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The next day
Just look at him. So perfect and gorgeous and here, despite everything.
Leia sipped her water and stared longingly across the café table as Tarquin stirred a spoon in his coffee, his soft smile lost in the milky swirls.
Why did I suggest meeting at Peggy Porschen? Sure, I want 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.”
