A ghost of the past

ed in, carrying with it the scent of freshly picked f

ess confidence-not the arrogance of a man trying to impress but the assurance of someone who knew he w

ing aside with an easy grin. "W

g inside. His gaze shifted to Eleanor, and h

"You certainly did." She stood up, brushing her hands against he

et on the table. "What's a good s

the wine bottle, grinned. "

t time they met had been at a small bakery near the market, where Eleanor had gone to buy a cake for Lucian's birthday. The shop had been busier t

ut, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Unless y

had agreed to sit down for coffee with him. He was charming, kind, and easy to talk to. Not lo

ning when others spoke rather than just waiting for his turn to t

respect Philip. He had seen enough of him to know that Phi

y. He had a way of joining conversations without domin

d, resting her chin on her palm.

this week. No last-minute deadlines, no clients making impossi

ckled. "Tha

You mean you don'

gal documents." He reached for his glass, taking a slow sip. "But the kind where

jo

d glasses refilled. Isla leaned back in her chair, content, while

lip leaned fo

in his posture before sh

l velv

or straightened slightly. Lucian, catchin

eaving Eleanor's. "I didn't just come to su

o filled with lighthearte

t open with ease. Inside, nestled

g piece-elegant, tim

parted, but no

ou have been the best of my life. You are-without question-the person I want to

oftened. "

hed, her heart pounding slightly-not out of worry, but anticip

omething flicker in

ly. But something els

gether, felt something unfamiliar twist inside him. He told

ring, waited. His patience was unwavering. He

nor final

de to