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Nick straightened up. “Uh, that’s Rosamund. Olivia’s best friend.”

“And Olivia is?”

“Harry’s girlfriend. The other—well, they’re not really dancers. They’re both up from London.”

“Ahh, got it.” Evie looked away. “I guess what happens in London, doesn’t stay in London, then.”

Nick’s brows drew together. “Nothing’s happened,” he answered slowly, glancing at Sunita (arms crossed) and Fiona (eyes pleading), then back to Evie. “Tigs, I’m not into her if that’s what you’re—she’s Tarq’s friend.”

“Who feels you up in public.”

He edged closer. “Oh, that? Rozzy’s off her tits on E. Makes her a bit handsy.”

Rozzy? Make me puke! Glaring, Evie stopped dancing, and her bra strap slipped again.

“I couldn’t push her away.” Nick slowed his sway. “I wanted to, but everyone’s got camera phones. If a photo of me manhandling her got out, it could hurt my career. I have to be careful.”

Evie snorted, fighting with the rogue strap. “Right, so I guess that’s why you refuse to hold my hand in public.”

“I’ve never refused.”

“You’ve never tried either.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to. I do!” said Nick. “But you’re not used to public scrutiny or being papped like I am. Did you see me in The Mail this week? Buying anti-fungal foot powder?”

“Eww.” Sunita poked the tip of her unlit sparkler. “You have foot fungus?”

“No! My dad does. But that’s my point. I want to spare Evie from all that invasive, humiliating bullshit”—he faced her again—“which is so stressful, and I’ve read that stress can flare Crohn’s. I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

She fought through her pout. “I’m not a holiday from your regular life, Nick.”

“I know! Evie, you are my regular life. Being with you, it feels like home.”

The cotton wool wound tight around her heart began to unravel. “So…you’re not ashamed to be seen with me?”

“Does ashamed look like this…?” Nick twisted the second button on his shirt open. Hanging around his neck was her beloved necklace. “People ask me all the time, ‘Who’s Evie?’ and I can’t wait to tell them: ‘She’s my girlfriend, the kindest, most beautiful girl inside and out. She’s a writer, helps run her family’s business, and helps people research their roots.’ And I couldn’t be more proud.” Lifting the silver pendant, Nick kissed it lovingly. “I never take it off. Tigs, you mean the world to me.”

He didn’t seem bothered by her swollen cheeks or fading acne either. Evie wanted to snog him into next week, but embarrassment weighed her down. “God, I feel so stupid.”

“Don’t. I can see how it must’ve looked. That’s long distance, right? Toying with us.” He bowed his head closer to hers, cupping her cheek. “I might not be the smartest bloke. I’m definitely not the best student on my course, but if I learned one thing while away at uni this year, it’s this: I love you, Evie Sutherland.”

She sucked in a breath as an effusive “Aww!” sprang from Fiona and Sunita.

“And no amount of distance or gropey girls will change that. I’m yours, Evie. Always.”

Fizzy with joy, Evie’s ongoing fight to self-censor her feelings surrendered. “I love you, too!”

Fiona shared a smile with Sunita, who removed a lighter from her jacket and set their sparklers ablaze.

“Now can I kiss you?” asked Nick.

Like he needed to ask. She flew at him, flinging her arms around his neck as he bent down to meet her.

Evie captured his mouth, her tongue flirting and slipping between his willing lips, eliciting a moan from Nick as he lifted her up, his hands cupping the swell of her ass. She wrapped her legs around his waist, savoring their first (truly) public kiss and let out a happy squeal, her jubilation going unheard amidst the whistle and crackle of thousands of shooting stars exploding above.

Fiona laughed naughtily and sliced the dark with her sizzling sparkler. “Tarquin’s gonna be pissed! His fireworks went off at the wrong time!”

No, they didn’t! Evie smiled, losing herself in another delirious kiss.