“But really, you’re paying.”
“How so?” I ask.
“You pay me and I pay for lunch. It originates from you, doesn’t it?”
“With that sort of economic reasoning I’m regretting my choice of centre manager,” I say, trying to be serious. “I should just cut out the middle man and pay for lunch myself.”
“Not. A. Chance,” Charley says slowly, leaning forward, then he sits back with another grin. “Or does the estate pay? Are we just all vassals of Monkswood? Employed to do its bidding and carry out its nefarious deeds?”
Getting away from the office has had an effect on Charley, this is definitely more like the teenage version I remember. I love the grown-up Charley too, but God I’ve missed this man. Why did it take ten years for us to get back to this?
“Actually, neither. The equestrian centre is a separate business. I’m just in the process of putting the estate into a trust to ensure its longevity. The centre and the polo grounds are being split from the main house, grounds, and farms. The centre is a limited company.” I have another reason for wanting to create a trust to manage the estate, but it’s too early to share that with Charley just yet.
“But you own it,” Charley states as our food arrives.
“For now,” I mutter quietly, another part of our future I hope to discuss at some point.
Charley stays in the same playful spirits as we eat our meal, and of course I let him pay.
“How long will it take for the results to come?” I ask, meaning from the clinic, as we walk back to my car.
“They’ll email them in a day or so. Getting impatient are we?” Charley says, “Still wanna go slow?”
“I thought that was your idea,” I counter and he knocks his shoulder into me, almost sending me into a hedge. “Always with the physical assault.” I laugh at him.
“You love it, really,” he almost sings, and yes I do. Actually, the thought of being handled by Charley conjures up all sorts of delicious images. Yes, I am a little impatient. Not that waiting for the results will matter much, we can still have fun.
Talk turns back to work when we get in the car and I drive us back, threading through the leafy lanes of Larchdown and on towards Blackwood Heath. Felix had been in this morning and signed his contract. I can see why Charley and Simon were keen to have him on board, he’ll be an asset to the centre. The bar is already partially stocked from the few private events we’ve already held in the restaurant, but he’s already made a list of everything else we need. Tomorrow, Jeremy will bring him a laptop and phone so he can order from the suppliers.
I stop the car outside the centre but don’t get out.
“What is it?” Charley suddenly looks concerned.
“Immy has asked if you’ll come to dinner tonight,” I say and see an array of emotions cross his face. “Honestly, they’ve gottenused to the thought of us now. We’re old news, so the attention will be minimal. I don’t know what this is about. Oliver’s been in Spain for the last few days but he came back last night. Then Immy said she wanted to hold a dinner. A family dinner, which now includes you. She’s also invited Oscar.”
I look to see his reaction to that but there is none. Instead he leans across and kisses me.
“Yes, of course I’ll come. It’s an honour to be included.”
“You don’t mind Oscar being invited?” I don't know what he said to Oscar after we left the room at the party last week, but I did see him talking to him.
“I’m fine with that. But should I ask instead ifyou’realright with Oscar being there?” He smiles.
“Hell no, I’m going to have you by my side all night. I won’t let you out of my sight and will glare at him if he so much as looks in your direction,” I say, only half jokingly.
“That’s my guy,” Charley says before kissing me again and sliding out of the car, leaving me aroused with how hot he finds my jealousy.
I have every right to be possessive, as when Charley is shown into the drawing room before dinner, I see Oscar look over at him. I can’t blame him, though, as Charley looks gorgeous in a white shirt and claret sweater.
I suppress the snarl that bubbles up inside me, and instead walk over to greet him with a tender kiss.
“Staking your claim?” Charley whispers so only I can hear.
“You know it turns you on,” I reply just as quietly before stepping back and offering him a drink in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear. I fix it for him while he greets my mother, Immy, and Oliver and then goes over to Oscar. I watch carefully and sigh with relief when they just say hello and then Charley is back by my side taking his drink from me.
“Well done,” he murmurs.
“Another five seconds and I’d have been over there,” I say back and he smirks at me. I don’t get a chance to say any more as Immy gets our attention.
