your number for the clothes, but when his trip to the bakery appeared online, I was suspicious. Actually, we all were.”
“What did you have in the betting pool with the squad?” Xander says, raising an eyebrow. “Did you have that I was making a play?”
Christian’s blue eyes light up in amusement. “No. Liz had that one.”
“Very funny,” Xander says.
“But my brother,” Christian continues, “told me he was ordering a cake for a friend and he preferred to give the business to someone he knew. Which we all knew was rubbish because he’s never ordered a cake in his life. Apparently, he was shopping for himself that day.” Then he turns his gaze to me. “And the fact that you are willing to take on my annoying older brother? I couldn’t be happier.”
I study him in confusion. “You … you are okay with this?”
Christian throws his head back and laughs loudly, causing his dogs to bark in excitement. “I was more than okay before I even heard you made him prove why he wanted a date with you. Now I know you are exactly what this one needs.”
I nearly pass out with relief. “I promise you it won’t impact my work for you in any way. You have my word that you will have the best-tasting, most beautifully decorated biscuits for your wedding reception. Dating Xander will not distract me from my work for you; you have my word on that.”
Christian bends down and pats Bear’s head. “I’m not worried about it. You’re a professional.” He rises and cocks an eyebrow at Xander. “And the fact you had to work for a dinner date is bloody brilliant.”
Xander laughs. “Of course, you’d say that, Curry Takeaway.”
My heart grows full. I love the fact that Xander is so close to Christian, that they have such a strong bond between them. And I’m happy that Christian sees me as something good to come into Xander’s life.
Suddenly, we hear footsteps.
I turn around and see one of Xander’s personal protection officers, who is going to escort me to the gate.
“Your Royal Highnesses, Ms. Davies,” he says. “The black cab is at the gate.”
Xander nods. “Thank you, Scott.” Then he turns to me. “Please call me when you get home.”
I nod but wish I could kiss him goodbye instead. I reluctantly release his hand and smile at him. “I will. Goodnight, Xander.”
“Goodnight, Sunshine,” he says softly.
Oh, I adore this man.
I force myself to look away from his handsome face so I can address Christian.
“Goodnight, Christian,” I say, smiling warmly at him.
“Night, Poppy. See you soon,” he replies, grinning.
“See you tomorrow,” Xander says, smiling at me.
Tomorrow, indeed, I think with a happy heart.
* * *
I feel as if I’m floating as I enter the flat. It’s dark and quiet, as Isla is once again with Jeremy. I hang my tote on the coatrack, followed by my coat, and then I flip on the light and dash upstairs to my room. I shut my door, kick off my shoes, and flop back on my bed with my phone in my hand.
Tonight has changed everything in my life.
I close my eyes, reliving every moment, as I have already done in the cab ride back home. From our argument to that passionate kiss that ignited the most incredible sex I’ve ever had. To the emotional intimacy that followed, creating new feelings within me, feelings I didn’t think were possible to have so quickly. I recall the dinner and how we talked throughout it, and how I loved that Xander went out of his way to bring me a fine meal. And lastly, to Christian not only accepting me dating Xander but encouraging it.
An absolute whirlwind of a night.
And I miss Xander already.
I swipe open my phone and call him. He answers on the second ring, and the moment I hear him say hello, I practically melt into my mattress.
“I’m home,” I say, smiling into the phone.
“Good,” he says. “Although once you are in my arms tomorrow, you aren’t going home until the last possible minute on Sunday night.”
Giddy. That’s the only way to describe how Xander is making me feel.
“So I should pack some outfits,” I say. I have Saturday and Sunday off from the bakery. Being a master decorator has its perks, as all of my big projects are done during the week and delivered on weekends.
“No. I intend to have you in my bed all weekend, and you will need to be naked for what I have in mind.”