Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye - Jacquelyn Middleton Page 0,105

tight. She’s not angry! And has red hair! He leaned in. “You look lovely—as always!”

“Well, this is cool!” The guy crossed his arms, biceps bulging. “Leia, I trained Tarquin once last year—he tagged along with his brother.”

Oh! He’s Nick’s TRAINER! Ah, okay. I still don’t remember his name, though—not that I care. Everyone else here can just do one. Leia’s looking sexy as hell. It’s so great to see her!

Tarquin waved a dismissive hand toward the far side of the pool. “You should catch Nick before he leaves, mate.” Yeah, bugger off. Give us some privacy. God, what I’d do to hold her in my arms. Tarquin’s warm gaze didn’t waver. No one else existed, not the trainer, not the bartender leaving his credit card receipt—not a soul but Leia. “So, how are you?”

“I’m good. Busy! But I’m off today. As you can tell!” Her anxious half-laugh returned. “Time away from the Institute is as rare as a limited-edition Hermès bag these days.” She perched her sunglasses on her head and blinked up at him, adjusting the towel on her shoulders. “How are things with you?”

I can’t believe she’s actually here. God, my heart! It’s literally hammering through my chest. Tarquin nodded. “I’m great, yeah! Here on a break. Enjoying the sunshine. Can’t complain.”

Leia smiled kindly. “Good. I’m glad.”

The trainer leaned in. “Uh, babe…”

Her face pinched.

Babe? Tarquin bristled. She hates that! His eyes narrowed as the guy touched her arm. Oh, fuck. At least she used to.

“Time’s a tickin’. We should probably…?” The trainer tilted his head toward the exit and let go.

We? Babe?! She’s WITH this guy? Like boyfriend-girlfriend? A burning sensation rose in Tarquin’s throat. Leia, come on! Seriously? He’s got a MAN BUN, for heaven’s sake!

She skirted Tarquin’s gaze and combed a hand through the ends of her wet locks. “Xavi, you go ahead. I still have to change. But we’ll talk later?”

With a lustful stare, Xavi scooped up his file of papers. “You know it!” He winked at Tarquin. “Ciao, dude! Good to see you!” Lowering his shades, he confidently strode away, toned back muscles flexing beneath his tight black cotton shirt.

I can’t fucking believe she’s with this guy! Tarquin seethed, his glare practically searing a hole through Xavi’s departing man bun.

“So…” Leia fiddled with her towel and stepped closer, breaking the palatable silence. “Sarah mentioned business is going well.”

Sarah mentioned me? Tarquin’s frown lifted. “Yeah, yeah it is! Lots of new properties on the go, but I’ve always got time for a trip to New York. It’s great to be back!” I know she’s going gangbusters. Simon said her friend wore a Frill-Seekers gown to a film premiere last month and her phone’s been ringing off the hook. “And you?”

“Really good! I have an investor now, so I’ll be showing Frill-Seekers’ fall/winter collection during New York Fashion Week next February.”

I didn’t know that! “Leia!” Tarquin beamed. “That’s amazing!”

“Thanks! It’s been A LOT of work. Some all-night sessions over the last week.”

Argh! Please tell me those nights didn’t involve that man bun fuckwit—

“HEY!” Nick’s arm snaked around Tarquin’s shoulders. “I can’t bloody believe this! Xavi says this stunner is called Leia! Surely not YOUR Leia?”

‘Your Leia?’ Tarquin’s jaw tensed. Worst fucking timing ever, Nick! Leia will hate that.

She smirked and eyed up the elder Balfour. “And you must be Nick. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

He dropped his arm from Tarquin’s shoulder. “Oh, arse!” He glared at his brother. “The bloody Mail?”

“Uh…no? I don’t read gossip.” Leia pulled her towel tight, stealing another glance at Tarquin, her eyes searching his face. “Well…it’s great to see you. I hate to say hi and bye, but I’m meeting a makeup artist about my show”—she woke up her phone—“shit! Ten minutes ago!” She scowled at the screen and tapped into her contacts, muttering under her breath. “Please still be there.”

She’s gonna leave! Adrenaline raced through Tarquin’s veins, pushing words from his tongue. “Harry’s club opens tonight,” he blurted. “You should come!”

“Uh…” Leia’s panicked eyes flitted up as she raised the phone to her ear. “Um, okay.” She blinked into a subtle grin. “Sounds fun! Text me the info?” She stepped back, her gaze lingering.

“Great! I think you’ll like the place.” Tarquin’s thumbs flew over his screen. “We’ve kept all its historic character—”

“She’s gone, bro,” said Nick.

Tarquin looked up. Leia was rushing along the far side of the pool, talking a mile a minute into her phone.

Filmmakers, writers, musicians, and A-list celebrities swarmed the Thursday night opening of Bespoke New