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“I like that.” He smiled, showing a dimple in one cheek. “I did something similar in my hometown but it was for my nana’s nursing home. Do you need an extra pair of hands? I could help if you like?”
I paused, caught off guard by the offer. “Really? You don’t have to…” I was trying to be polite but I really hoped he wouldn’t take it back. Miss Reed had managed to round up some volunteers but I was still desperate for more help.
“It wouldn’t be any trouble.” He waved me off. “It’s what we like doing the most, right?”
Butterflies fluttered softly in my stomach as he smiled at me. “Right. People keep telling me I’m mad for doing it for free but I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
We gazed at one another and for just a moment, I almost forgot that Alfie Tell existed. Almost.
“So, tell me about your plans for it. Rosie said you’ve ordered materials to build a pond? That’s heavy work, Lo. You’re definitely going to need me and my muscles.”
“Hey! I have muscles!”
“Where?” He laughed, looking me up and down. I gave him a playful punch on his arm, then fell into a detailed description of my plans for the garden.
I lost track of time as we talked. I learned that Bradley was a country boy from Lancashire with a degree in horticulture and a dream of owning his own nursery one day. He had a kind smile and a laugh you couldn’t resist.
After two weeks of Alfie drama, Bradley was a breath of fresh air. He didn’t look at me like he was trying to bore into my brain and learn all my secrets. He loved my plans for the school garden and was nothing but supportive when I talked about my hope of being accepted to college. After I’d told him about Harrington, he’d congratulated me—something I hadn’t gotten from Mark—and we talked plot ideas.
We made the rounds together and he was better at schmoozing than he’d let on. I introduced myself to everyone I could, determined to make the most of this opportunity.
As we moved from one circle to the next, Bradley bent and whispered, “We make a good team.” I giggled and took another sip of champagne. I was surprised how much I was enjoying myself. Mid-conversation my heart skipped a beat as I spotted a member of the board for The Chelsea Flower Show, one of the biggest horticultural events in England. I was steeling my nerves, determined to introduce myself, when a loud voice pierced my bubble.
“Darling!” I looked around to see Patrick Ferguson, the architect of the Serenity Gardens and star of the night, making his way through a sea of hand shakers to get to me. He was a short man, thin, with big ears and bright, friendly eyes. I smiled brightly at Patrick, keeping one eye on the board member so I wouldn’t lose track of her.
“Congratulations!” I beamed as I kissed him on both cheeks.
“Angel! Thank you so much! And you are looking just divine.” His eyes swept over my body and I gave him a little wiggle. “Is that your man?” He looked over my shoulder to where Bradley was charming a red headed woman.
“No, he’s just my date for the evening and completely straight I think, so keep your hands to yourself,” I teased, and he put his hands up in defence.
“Alright, alright. Oh by the way, I have to congratulate you too. I hear you just landed the contract for Harrington House? That’s going to be a huge project, isn’t it? Very impressive.”
“Thank you. I’m surprised you’ve heard about it though. We haven’t got anything official nailed down yet.” I grabbed another glass of champagne from a passing server and took a sip.
“Oh well, Riley Fitzpatrick is a dear friend of mine and Mr Tell was just filling me in on the details.”
I froze.No. No fucking way.
“I’m sorry?” I gasped, my voice hoarse.
“Mr Tell? Gorgeous, isn’t he? He has that intimidating alpha male thing going on that just has me…” He stopped short, taking in my expression. “I’m sorry, I assumed you’d met him already given that you’re working for him. Here, let me introduce you.” Before I could stop him, he’d turned and motioned to someone behind him.
Oh Jesus. This can’t be happening.
Bradley was still deep in conversation but I grabbed his arm and yanked him to me, much to the dismay of the redhead.
“Code red, code fucking red!” I hissed.
“What? Oh shit…” Before we could formulate a plan, Patrick returned with the two people I least wanted to see. Alfie Tell and his date, Angie Carter.
I died a little inside as I looked at them. Alfie was ravishing in a tuxedo and my mouth began to water at the sight of him. Until I took in Angie and my mouth dried at the smug look of delight on her face. All I wanted was to be swallowed up by the floor.
“Mr Tell, Miss Carter,” Patrick gestured from them to me, “this is Lola O’Connell, she works with Mark Tafferty, and this is her date…I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name?” Patrick paused asAlfie glared at Bradley, who was struggling to wrestle his arm out of my grip.
“Bradley Mason. It’s good to meet you.” Bradley extended his hand and Alfie gripped it but said nothing, pinning Bradley with a fierce stare that had me wilting in my pumps. To Bradley’s credit, he didn’t wilt but instead gallantly attempted to get us out of this code red situation. “Can you excuse us for a moment? We need to…wait, Mr Tell with the Harrington House project? As in Tell Hotels?” He looked at me, clearly wondering why I’d need to get away from the man who was bringing us the contract of a lifetime. How was I going to explain this?
“That’s right,” Angie answered. “Lola, it’s so good to see you again. You left so abruptly the last time I saw you.” She gave me a malicious smile and I blushed, remembering how she’d caught Alfie and I mid-tryst in the garden. “I love your dress by the way, it’s so quaint. Darling?” She gazed up at Alfie. “I’m out of champagne.”