The Deal (London Suits 0.50)

“Don’t forget the interval, too.”

I gave a pained groan. “This had better be worth it.”

“Oh, it will be. There’s a reason why Phantom is one of the longest-running shows of all time.” She cocked her head, studying me. “If you don’t love it, I won’t bug you to come to another one again. Annnnd…I’ll make it worth your while later. Deal?”

“Deal. I’m holding you to that,” I warned her sternly. I turned to the bartender and ordered a bottle of wine, asking him to reserve two glasses for the interval; then we found a small table to sit at, sipping our drinks and listening to the softly played piano in the corner of the room.

“This is our first proper date.” Avery smiled at me. “I couldn’t think of a more perfect setting.”

“That’s because we’re at your favourite place.” I smiled back at her. “Thank you.”

“What for?”

“For forgiving me for my behaviour. For agreeing to make a go of things with me.”

“Eth, are you insane? There was never any doubt that I wouldn’t agree to giving us a chance. As for forgiveness, that was easy. You needed time to think about what you wanted, and now you know, we can work out this relationship stuff as we go.” She held up her hand, her eyes sparkling at me. “Fingers crossed.”

My heart started beating faster as I watched her. Why had I ever fought myself on this? Why had I decided that we couldn’t be together? I might have missed out on this moment—being here, with this incredible woman who somehow seemed to be just as into me as I was to her.

“Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?” I said hoarsely, my throat feeling clogged up with emotion. “I really want to kiss you right now.”

She leaned over, placing her hand on my arm. “Don’t say things like that to me,” she whispered. “You make me want to ditch the theatre and go home with you.”

“Can we?”

Avery laughed at my hopeful tone, sitting back and sipping her wine. “No. Sorry. Come on, let’s find our seats. Let me just grab some plastic cups so we can take our drinks in with us.” She jumped up and returned a moment later with two plastic cups that she decanted our drinks into. “Sorted. Okay, we’re in the Royal Circle, so we need to go this way.” She slipped her arm through mine, and we headed in the direction she’d indicated. “By the way, you look amazing. Like…like a GQ model or something.”

“A GQ model?”

“Uh-huh. Yes. I’m pretty much swooning just looking at you,” she sighed.

“Well, thanks for that. I don’t think I’ve been ever paid that particular compliment before.” We grinned at each other, and Avery walked straight into the wall.

“Ouch! What was that wall doing, appearing from nowhere?” She rubbed her head, laughing. “You really need to stop distracting me with your sexy looks, you know.”

“Oh, it’s my fault, is it?” I chuckled. “Seriously, though, is your head okay?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I’m more concerned about

the poor wall.”

“You’re crazy.” I shook my head at her, still smiling.

As the lights went down in the theatre Avery took my hand, squeezing it in excitement. “You’re going to love this.”

And as the chandelier came crashing to the ground at the end of the first act, startling me so much that I actually jumped, I realised she was right.

I’d never tell her, though.

14

Avery

I snuggled up next to Ethan in the cab, his hand tracing up and down my arm. Laying my head on his chest, I listened to his steady heartbeat as he pulled me closer, kissing my head.

“Tired?” he murmured.

“No. I’m relaxed,” I told him, running my hand over his chest. His heart rate sped up as I continued my exploration, lazily stroking down his body until I got to his belt. His breath hitched, and I moved my hand back up and rested it against his heart. “Your heart is beating so fast.”