Honestly, I didn’t know if I was standing on my head or my heels. I was in despair one moment and cast into heaven the next.

After seeing I was devastated by that rag, the Crier, Richard carted me into the library and got straight down to business. “I like you just the way you are.” It’s not the stuff of romance, but it was music to my ears. “I’m serious about you.” I could see he meant it, too.

God knows why I told him about Barry. I mean, it’s so shaming. But Richard was so sweet about it, calling him all kinds of names, that I felt better instantly. He had his arms around me, too, cinching me tightly in a cocoon of comfort and joy.

I could have stayed there all day, but Andrea came to warn him that Tanaka and Vladimir were about to kill each other, so he had to rush off. I was all for it. I knew how important Trouper was for him, but I as soon as he was gone, I was riddled by doubts again.

When Barry dumped me, I pretended to be okay with it. Everyone knew about the engagement because like a twit, I’d announced it on Facebook by changing my relationship status from Single to Engaged.

After the humiliation of putting it back again, I was inundated with questions. I didn’t for one minute even think of telling anyone what had happened. In my head I knew Barry was wrong, but in my heart I was ashamed, so I just said, “We decided we didn’t suit after all” to anyone who asked.

My cousins who knew the real story called Barry names, just like Richard, but as they also gave me lots of advice on how to lose weight, I was a bit hurt. We’ve not been really close since, actually.

Luckily, I had Mum and Dad. They made me move back in with them for a couple of months, and they were so good to me that I got over it. They moved to Spain a year ago—it’s better for Mum’s arthritis, and Dad is a sun worshipper—but we’re still super close. We stay in touch via a weekly Skype call, and as budget airfares are cheap as chips nowadays, I pop over for a holiday weekend every couple of months. 

Our time is Friday afternoon, but with all the emo sloshing around, I knew I needed my mum, so I tidied away the breakfast things and then sat down with my iPad. I got through instantly. “Hi, Mum!”

“Hello, love!” Mum was looking super tanned, the lucky thing. “Everything okay?”

“Better than okay.” I told her everything—she’s my mum—and ended up with, “But on a scale of Stephen Hawking to clown pants, am I a being a total idiot?”

“What are you talking about?” Mum’s always on my side, bless her. “Richard says he likes you, and from what you say, he’s not looking at anyone else.”

“Right, a tech billionaire, and good-looking, and I’m just perfect for him.” My inner fears were blurting out everywhere.

“Sophie love, you can’t go through life thinking every man is a Barry.”

“I know that.”

“And to think that this Richard is a silly, weak-minded man just because he happens to be rich is prejudice.”

“Yes, Mum.”

“If he wanted a vacant-minded, skinny girl, he’d have one. Or probably two or three.”

“Actually, he’s already had those. Lots, from what the papers say.”

“Oh nonsense! I read the Crier, too, and it looked a right lot of rubbish to me.”

“He says some of it is true.” Again, I told her everything.

Mum listened, thought about it, and then delivered judgement. “He was a child! All of us are a bit silly when we’re young. Your father used to go steady with a girl just because he fell for her red hair.”

I had to laugh. “I had no idea!”

“He changed his mind when he saw me,” Mum said smugly. “Your Richard is the same, mark my words. He’s all grown up now, and you shouldn’t hold his youthful mistakes against him.”

“Yes, Mum, but it’s only been a few days.”

“So what? I knew I wanted your dad the moment I laid eyes on him. And anyway, it’s not like we’re in Victorian times and you can’t change your mind if it turns out he’s not Mr Right after all.”

She’s very down to earth, my mum.

“You need to get back into dating again, so enjoy this opportunity. Richard sounds like a good bloke to me. Just take it at a pace you’re comfortable with.”

“Yes, Mum.”

She giggled at me, looking healthy and happy. “So what are you waiting for, you silly girl? Go get your man! But first, let me speak to Jack for a minute. Dad wants to see him, too. We’re so excited about him! We’ve checked and you can fly him over quite easily, once you get him a doggy passport.”

I had to laugh. “Okay, Mum! I’ll get right on it!”

“Good, so put Jack on, and then go and cook your Richard a nice lunch.”

After that, I decided Mum was right. I’d forget about Barry and take a chance. I put together a yummy picnic, planned a dinner to die for, and resolutely pushed away every worried thought. In a word, it was glorious. 

Richard was in a tearing mood. “They’re staying on! They love Trouper!” He wasn’t wrong, either. Tanaka and Vladimir had been at loggerheads, bristling like cats, but after seeing the robot in action, they were brothers in arms.

