to have a drink and then find her myself.” I winked.
She nodded knowingly. “My lips are sealed. Now y’all go on back. The festivities will start within the hour. There’s food set up near the bar to nibble on while you wait. When you see a handful of really stuffed shirts, you’ll know you’ve reached the bar.” She laughed.
We gave our thanks and made our way through the house. It was charming and lived in. Hank obviously appreciated comfort first and foremost in his home. I liked that. He was the real deal. What you saw is what you got with Hank Jensen.
Once we hit the kitchen, it was clear where the bar was. A line of primly dressed business executives held amber liquid tight in their grip and stood just off a room where a full bar had been set up. I could see the huge tent through the wall of windows. That was obviously where the service and reception would be held.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” A deep voice to my left said.
I turned and was surprised to see Tripp Devereux. It took everything I had not to deck the man. Instead, I gritted my teeth and scowled.
“I know I’m the last person you want to see but I think we should talk.”
“I’ve got nothing nice to say to you. Now is not the place for a friendly chat with an arsehole,” I whispered close to his body. I distinctly picked up the scent of apples before I pulled a solid two feet away.
“Fair enough, but you’re going to talk to me or I’ll make a scene. Is that what you want?”
“Fine.”
Tripp turned on his heel, expecting I’d follow. I took my time, shaking a few business associates hands on the way. Nathaniel handed me his gin and tonic as I passed him. “You’ll need this more than me.” He tipped his head toward a waiting Tripp. I had to give it to him. He didn’t look flustered, or brassed off, even though I fully planned on taking his friend away from him in the very near future.
He led me down a hall to what must be Hank’s study or office. Books lined both walls from floor to ceiling. A burgundy rug spread across the floor and beneath a desk. A couple high-backed chairs filled the space near a small lit fireplace. We sat in front of the fireplace and let its warmth bring feeling back to my cold hands.
“Well now that you’ve got me here, what is it that you want to say?” I asked, not waiting to be addressed.
“I want to apologize,” Tripp said firmly.
It wasn’t at all what I expected to hear coming from his lips. Was it me or were we not both in love with the same woman? I crooked an eyebrow, not clearly following this line of conversation. “I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage?”
His lips lifted into a crooked smile, showing his perfect teeth. He pushed his hands through his dark hair. “Look, I know you think there is more between London and me, and you have a right to know what it is.”
I bristled and pumped my chest out instantly.
“Hey now.” He put his arms out in a placating gesture. “What you don’t know is that I led you to believe we were more than friends unintentionally. My relationship with Bridge is different.”