Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 123579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123579 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
I get it. Trevor’s a hard man to lose, but this little heifer has no idea who she’s messing with. Just as I’m marshaling my forces, gathering fiery darts to return fire, she blinks several times, eyes bright with tears before she lowers her lashes, biting her lip.
I can’t do it. This woman is devastated. She obviously thought there was still a chance with Trevor. It’s not my fault. He’d decided that before he even met me, but I can’t make her believe that. For once, mercy holds my tongue.
“Yeah, something like that.”
She looks up at me, her eyes already sorry, but the speaker onstage takes our attention before she can follow through on the apology I see on her face. There’s five people being honored, but I couldn’t tell you what one of them looked like other than Trevor. I can’t take my eyes off him. His hair is just growing back, but it’s still a silky cap, molding his head like muted copper against his tanned skin. He’s laughing at something the host says, his wide smile denting dimples in his cheeks.
I want him fiercely. Not the handsome face, or the tower of muscle and bone. I want his secrets. I want his dreams. I want his hopes. I want everything I’ve never cared about with anyone else.
I tear my eyes away from his face long enough to glance at Fleur, only to find her eyes fixed on him, too.
She wants him, too, and my heart contracts with something like sympathy for her. But she can’t have him. I’m not that selfless.
Once the awards have been given and money has been raised for the various causes the night benefits, it’s time to go, and I can’t say I’m sorry to see this night end.
“You okay?” Trevor takes my hand as we wait outside for the car to pull around. “You’ve been subdued all night.”
“I’m fine.” I hope my smile reassures him, even though I’m still sorting through the things I learned tonight about Fleur, about him, about myself.
He takes an extra second to study me before looking down the long lines of cars queued up to collect the ambassadors, dignitaries, and leaders from tonight’s gala.
“I think that’s our car.” He squints to see. “If so, we can walk down. I want to get you out of the cold. Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
He’s only a few feet down the block when I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn to find Fleur facing me. We stare at each other for a few moments before she finally speaks.
“I wanted to apologize for that comment I made.” She looks at the sidewalk before looking back to me. “It was uncalled for.”
“It’s fine, Fleur. It was a difficult situation, and sometimes we say things we’d take back in times like that. Believe me, I’ve done it more than once.”
“Thank you for understanding.” She looks torn, but then seems to come to a decision. “He’s a good man. One of the best I’ve ever known.”
I don’t reply, but just wait for her to say whatever else she still has to say to me because it’s obvious she’s not done.
“If you’re just toying with him, then I think—”
“Stop right there.” I run my tongue over my teeth before I speak. “You don’t know me, Fleur. You have no idea what’s important to me or how I actually live my life. Only what you’ve read.”
“Yes, but—”
“I repeat.” I pause for effect, lifting my brows for emphasis. “You do not know me, and my relationship with Trevor is private.”
“Relationship?” Dismay clouds her eyes. “Are you saying…are you saying it’s serious between you two?”
Before I can answer, Trevor joins us, his smile stiffening when he sees Fleur beside me.
“That is our car, Sof.” He links our fingers, but smiles at Fleur. “Good seeing you again, Fleur. I’m in London…”
He trails off, looking over Fleur’s shoulder at Harold and Henri approaching.
“When are we in London, Henri?”
“Next month.” Henri’s eyes dart between Fleur and me like she’s prepared to break up a fight if necessary. “At David’s office.”
“Next month at your office,” Trevor finishes. “I’m sure we’ll see each other then.”
He bends to kiss her cheek, and like an involuntary response, her small hand reaches up to touch his hair. He pulls back immediately, wearing a rueful smile.
“I need to go, Fleur. See you soon.” He steers us toward the car, tossing parting words at Harold and Henri. “See you two back at the house.”
In the car, I have nothing to say. I can’t shake my last glimpse of Fleur, her golden eyes, bright and devastated, glued to my hand holding Trevor’s. I want him so badly, but he should be with someone like her. Everyone at that table tonight, everyone in that room probably, thought so. Wondered what a man like him was doing dallying with a woman like me.