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