Elle pursed her lips. “The name is vaguely familiar. You guys looked like you were having so much fun on the dance floor. Do you like him?”
“I do. He’s really fun to be around. In fact, he offered to show me around London tomorrow, and I’m considering taking him up on it.”
Elle’s eyes went comically round. “Whoa, Ruby, that is so unlike you. And also really awesome. Want me to ask Theo about him for you? Make sure he’s not a creep?”
Ruby laughed. “Sure, but I don’t think he would be here if he was a creep.”
“You might be surprised. Money and class dominated a lot of the guest list, and those aren’t always good indicators of decency.”
Ruby thought of Ellis. “That’s true. Okay, ask Theo.”
“Will do.” Elle gave her another hug before heading across the ballroom in search of her new husband.
Ruby looked around for Flynn and spotted him walking toward her with a glass of wine in each hand. She’d spent hours now debating whether to take him up on his offer. The reception was almost over. It was time to make up her mind, so…if Theo vouched for him, she’d say yes. No more second-guessing herself. She’d come to London to have an unscripted adventure, and hopefully Flynn would be an exciting new part of it. He stopped beside her, handing her a glass of wine.
“Thanks,” she told him, bringing it to her lips for a sip.
“My pleasure.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please,” the bandleader called over his microphone. “At this time, we ask you all to please join us for the bride and groom’s final dance of the evening.”
She and Flynn followed the rest of the guests as they formed a circle around the dance floor to watch the last dance. Elle and Theo walked out, looking radiantly in love as they began to dance. Ruby pressed a hand against her chest, blinking back happy tears. Megan squeezed in beside her, and they wrapped their arms around each other.
When the song ended, Elle headed straight for them, joining Ruby and Megan in a group hug. They clung to each other for a long moment, all of them teary-eyed by the time they pulled away. Before Elle left to rejoin her husband, she whispered in Ruby’s ear, “Theo says Flynn is a great guy. Go for it.”
So, Ruby sucked in a decisive breath as she turned toward Flynn. “I’d love for you to show me around London tomorrow.”
Flynn and Rubystrolled through the garden as they finished their wine. The wedding reception had just ended, and soon they’d be heading up to their respective rooms.
“So, what would you like to do tomorrow?” he asked, thrilled that she’d agreed to spend the day with him. Now, he wanted to make sure she had an amazing experience that set the tone for the rest of her vacation. This trip was a big deal for her, and he was honored to be a part of her adventure, however small.
Ruby pressed a finger against her lips, drawing his eyes to the sheen of her lipstick in the lamplight, the way her teeth pressed against her fingertip, sending a burst of heat through his system. “I should probably start with something touristy and then I have to admit, I’m pretty smitten with your idea of going to the theater to see a show. I really want to do that. Except—” She paused, sucking her bottom lip between her teeth and further muddling his brain. “—I don’t have anything to wear.”
“I’m sure you’ve got something that would work. The theater’s not as formal as you might think, but if you’re looking for an excuse to go shopping, you’ve come to the right place. London has some of the best shopping in the world, you know.”
Ruby gulped, her gaze darting to his. “That does sound fun. We could go shopping and then to the theater. Wait, you’re a guy. You don’t want to go shopping with me.”
“On the contrary.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “I do.” Ruby wouldn’t be a fussy shopper, he could tell. In fact, he had a feeling she rarely splurged on herself, and he wanted to be the one who helped her find something stunning to wear for her night on the town.
“You’re full of it, Flynn Bowen,” she said, doubting his sincerity.
“I am, no doubt,” he agreed. “But I’m truly looking forward to taking you shopping tomorrow. I think we’ll have a wonderful day together.”
“I think so too.” She looked up at him with a sweet smile.
“I’m sorry you had to deal with that wanker earlier, but I’m awfully glad I bumped into you out here.”
Her smile widened. “Same, on both counts. I guess it all worked out. There’s an Ellis at every party, but the Flynn’s are much rarer.”
Her words landed on a soft spot in his chest that was tender from the judgment of his family over his inability to launch his career. He rubbed at it absently, marveling at the warmth traveling through him at the compliment. “Thank you.”
His fingers tightened around hers, and before he could second guess himself, he leaned forward, pausing to hover over her lips as he looked into her eyes, seeking permission. In their chocolate depths, he saw the same lust currently racing through his system. He pressed his lips to hers, just a quick brush of skin on skin.
Ruby’s lips were warm and soft, glossy with lipstick that left his own lips feeling slick and tasting faintly of candy. She exhaled against his mouth, a puff of warm air that blew away his resolve.
His eyes slid shut as he kissed her again, firmer this time, mouths moving together as he dropped his hand to her waist, drawing her closer. A little moan escaped her lips, and Flynn felt like he could probably kiss Ruby forever and never get enough. She was soft and sweet, but also strong and passionate and smart.
He lifted his head, grinning down at her as his heart tapped out a happy rhythm inside his chest. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
