“Vera,” he whispered in between kisses, “You’re the love of my life.”
Our eyes connected with fierce intensity before our lips locked. Breaking free from the kiss, Alistair cupped my face with his strong hands while his emerald gaze drilled into mine.
Then, just then, my small voice spoke three big words.
“I love you.”
For a heartbeat, Alistair just stared at me, stunned. Then his whole face broke open, joy lighting every line. He caught me up in his arms, laughter tumbling out of him. I shrieked, breathless, as he pulled me close, kissing me hard.
“Say it again,” he whispered, voice rough with happiness, his forehead pressed to mine.
“I love you,” I said, grinning against his mouth.
He let out a shaky breath, eyes shining. “God, I love you, too. You have no idea.”
MASTER OF SECRETS
Vera
Calligraphycafé, Friday evening, June 16
“Is this for me?” I stared at the beautiful teal blouse I unwrapped.
Saph nodded, eyeing the garment while tapping lightly on the coffee table.
“Aww, you shouldn’t have,” I said, admiring the gift.
“I saw it at a shop, and I thought of you,” she replied with a smile.
“I’ll wear it on my next date.”
“Are you dating again?”
“You betcha.” I grinned. “He’s back in town after an exhausting work trip in Asia.”
“Well, I’m glad you’ve gotten your mojo back,” she said. “Who is he? Is it serious?”
“Time will tell.” I wanted to spill my heart out, but Saph and Julian had enough on their plate with their baby plans and her morning sickness. What was I supposed to say?
Hey Saph, I’m sleeping with Alistair Scott. You know, your worst enemy Saira Quinn’s ex-husband. The one who shares a kid with her.
Yeah, that’ll go down well like a lead balloon.
I’d tell them about Alistair eventually—when the timing wasn’t this fragile, when the boat we were all barely keeping afloat didn’t feel one push away from capsizing.
“Julian should be finished with work and joining us soon,” I said, glancing around the café for a third chair.
Saph nodded, then leaned toward the woman at the next table. “Hi, are you using this chair? If not, could I borrow it? We’ve got someone joining us.”
The woman gave her a cold stare. “This chair is taken.”
“Yeah, right, taken by her Prada bag.” My eyes narrowed at the bag on the chair. Changing the subject, I turned to Saph. “For the love of God, don’t tell Julian I’m dating again.”
“Why not?”
“He may be sweet around you, but he’s an ogre when it comes to my love life. Did he ever tell you he made his own ‘Ten Commandments of Dating’ for me when I was in high school?”
“Oh, my gosh. No way.”