Lorelei didn’t like it at all. The boys were out all day, and when they finally trooped in through the French windows, covered in mud and carrying Trouper, they were oblivious to everything except for their work.

“Darling, where were you?” Lorelei cried. “We said dinner at eight, and it’s past ten!”

Vladimir didn’t even look at her. “Is it? Splendid! Tanaka, we need to find that paper on the Rover—”

Lorelei let them ramble on and then tried again. “Vladimir, look at my skin. Isn’t it lovely? I went for a black mud wrap.”

“Very nice!” the Russian prat rumbled. “We need to put the bot into deeper mud tomorrow, Richard. Some mines—”

And then they were off again. 

Andrea was a star. “Men,” she sighed. “I can’t be bothered, can you? Tell me, Lorelei, do you think hemlines will go up this year? You know every designer who matters, and I’d love to have the inside track.” 

She was superb, and with her cunning flattery, Lorelei was able to smile a little, and the boys got to jaw about work undisturbed. I could see why Richard valued Andrea so highly, but what was nice was that I wasn’t even remotely jealous anymore. I felt we were working together to help him, and it made me happy.

Of course, Richard was in seventh heaven, too, immersed in nerd nirvana. He talked shop solidly through dinner, pepper steak for him and Vladimir, stuffed aubergine and no cheese for the girls, and grilled salmon with braised veg for Tanaka, but as soon as they’d finished the cream buns and fresh fruit plate, he was in the kitchen, grinning. “Ready for our walk?”

It was a velvet night, still warm but the stars were out. Jack was racing around, chasing imaginary rabbits and pretending he was tracking badgers. We went up a little track that led past the woods and the quarry, and finally to the little lake.

I was in heaven because as soon as we got away from the house, Richard put his arm around me, and then his jacket, “In case you get cold.” I felt cocooned in his care.

We probably talked, we must have, but I’ve no idea what about. I think our trip to the vet was mentioned (clean bill of health, and Jack was a brave pup about his vaccination) and I have a vague memory of us discovering we both adore Restaurant Auguste, one of the affordable Michelin restaurants in Paris, but that’s about it.

We were circling the lake, heading back for home, when Richard suddenly yawned. “Sorry, love. I’m suddenly feeling a bit ragged. Must be excitement.”

“You missed a night’s sleep! The Pentagon, remember?”

“Actually, I forgot. It seems a year ago.”

I picked up the pace a little. “Come on, let’s get you tucked into bed.”

We were back in the house, at the top of the stairs when he asked, “Will you sleep with me?”

My fantasy world came crashing down again. “Tonight? Like now?” My voice was pure mouse, coward that I am. I was thinking he’d see me without my floaty dresses, without the careful camouflage. So much for me loving my body, right?

“There’s no rush,” Richard said comfortably. “We can just sleep.”

“I just, erm—” I could feel myself begin to flush. My hands were sweaty, too. You’re a fat cow, Barry had been fuming when we’d split, and he’d said the nastiest things he could think of. Whales have fewer rolls. I’d made myself forget, but now it was rushing back, my confidence dissolving in an acid bath of shame.

“Hey,” Richard was suddenly wide awake, gazing into my eyes, right into my soul. “That fucker,” he growled. “What did he say to you? That poisonous ungrateful bugger hurt you!”

I didn’t even deny it. But my pride came back and that, with lots of blinking, meant I did not get watery. “I’m okay,” I lied.

“Go put on your nightie,” Richard said abruptly, “and I’ll be along in ten minutes.” 

“But—”

“We cuddle, nothing more. Jack can chaperone.” The grey eyes were steel. “No arguing, Sophie. If you sleep alone tonight, you’ll have yourself convinced of all kinds of nonsense by morning.” He was hugging me. “I’m not risking losing you!”

And that’s how I found myself putting on the pink satin and fiddling with my hair, waiting for Richard. He pitched up, wearing boxers, and laughing, “Do you know, Sophie, I never realised, but I don’t have pyjamas!”

“Really? Now I know what to buy you for Christmas.” But I was totally squeaky again because Richard in boxers was a vision. His hair was damp from a hot shower, and the scent of soap hung around him, sweet and enticing. 

Richard had looked lickable in jeans, and knicker-droppingly gorgeous in chinos, but in boxers he was pin-up material. He had a broad chest, nicely muscled but not so pumped that it was like rock, and strong, beautifully shaped legs. I could only imagine what was underneath the blue silk, but his behind was jutting nice and firm. 

