Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“Probably for the best, then.” I grabbed another napkin and began the process of destroying it.
“You’re torn because this is the first woman you’ve felt something for since Britney,” he declared.
“Well, aren’t you just a genius,” I scoffed.
“Doesn’t take a genius to see what’s going on here, mate. It’s quite clear.”
I tossed the napkin aside. “Is she beautiful? Yes. Do I like her as a person? Yes. None of that matters, Leo. Okay? It doesn’t matter. The best thing I could possibly do to thank that girl for sacrificing her body for nine months is to stay the fuck away from her, let her return to her life in the US unscathed, and not turn both our lives into a fucking soap opera.”
CHAPTER 24
* * *
Sig
Track 24: “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
That weekend, my better angels told me to stay in London, but I’d gone too long without checking on Abby personally. I’d vowed not to pull a disappearing act again, so I needed to catch myself. Not to mention, it wasn’t fair to Lavinia that I was now ignoring her, too, anytime I distanced myself from Abby. I owed them both a visit. Or that’s what I told myself as I pulled into The Bainbridge Saturday evening.
I used my key to open the door and made my way into the kitchen, where I could hear them talking. “Hello, ladies,” I announced from the doorway.
Abby turned, looking like she’d seen a ghost. “Hey!”
Lavinia’s face lit up. “Sigmund! I thought I might croak before you came back.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. Nice to see you, crazy woman.”
“We’ve missed you around here,” Lavinia said.
I walked over to where Abby was stirring something on the stove. “Hi, Abby,” I spoke softly over her shoulder.
She smiled. “It’s good to see you.”
Her breathing seemed to quicken, or maybe I was imagining that now that I was hyperaware of her crush on me.
“Abby is making potato and leek soup,” Lavinia announced. “You’re just in time to join us.”
“That sounds like a bit of a risk,” I mocked. “Since when does Abby cook?”
“You’re a wiseass.” Abby elbowed me.
“You missed me, though.” I winked.
Why did every word exiting my mouth sound like I was flirting with her? Am I? Fuck if I know.
“I did miss you.” Her face reddened as she tapped the spoon against the pot.
Knowing our attraction was mutual made me unsettled, but also a bit energized, though I couldn’t do anything about it.
About ten minutes later, Abby ladled soup into bowls she’d set out, and the three of us sat down to dinner.
“You used fresh chives,” I remarked. “Nice addition.”
“You noticed.”
“I notice everything.” I licked the corner of my mouth. “Coriander, too, yes?”
“You’re good.”
“I have to say, this is quite delish, Abby.”
“Why, thank you. Coming from such a temperamental chef, I take that as a huge compliment.”
Lavinia stayed silent, but looked between us, amused. She was likely just as aware of the sexual tension between Abby and me as we were.
After we finished eating, I got up to take my bowl over to the sink. Abby cleared the rest of the table while I handled the dishes. When she started wiping down the counter near me, I felt my body stir. She looked up, and when her eyes met mine, I knew I’d been kidding myself thinking I was the one doing her a favor with this visit. I’d missed seeing her, and I’d been off balance ever since I’d discovered she’d gone out with that bloke from work. I had needed to see her tonight, and that’s why I was here.
“Are you sleeping here tonight?” she asked.
“I was debating it.”
“It’s mild out. Since you don’t have to go back to London, want to take a walk?”
I closed the dishwasher. “Sure. Yeah.”
“You want to come, Lavinia?” Abby asked.
“Oh, no. You two have fun. You don’t need me slowing you down.”
“We can walk slowly,” Abby insisted.
“No. I’d prefer to relax and watch something on the telly, but thanks for the offer.” Lavinia flashed me a knowing look, which made me suspect she wasn’t coming along specifically so Abby and I could be alone.
I glared at her as Abby and I got our jackets and headed outside. It was indeed a beautiful night—just a slight breeze, but not too cold. The leaves rustled as we made our way down the street before turning right onto the first side road.
“So, to what do we owe the honor of your presence tonight, Sig?”
“I just thought it was time I came and said hello.”
“I’m glad you did. Lavinia was beginning to get concerned.”
“Just Lavinia?”
Even in the darkness, I could see her blush.
“Well, I wondered if you were avoiding me again.”
My mind went to war with itself. Don’t do it. Don’t ask. “I heard you went on a date with Sean.”