Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye - Jacquelyn Middleton Page 0,131
some celebratory cake, but I want him more! Her heart tripped, giddy like it was about to take flight, destination unknown.
Glancing up from the oversized mug, Tarquin caught Leia’s ogle and his grin ran wild.
God, help me. Desire surged through her like an electrical charge. Her fingers, her lips, everything turned on, humming with want and the need to touch. Does he realize what that smile does to me? I feel like I’m lit from the inside. He must see it, right?
Tarquin tapped his spoon on the rim of the cup and rested it on a napkin. “Someone looks fit to burst…I gather last night was a smashing success?”
“It really was! Did you have fun?”
“I did! Had drinks with Si and Harry, chatted with Sarah, and met Riley and Ben. Hey, did you know Riley used to work for Nico in New York?”
“Really? I knew she worked at the BBC for a bit but had no clue who her boss was.”
“It was him. Small world, eh?” He scratched his chin. “Yeah, it was a top night all around. How about you?”
She put down her glass. “I had a great time and chalked up six meetings next week—including Selfridges! Their director of womenswear and accessories wants to talk on Tuesday.”
“Oh, you beauty! Congratulations, Leia!”
“Thanks! He raved about my dresses and suggested stocking them in their Oxford Street location. Their younger clientele want limited-edition pieces and sustainable brands, so Frill-Seekers fits perfectly.”
“Frill-Seekers in Selfridges’ flagship store. You must be so chuffed!”
“I’m stoked! Nothing is signed yet, but I have a really good feeling about it.” And you…
“To think Sarah had to talk you into staging a fashion show in London.”
“Sister knows best.” Leia grinned back at him. Turns out, my sister knows best about a LOT of things. I should’ve taken her advice, called you weeks ago.
She leaned over her triple-layer slice of vanilla cloud cake. A dainty white macaron crowned its meringue buttercream. “So!” She nodded at the large cup in front of him. “How many is that? Wait! Let me guess: your third?”
Her coffee inquiry earned a chuckle. “My first.”
“No way!” She laughed nervously, her eyes skimming the window boxes outside blooming with whimsical flowers in hues of periwinkle and flamingo pink, their bright bliss matching the hopefulness brimming in Leia’s chest. “What happened this morning? Late start?” Please don’t say a woman was involved. I’m still kicking myself for letting him slip away last night.
“Nope. Slept like a baby and woke up on the right side of the bed—for a change.” He lifted his steaming coffee, giving it a gentle blow. “Shame I was alone, though…”
“Such a shame!” Leia smiled coyly and hesitated, admiring his lips until they met his cup. “I tossed all night. Barely slept.” And it’s your fault! I was so excited, seeing you again.
Her appreciative gaze drifted down his blue tartan tie. His white button-down showed off his broad chest, and its casually rolled-up sleeves exposed several inches of skin. Tarquin, you tease! You know I have a thing for your forearms! I’ve missed them, their corded muscles flexing, holding you above me. What I wouldn’t do for that delicious view now.
Lowering his coffee, a hint of a smile lingered on his mouth. “I wish you’d called me after your interviews were done.”
“I wish I had too.” My vibrator couldn’t keep up, but you would’ve. Leia’s gaze flitted up, her burning cheeks complementing the garland of blush roses traipsing across the adjacent window.
Tarquin bounced his brows. “We would’ve had one belter of an orgasm to make your insomnia worthwhile.”
“Only one?” Leia countered.
“Ah, I was trying not to brag.”
Leia laughed and tugged the soft cuffs of her sweater over her palms. “Well, if anyone deserves to shout it from the rooftops, you do.”
“Oh, good. I’ll keep that in mind next time I’m inspecting shingles.” He leaned in, poring over the table of fanciful cakes. “This is sweet. My Fridays are usually spent on-site, choking on drywall dust and arguing over electrical sockets.”
“So, how is business?”
“Brilliant, actually! The cinema reno is done, and the church is nearly there. The two pubs and terraced house in Pimlico are coming along nicely, so I’m lining up what’s next.” He glanced outside onto sunny Ebury Street, a sophisticated thoroughfare of boutiques, pricey terrace houses, and intimate restaurants. “I’m bidding on a property just down the street, actually, and I’m looking at a few others in Bermondsey, Dalston, and Limehouse, too. Can’t stop, won’t stop!”