Jack sat up and yipped in welcome. I wanted to roll over and show my tummy. The man was gorgeous. There was a river flowing between my legs, and I could feel myself flush and pucker with want.

“What side of the bed is yours?” Richard was turning down the covers.

“Whatever side you’re on.” Shame had been vanquished by lust. I was out-panting Jack, and my nipples were pointing better than an Irish setter.

“Brilliant! I shall sleep on the right side, so I can grab my sword if there’s trouble.”

That made me giggle. “What?”

Richard was settling in, looking thoroughly at home, and Jack curling up on his feet. “In the old days, a knight kept his sword by the bed, and being right-handed—”

“Oh,” I was sliding under the covers, “I get it.”

“It’s this old house,” Richard was sliding an arm around me, pulling me in. “I keep getting these King Arthur fantasies.”

At which point I realised I was in bed with Richard Cummings and not at all nervous. The arm was firm around me, and his scent, soap, and male musky goodness floated around me. His breath was on my ear, my favourite erotic zone, and I was instantly shivering with delicious tingles. My heart was going like the clappers, and that river was running between my legs again.

Despite all the passion, though, my nerves suddenly came flooding back. You’re a fat cow, Barry’s voice echoed in my mind.  I shut my eyes and forced the evil memory away. I was with Richard, and it was all good.

“You smell great.” He was stroking my hair, a sweet, gentle touch that was just perfect. His hand slid down, caressing my arm and then moving over my side, my waist and my hips. “You’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”

“I was thinking the same about you.” I spoke lightly but my body was warring against my mind. My nipples and my gut were saying this was perfect, but my insecurities were screaming that it was too good to be true.

“I love being in bed with you.” The whisper in my ear was working its magic again. I was melting in his arms, and then, like a complete fool, my paranoia popped up. He’d said just sleep, but was he secretly expecting more? My anxiety was revving up again as I second-guessed myself. 

“Yum, sweet.” Richard was planting kisses on my neck as he explored.

I breathed again. So far, so good.

Richard yawned and then smiled at me, his slate eyes narrowed with exhaustion. “You know, this was the best idea ever,” he murmured. “If I’d gone to bed alone, I would have been worrying about tomorrow. But now, with you here, I know I’m going to be okay.”

At that, I was suddenly at peace. Everything was going to be okay. I didn’t need to play games or worry about mixed messages. I was free to be myself.

Richard reached out and flicked off the light. Then he snuggled into me, sighing, “You’re my rock, you know. Sweet Sophie.”

There were lips on my shoulder, and then he was out. Yes, I’m talking unconscious. Clearly Richard had been totally, absolutely shattered. Going without sleep the night before plus all the excitement, it wasn’t really surprising. I might have lain awake and worried if I were on my own, but with his body hard against mine, I was happy.

Yawning, I realised I was shattered, too. With trotting up the hill, the long evening walk and everything else, I was out moments later.

I woke up ten minutes before the alarm went off. Half awake and half asleep, I became aware of a large hand running over my breasts. There was a bulge against my bottom, too. “Enjoying yourself?” Told you I’m no good in the morning. I was too blurred with sleep to even worry what he was thinking.

“Oh yes!” He was laughing, happily exploring. “I just let Jack out for a pee.”

It was ten to six, and I could hear rain lashing against the windows. “You’re a saint.”

“I know,” he whispered smugly. “This is my reward.”

At that, I just rolled over and curled into him.  He was still cold to the touch, shivering actually, but he opened his arms, and then we were wrapped around each other.

His chest was hard, but his skin was soft, as sweet as his kisses. I sank into the love, revelling in his scent, fresh grass and warm masculinity, floating all around me.  As his lips brushed against mine, I felt my body shimmer. His hands were burrowing under the satin nightdress, cool skin running up my back, and then sliding round, cupping my breasts as fingers ran lightly over my nipples.

I was aware of my breath turning into gasps. My heart was banging away, bouncing wildly as my body went into overdrive.

“Dear lord, I want you so much!” It burst from him in a gasp, right in my ear. God knows I was the same. I was panting worse than Jack, and my body was zapping along with shooting sparks of excitement. “I want you, too.”

We would have been at it right there and then, but sadly, life is seldom perfect. My bloody alarm went off. “Oh noooooooooo!” I was crying. “Argh!”

At the bottom of the bed, Jack took one look, raised his little head and howled along in sympathy.

