Your Captivating Love (The Bennett Family 2)

“I—”

That’s when a group of holiday carolers enter the restaurant and start singing “Carol of the Bells” at the top of their lungs. Since there are three weeks to go until Christmas, the city’s already in holiday mode. Out the window, I notice the light decorations up and down the street. I was so engrossed in business matters that I hadn’t paid attention before. If Nadine were here, she would’ve made me pull my head out of my ass and admire everything. That woman loves her Christmas decorations. Her shop gives Santa’s workshop a run for its money. The only things missing are elves.

I can’t wait to return to San Francisco. I miss her and knowing she’ll be home, waiting for me when I arrive, makes me even more eager to return. I can’t convince her to stay with me every night because she insists I need my space, even though I’ve repeatedly told her it’s bullshit. But on the nights she is with me, everything feels right.

On a whim, I snap a picture of the singers and send it to Nadine.

Nadine: They’re adorable, but I was half expecting a nude pic.

Logan: That’d raise a lot of eyebrows, considering I’m in a restaurant. But you’re welcome to send me one.

Nadine: No can do. Too busy fretting over my lack of customers.

Logan: Relax.

Nadine: Have to go. Someone entered the store. I’m one step closer to world domination.

I imagine her enthusiastic smile as she greets her customer. I couldn’t have timed this business trip worse—Nadine must be a wreck. In a stroke of genius, I realize what would make her day better. Lucky I have the chocolate shop on speed dial.

I convince Max to move the after-dinner business talk to his apartment instead of his office.

Later that night, when I collapse in my bed in the empty bedroom, I still can’t shut my mind off, thinking about Max’s return to San Francisco, and finding the best replacement for him here in London. Then my mind slides to Nadine, and that makes me smile. Actually, it makes me fucking grin.

Sebastian and I started Bennett Enterprises with one goal in mind: to make sure our family would be well taken care of. It didn’t cross my mind that Nadine would have a similar goal behind her dream. My woman rocks, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. If she thinks I’ll let her go, she hasn’t been paying attention. Yeah, she’s an independent woman who doesn’t like to rely on others and all that, and I respect that. But I’m her man. I’ll do everything in my power to help her.

I only have to be careful not to cross the line and become overbearing—Pippa’s favorite accusation—while I’m at it.

Chapter Fifteen

Nadine

Logan sends me a box of chocolate on Tuesday and on Wednesday too. The problem? I don’t want chocolate; I want Logan. I miss him like crazy.

When the delivery guy brings the chocolate box on Thursday at lunch, I decide to tease Logan. I ask the guy if it’s okay to take a picture of him. He’s happy to pose for me.

I text the pic to Logan.

Nadine: Can I consider this hottie part of your gift too?

I don’t expect to receive an answer right away because it’s very early in the morning in London. But Logan surprises me.

Logan: Be careful. Elf on the Shelf is watching you.

Nadine: What are you talking about? I didn’t buy Elf on the Shelf.

Logan: I did. In fact, I’m surprised you didn’t discover it already. He’s my spy, makes sure you behave.

My eyes widen as I clutch the phone, inspecting the shop. Sure enough, I find an elf sitting on one of the shelves in the back.

Nadine: How did this get here?

Logan: I have my spies.

Nadine: Pippa brought it, didn’t she? When she picked up the dresses?

Logan: Bravo, Sherlock.

I turn the elf so his back is facing me, snap a picture, and send it to Logan.