need anything except perhaps a Scotch, but because it was only two o’clock in the afternoon, I abstained.
We left the café and jumped into the Bentley.
I leaned forward toward Patrick. “Back to Duke Street, where we were earlier.”
He nodded, and we drove off.
“Where are we going?” she asked, as my hand stroked her thigh.
“It’s a surprise.” I grinned.
30
* * *
PENELOPE
WHEN WE PARKED AT a terrace house overlooking the park, I wondered if we were visiting someone.
I waited for Patrick to open my door. He liked doing that. Even if it felt strange stepping out with a tall, burly fellow holding a door open in broad daylight, it always attracted attention.
Blake touched my skirt. “Is this new?”
“Uh-huh. I picked it up at Oxfam.”
His brows knitted. “Why are you shopping there? Why don’t you take the credit card I offered?”
“You don’t like it?”
“It’s nice. And you look, as always, unique and beautiful. But I can afford to buy you new clothes. Whatever you desire.”
“But new things aren’t always as unique as old things.”
“That’s the beauty of designer clothes—they’re one-offs.” He brushed my cheek, and his eyes impaled me.
My heart skipped a beat at the thought of making love just like we had the night before. Divinely heavy after shaking through multiple orgasms, I’d fallen into a deep sleep and hadn’t even noticed Blake sneaking off.
I hated us sleeping apart. And knowing that he planned to visit a therapist filled me with hope. I only wished he’d open up to me.
I followed him through the filigree iron gate, and we came to a red door with a brass knocker.
Blake opened the door.
“Oh, you live here, too?” I asked.
Making room for me to pass, he remained quiet.
We walked down the hallway and entered a large sunny room with a bay window that overlooked the park. There was a sofa, a coffee table, and Tiffany lamps positioned on empty bookshelves. The mid-tone-blue walls with their white ornamented cornices were bare.
Blake crooked his finger for me to follow. We stepped into a kitchen overlooking a garden brimming with flowers and herbs.
I couldn’t imagine why he’d brought me there.
Blake led me by the hand to a room surrounded by windows looking out at the garden.
“How lovely,” I said.
“It’s yours.”
I frowned. “Huh? What do you mean?”
“The house is yours. I bought it for you,” he declared, looking pleased.
“You can’t be serious?”
He pointed. “This would make a great studio. There’s even a sink for washing your paints. The light …”
“I can’t take this,” I interrupted, gulping back disbelief, even though I had quickly grown in love with the place. How could I not? It was stunning. The garden. The park views. A studio to die for. “This must have cost you over a million pounds.”
“I made that in a couple of days, Penelope.” He cocked his beautiful head.
My jaw dropped at that admission. “I’d love to live here. I really would.”
He took me into his arms, and I melted into his strong frame. “Then there’s no problem.”
“Maybe I could pay you rent.” I thought about the cash in my account.
I wondered if I could move my mother to this house. But the thought of that sat uncomfortably in my gut. Renting her a flat somewhere close would be the best option so that I could look out for her.
“No rent. It’s yours. Please.” His chin touched his neck as he peered into my eyes. The sun hit his eyes, making them spellbindingly turquoise.
“Come upstairs.”
I followed him up to the second floor and found a large bedroom with a little balcony that overlooked the park. It was so perfect that a tear splashed onto my cheek.
Blake smiled tenderly and held me. “You deserve it. Think of the great art you’ll create. And I know where you live.”
I pulled away. “What?”
“I know you live at that rundown estate.”
“You’ve had me followed?”
“Not as such. Your friend Lilly’s being stalked by a man who has some pretty nasty connections. She’s being watched, and you’ve been spotted there. A little digging revealed that’s where you live with your mother.”
“A little digging? You know about my mother?” I sank down onto the bed and buried my head in my hands. Although it heartened me to learn that Lilly was being protected, I felt violated.
“A guy’s been spotted going in and out. He looks shady.”
“That’s Frank.” I let out a sigh. The knots started to unwind. Too raw to fight it, I surrendered.
Blake sat on the bed, holding my hand. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of.