It was total pandemonium, and Richard burst out laughing. “Ohmidog! This is priceless!”

As a start to the day it was unusual, but now I look back on it, it did set the tone. Because I love to laugh, and Richard is the same.

“I’m so sorry, but I have to get breakfast ready,” I told him.

“I’m disappointed, but I guess there’s compensation,” Richard grinned. “I’ve had breakfast at the Plaza, the Emirates Palace, and the Dorchester, but your eggs Benedict are the best.”

I kissed him on the nose. “Just for that, I shall make them with extra love.”

“Yum!” Then he looked worried. “Sophie, may I come back and sleep here with you tonight? Please?”

I pretended to consider. “Well, okay.”

“Minx!” I got a smacking kiss, a swat on the behind, and then he was rushing out, saying, “See you downstairs? I have to get to my email.”

That was another thing we had in common. Most people don’t realise that serving the food and clearing is nothing compared to my real work. For every minute you see me with a plate in my hand, I’m spending up to an hour preparing. I hadn’t twigged before, but Richard was putting in a solid two hours before breakfast every day.

Being a tech business magnate certainly isn’t easy. That morning the papers were muckraking again, with the Crier printing a piece about playboys and putting Richard right at the top. It was written by a nasty toe rag called Gerry Leon who implied Richard had hired Basildon Hall so he could spend corporate money on bimbos and coke. It was just so over the top that I simply laughed as I binned it.

I brought him a cup of tea as soon as the kettle had boiled, and I walked in just as he was saying, “I’m aware of that, but you must allow me to handle this. I appreciate all the Board does, but it was I who built up the company, and the shareholders trust me.”

From which I gathered the bad press was causing all kinds of fallout. It was pretty horrible, but when I mentioned it, Richard just shrugged. “There’s always something. Don’t worry, love. It’s well under control.”

“Really, the bugger at the Crier said you took coke!”

To my surprise, Richard grinned. “I know!” He was crowing. “It was a classic mistake. Now I’ve got him!”

“Really? How?”

“Repackaging old gossip and pretending it’s new won’t get me far in court, but now that he’s been at it for days and making it up as he goes along, I have him,” Richard explained. “I had my annual medical last week, and another test by the Pentagon a month ago, so I can prove I don’t take drugs. And because he’s written three articles in three days, I can prove a pattern of personal malice.”

“Awesome.” I still didn’t think it was worth the pain and suffering, but clearly Richard was much tougher than me. “I hope you sink that bastard.”  

“I’m going to make him pay for every poisonous word!” That’s when his cell rang. “Oh hi, Mum!” Richard was smiling, but his eyes looked a little grim. “Yes, I know. But that’s how it is. Success brings out the crazies. Try not to worry, Mum.”

Clearly his family were upset, too. I didn’t like it, but he seemed cool, so I left him to it, trusting he knew his own business. After all, when I have a bad review I know it’s suicide to snap right back. That kind of silliness just starts a war, and everyone loses. So I suck it up, make amends where I can and move on where I can’t.  It’s low-key, and it keeps me sane.

When Richard emerged from the library, he was cheery, demolishing his eggs and diving into the Greek yoghurt with fresh strawberries afterwards. But Lorelei pitched up, saying, “Richard! Celine is very upset!  This newspaper business is killing her!”

“Then tell her to stop talking to journos,” Richard said. He sounded fine, but I wondered if he was secretly hurt. While the Daily Mail and the Guardian had headlines pointing out that the Crier had misrepresented the timing of the break-up, Celine had given long interviews to both, which only fuelled more articles.

“Do tell me if I can help,” I said to him as he was gathering Tanaka and Vladimir for another day by the lake.

“I will, but frankly, I’m leaving it to the pros. I have a PR team, you know.”

“Good.” It was a relief.

“But are you okay?” Richard was all worried. “Is this putting you off?”

I thought of that silly playboy story, and so my “Hell, no!” came from the heart. That had him smiling again.

Andrea wasn’t happy, though. When Lorelei went upstairs to refresh her makeup, she was in the breakfast room, looking at the Daily Mail, her Tab, and grumbling, “This is utter garbage!”

“Yes, it’s a disgrace.”

Andrea twitched nervously. “Let Richard deal with it.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t dream of interfering.”

She was definitely all atwitter, picking up her napkin and twisting it as she said, “I know you like him, Sophie.”

It was more than that, but I hesitated to tell her. My insecurities were at work again.  “Of course I like him!”

