Page 5 of No Going Back

CHAPTER TWO

Five hotels in three days. If that wasn’t a cruel and unusual punishment, Guy didn’t know what was. He’d had no idea his niece would be so picky when it came to choosing the venue for her wedding.

He also decided that his future nephew-in-law owed him big time for running the gauntlet of overzealous events planners. If the effort they put into convincing Ros to use them for her nuptials could be harnessed to the national electricity network, the country’s energy needs would be satisfied for a century.

He did have to admit, though, that on a sunny May morning, this particular establishment did look far more appealing than the others. They’d approached it up a long, winding drive, through acres of parkland, past well-kept grounds and a field where alpacas were grazing. He’d done a double-take at the sight. Ros had been a little too happy to confirm he wasn’t hallucinating, and the animals were indeed what he’d thought they were.

“Guy, would you mind stopping at this end of the car park, before we go in?”

“Of course.” He recognised her tone. “What’s wrong?”

“Am I doing the right thing? Marrying Simon?” The sun streaming in through the windscreen glinted off the diamond solitaire as she fiddled with her engagement ring.

“What’s brought this on? Is everything all right between you two?” He’d seen nothing to indicate that wasn’t the case, but that didn’t prove anything.

Ros’ sigh could have been heard in the next county. “For me, it couldn’t be more perfect, and that’s what worries me. What if it’s not as perfect for him? He’s so out of my league.”

Guy would have laughed if he’d thought there was even the slightest possibility she was joking. “On what basis do you believe that load of bullshit?”

“One, he’s a genius, and two, he’s a billionaire. I’m a washed-up ex-army officer—”

“You can stop right there. Is that how I brought you up? Ros, you and Simon are made for each other. He loves you—”

“And I love him… so much. But what if I’m not enough for him? He’s around these super-intelligent people all day, and… Oh hell, maybe I’m just being stupid because I’m missing him.”

“You said ‘and’. And what? Come on, spit it all out. If you don’t, it’ll only fester.”

Ros gave another deep sigh and closed her eyes for a moment. “You know Simon’s been establishing the research centre. He’s been spending a lot of time with his colleagues, which you’d expect. There’s one—Nia—who’s… She’s as smart as Simon, slim, petite…”

“And not you. Have you met this woman, spoken to her?”

“Not as such. I saw her when I went to pick Simon up once. I was early, and I saw them together.”

“Together? How together?”

“They were talking. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Simon so animated.”

Guy disagreed. “Yes, you have. He always looks animated when he talks about his work. After you, it’s his greatest passion. You said she’s a colleague—don’t you think they were most likely talking about work when you saw them?”

“When you put it like that…”

“And you’re forgetting how long I’ve known Simon. You’re everything to him. I see it in the way he looks at you all the time. You talk about him being animated—you’ve never seen him when he talks about you. This other woman may be a genius, but she’s not you. As for Simon’s fortune—if you told him he had to make a choice between it and you, he wouldn’t even dignify that with a response. You’re his life. And washed-up ex-army officer? Give me a break. I’ve never heard such nonsense in my life. You’re about to become the head of VIP protection in the best private security company in the country. They didn’t ask you to take that on out of charity, they asked you because you’re the best.”

With a small laugh, Ros shook her head. “I’m just being stupid, aren’t I?”

“You’re not being stupid. Think about everything that’s happened over the last few months. We damn near lost you, you’re taking on a new role, and you’re about to take the single biggest step anyone takes in their personal life. And regarding the last of those, to the best of my recollection, you spent years convinced it would never happen for you. Everyone has moments of insecurity—the trick is to recognise them as moments and let them pass. Don’t get hung up on something that’s never going to be real.”

“I know you’re right, it’s just…” She smiled and gave a short, self-deprecating laugh. “What I should hang onto are different moments, the good ones. Right?”

“Exactly. Now, are you ready to go in and see if this is place ticks all the boxes for the venue for you to make an honest man out of Simon?”

“I’m ready. Let’s go.” She turned back to the hotel. “I’ve got a good feeling about this one—this could be it.”

True, but Guy wasn’t about to put his shirt on it. If nothing else, he didn’t want to have to explain why he needed a replacement on his next visit to his Jermyn Street tailor.

They reported to reception, and were asked to take a seat in the lobby. Guy used to the time to size up the place—classy and stylish came to mind, words that resonated when he caught sight of the woman walking towards them.

Liz.