Page 71 of No Going Back

“Thanks. It’s very generous of you, but I do need to get back. I have a conference call first thing in the morning, and a terrible boss who’ll have my head if I miss it.” She grinned at Simon.

Guy stepped forward. “In that case, I’ll have the car brought around to take you home.”

“Oh no, please don’t go to any trouble on my account. I can call a taxi.”

“I won’t hear of it. It’s late, and we want to make sure you get home all right.”

“I appreciate the offer, Sir Guy. I’d have driven over, but I’m between cars at the moment. Thank you so much for your hospitality.”

“Our pleasure, Nia. Have a safe journey home.”

They watched the Rolls-Royce leave, driven by Guy’s recently recruited chauffeur, then returned to the drawing room. Or would have done, but for Ros declaring she was tired and ready for bed.

Simon agreed. “Good idea. I know you have to go to the office tomorrow, but do you think they’d mind if you slept in for once?”

“We’ll see. You go on up, Simon—I’ll be right there. I just want to have a quick word with uncle dear.”

“I’m not surprised you’re tired,” Guy said, after the other man left, his reluctance to leave his fiancée blindingly obvious. “So—what’s this quick word you want?”

“Oh, not much—just to congratulate you on a well-executed plan.”

“Plan? My dear niece, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t you ‘my dear niece’ me, Guy Somerton. Simon told me this evening was your suggestion.”

Guy shrugged. “He told me Nia was new to the area and didn’t get out much outside of work. I was merely being hospitable, and I have to say, I found her quite charming.”

Ros gave him a wry grin. “You’re not fooling me for one moment. I know your games of old. And for the record—I like her.”

Guy snorted. “I can’t say I’m surprised. She reminds me a lot of you.”

“Is that so?” Ros folded her arms.

“That is so. I think you’ll find you and she have a great deal in common, once you get to know her. Now go to your man, and leave Maddie and me in peace.”

“Are you two going to bed now?”

“Imminently. Now go.”

“All right then. Good night, children—I’ll see you in the morning. Don’t make too much noise!” With a cheeky grin, Ros headed for the stairs. As she put her foot on the first, she called out, “And don’t be late going to bed!”

“Bloody nerve,” Guy muttered.

Maddie chuckled. “You know you love her.”

The mutter turned into a grumble. “Just as well. Come on, let’s have a nightcap.”

She groaned. Her lover’s nightcaps tended to be of the alcoholic variety. “Do you mind if I pass? I think I had rather too much wine tonight.”

“We can always make it cocoa, if you prefer?”

And he knew full well she hated cocoa. “Make it coffee, and you’re on.”

The kitchen was quiet, the staff long since departed after providing a delicious dinner for their guest. Guy made her take a seat by the range, while he busied himself with their drinks. When they were ready, he moved another chair to a spot beside her.

Maddie sipped her coffee and groaned with pleasure. “Oh, that’s good. Just perfect. Thank you.”

“My pleasure. Now—tell me what you think of Nia.”