“Look, don’t take this the wrong way,” Andrea started, “but don’t hurt him, please.”

That opened my eyes.  “Of course not! Why would you even think that?”

Whatever she was going to say went out of the window because Lorelei came back in, moaning, “Isn’t the country hell? I need my Balmain shift dry-cleaned, and Charlotte says it takes five days!  In Moscow I get same day service!”

“We’ll take it to town and have it done there,” Andrea promised.

“Good.” Lorelei was watching me clear. “That dress is the wrong length,” she observed cattily. “The fashion is two inches above the knee, Sophie, not two inches below.”

“Is it? Luckily there’s only Jack in the kitchen, and he won’t mind.” Andrea being worried about Richard surprised me, but Lorelei’s evident disapproval didn’t. “What would you like for dinner, Lorelei?”

“I’ll have just steamed vegetables.” She said it as if she ever had anything else.  “I called Celine you know. I told her you were out walking with Richard last night.”

At that, I blushed. Of course, Lorelei scented the truth instantly. “Ooooh,” her sloe eyes were shining, “You slept with him, too?”

I swallowed the “Mind your own business!” that was on the tip of my tongue and substituted it with, “Lorelei, that’s private.”

She was looking me over with a calculating, judging gaze, and I felt myself stiffen. Lorelei came to a conclusion and gave her verdict, “You’ll have to diet to keep him.”

You know what? The really awful thing was that she wasn’t being mean. Lorelei actually thought that she was being helpful. As if I had somehow imagined myself to be model thin.

“I know a marvellous doctor who does lipo,” she said. “And he’s not too fussed about fat limits, either.”

At that point I might have blasted her, but luckily Andrea jumped in, “The chopper is waiting, Lorelei. If we go now, we can stop by Hotel Gotham for some quick dry-cleaning before we hit the shops.”

It was irresistible, and I cooled down quickly enough, but Lorelei was at me the second they came back. Dressed in a brand new iconic Chanel super chic sleeveless shift made of white linen with the seams outlined in black, Lorelei looked fantastic.

With Andrea standing next to her in a neat black skirt and a white silk blouse, similarly embellished with black detail, I felt a real frump. I love my yellow cotton dress printed with poppies, but suddenly I felt as if I’d robbed Laura Ashley’s wallpaper department instead of their classic summer prints.

But I lifted my chin and hid my feelings as I set out glasses of fresh fruit juice and a platter of sliced organic Cox apple and honeydew melon. “Did you have a good time?” I asked politely.

“Yes, I got this sweet shift! From Chanel! And look! A lovely bag, too. From Coach!” Lorelei went on and on about her buys, ending with, “But why do you ask, Sophie? They won’t have anything that fits you.”

I did not snap at her. “Just as well. I don’t think I can afford Chanel and Coach.”

Lorelei was examining me, much like a Crufts judge, but I was certain I wasn’t up for a Best of Breed award.

“I love my blouse,” Andrea observed calmly, “but I wish I could wear a happy dress and look gorgeous like you, Sophie. Sadly, my hair is the wrong colour of blonde. I look like a banana in yellow.”

Kind of her, right?

Lorelei just shrugged. “I look good in everything.”

Andrea stiffened, but I had to laugh. I mean, it was so arrogant. “Very true.” I wanted to keep the peace, but actually I suddenly felt very sorry for Lorelei. She was so beautiful, and rich, yet I knew the pretty shift from Chanel, and the bag from Coach would pall within days. With Vladimir working all the time, she was lonely. And unlike Andrea and me, Lorelei had few or no inner resources.

I was counting my blessings: a job that I loved, a lovely pup of my own, and a man I was falling for and who liked me right back.

“I’ve got you some lovely strawberries for afters,” I told Lorelei. “Organic, low-cal and full of fibre.” Then I left her to Andrea.  

I thought Andrea would have Lorelei settled, but dinner proved more strain. The boys bounced in, covered in grass seeds and streaks of mud, but they were full of beans.

“Success!” Vladimir roared, and then he was telling Lorelei all about their day.

Tanaka, wearing a tee that announced, ‘I Can’t Fix Stupid, But I Can Fix What Stupid Does’, made straight for Andrea, who blushed. 

“Sophie!” Richard was sweeping me up, kissing me in front of everyone. “You look good enough to eat!”

Happiness bubbled through me straight away. “You had a successful day?”

“It went great!”

“Awesome! Dinner in half an hour?”

“Yes, please!”

