33
ELOISE
After spending the entire flight christening every inch of our luxurious suite, we eventually passed out. When we finally wake, we are landing at London’s Heathrow Airport. It’s strange being back again after all these months. Of course, we are welcomed back by a typical British summer—rain.
Alistair takes my hand as we walk out of customs together, and I couldn’t be happier.
A man wearing a suit is holding up Alistair’s name. “Welcome home, sir,” he greets us.
“Thanks, Bernard,” Alistair says, shaking the man’s hand. “I would like you to meet Miss Eloise Muller, my girlfriend.”
The tiniest bit of surprise filters across his face before he hides it again. “Lovely to meet you, Miss Muller,” he says, shaking my hand.
We follow Bernard toward a black town car. Alistair opens the door for me, such a gentleman, and I slide in. Then moments later, we are merging into the heavy traffic out of Heathrow.
“Is it strange being back?” Alistair asks as he links his hand with mine.
“It is. Living on an island, you get used to no traffic. Also, there’s the constant sunshine, quiet, and blue skies,” I say, looking out through the raindrops on the car window.
“We can always head to my place in Greece for our injection of sunshine and blue skies,” he states eagerly.
“I’d like that,” I say, curling further into his side.
Alistair’s phone rings, and he gives me a small smile.
“It’s fine,” I declare while giving him a nod.
He answers, and the phone call turns tense. Alistair’s mood darkens as the phone call continues, and I notice Bernard look in the rearview mirror a couple of times, checking on him.
Eventually, he hangs up, looking exhausted.
“Whatever you have to do, do it,” I tell him, squeezing his hand.
“Huh.” He looks at me distractedly.
“You phone call, it seems important,” I say.
Alistair shakes his head as if coming out of a trance. “No. I can’t leave you. We’ve just arrived. That’s not fair. Especially not after I just made you fly halfway across the world,” he says, leaning forward and placing a tender kiss on my lips.
“I’m a big girl. But just to clarify, I might go snooping around your apartment while you’re gone,” I say, giving him a grin, hoping to lighten his mood.
“I’ve moved. I used to live in South Kensington, near you. But I moved just after you left to be closer to work in Chelsea,” he informs me.
There’s a small pang of guilt sliding over my body. I hope he didn’t move because of me.Elle, get over yourself, as if he would pack and move because you didn’t turn up for your date.
“I have nothing to hide,” he says, smiling at me. “I won’t be long, I promise. I need to go to the club to sort out this mess. Can you give me two hours? Max?” I promise.
“Don’t rush on my account. Business comes first,” I tell him.
Alistair stares at me in silence, and I’m wondering if I’ve said something wrong. “Are you sure?” he asks, double-checking with me.
“Yes, of course. I’m going to grab a shower and crash in your bed,” I tell him.
“Naked, please. So when I slide between the sheets, I can slip inside you when I get home,” he whispers eagerly in my ear.
I bite my bottom lip and nod because that sounds delicious.
“Bernard, I have to go to the office. Can you drop me there first, then take Eloise home? That would be great.”