The chopper had brought back fresh salmon, so for once I only made a few dishes. After a starter of vegetable broth with fresh local parsnips and sage, Tanaka, Vladimir, Richard had seared fish with sautéed zucchini and cherry tomatoes, while the girls ate just the vegetable course. The boys had bread-and-butter pudding afterwards and the girls their strawberries.

It was simple, fresh, and delicious, but I might as well have served Kellogg’s corn flakes because the boys talked shop all the way.

Richard came back to earth after I finished clearing. I was setting down a plate of home-made biscotti and ginger nuts in case anyone wanted a nibble with a liqueur when Richard looked up and took my hand.  “Fantastic dinner,” he sighed. “Just what I wanted.”

“Thanks. A good end to a fine day.”

“Yes!” His eyes were sparkling. “Vladimir had this brilliant idea!  We put Trouper into a pipe and we lowered her down, just like we would do if we send her to Titan or one of the Galilean moons of Jupiter!”

“Tomorrow we run it in the quarry.” Tanaka was brushing biscotti crumbs off yet another tee, this one announcing, ‘Trust Me! I’m an Engineer’. His dark eyes were shining with anticipation as he announced, “We found a shaft choked with mud and water!”

“Sounds perfect. Perfectly horrible. But if it makes you happy.”

“It does!” Vladimir crowed. “We can bury it in an avalanche, too. For authenticity!”

The boys were laughing and excited, but Lorelei was getting more and more antsy. It didn’t help that she interrupted, asking, “Yes, but enough work now, darling. Do you like my dress?”

Vladimir just nodded, clearly disinterested. “Is it new? That white won’t wash well.”

Tanaka very dutifully said, “You look great! Terrific find!” but we all knew it was because he knew Andrea had organised the trip. Tanaka could translate French into Klingon and fix the International Space Station from his lab in Tokyo, but he couldn’t tell Chanel from Tesco.

It might have been okay if he hadn’t added, “Did you get your dress there, too, Sophie? You look so pretty!”

Andrea just rolled her eyes, and I shook my head, but Lorelei exploded. “Why are you making such a fuss over her?”

I held on to Richard without even thinking about it. “No,” I said calmly as I felt him shake with rage. “Don’t.”

Tanaka was looking totally surprised. “What? Andrea is clever and beautiful. Sophie is fun and beautiful. But you’re beautiful too, Lorelei. Everyone knows that.”

“How can you compare us?” Lorelei was shaking with rage. “It’s ridiculous!”

“I love the way Sophie looks,” Vladimir didn’t even raise his voice. “She’s always laughing, and when I look at her breasts, I want to lie down on them and sleep there.”

At that, Lorelei shut her mouth with a snap. She looked devastated, poor thing.

“Thank you very much,” I said nicely. “That’s a lovely compliment, especially as I know I don’t deserve it. You’re all being incredibly kind.”

Seeing Richard was determinedly silent, I could practically hear him counting to a thousand as he pinched his lips tightly. I cut the conversation short, announcing, “I’ll see you all for breakfast. Sleep well!”

I went to the kitchen, and Richard was there a heartbeat later. “How dare she!” He was fuming.

“She’s unhappy.”

“That’s no excuse!” He was ranting and raving, absolutely furious on my behalf. Jack came running in, tail tucked under his belly and ears flat. The poor pet was clearly upset by the sound of anger. Seeing it, Richard shut up instantly and picked him up, stroking and soothing him, “It’s okay, boy. Nobody is upset at you.”

I shut the kitchen door. A cold wind was setting up. There was a smattering of rain, too.

“Lorelei is bitch, and I don’t mean she’s a sweet furry,” Richard grumbled as he petted Jack. 

I think that’s when I knew. The love he had for me was shining through. Richard was totally on my side. He was kind and gentle with Jack and me but fiercely protective, too. But this was by no means a hard man. He’d dropped the case against the bikers, and he didn’t have a bad word to say about his exes who were crucifying him in the press.

The love hit me like a wave, and then I was dancing into his arms. “You know I’ve fallen for you, right?”

With Jack crushed between us, licking his chin and then mine, Richard was chuckling, “Really?” His eyes softened, but I could feel him harden as he clutched me with his free arm. “Don’t laugh,” he murmured, “but I feel like I’ve been waiting for you all my life.”

My heart was doing its rat-tat-tat again, and my knees were going liquid. I sank into the embrace and heard myself say, “It’s raining. Want to go to bed instead?”

He sighed and his lips were nuzzling my ear, sending goose bumps racing over me. “Yes, please.”