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“Is there anything involving sex that you don’t like?”

“Umm …” She pretends to think for a second before she starts laughing. “So, is this thing getting serious?”

I’m desperate to say yes, but the reality is that I really have no idea.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “He tells me he doesn’t do serious or even consider the possibility of a future, but then he turned up last night and said he needed me and didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world. I don’t know what to believe.”

She stares at me for a beat before a small smile appears on her lips. “You’ve turned that poor man’s world upside down, H.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Oh, come off it. He might have never wanted a future with anyone before—he was probably telling the truth there—but equally, he’s never met anyone quite like you. He’s freaking out. You’re showing him something he never thought he wanted.”

“Really?” I hate sounding so unsure, but while he’ll openly admit that this kind of thing is all new to him, I’m not exactly an expert either. I’ve never had any kind of serious relationship. He’s not the only one in uncharted water right now

“Yeah, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s been what? A week? Do you need to put a label on whatever it is yet? Just enjoy it. If it continues, then great. If it doesn’t, then you know you tried and enjoyed yourself.”

Her words play out in my mind as we eat our breakfast. Brooke knows me well enough to know that I need time to process this huge change in my life.

To anyone else, this might be nothing, but I’ve never opened myself up to this kind of possibility before.

As exciting as it might be, it’s equally as terrifying.

“How was your aunt yesterday?” Brooke asks once we’ve finished eating.

I give her a rundown of how I found her, and Brooke’s face shows the exact concern I feel. I told her to call me if she needed anything or was feeling worse, and when I checked my cell when I got up, there was nothing. I can only hope that means she’s feeling a little better.

Brooke disappears to do her thing, and after washing up our mess, I sit down with a coffee to write a list. Selfishly, I don’t want to go out tonight.

I want to spend the night in with Corey, so I’m going to treat him to a little of my home cooking.

It won’t be all that impressive, but I’ve got a few signature dishes up my sleeve, thanks to my aunt’s teaching skills.

Thankfully, when I get to her, the curtains have all been opened, and even without getting inside the house, I can already sense that it’s a much less depressing place to be today.

“Hello?” I call once I’ve poked my head through the front door.

“In the kitchen, sweetie.”

I make my way through with bags in hand. “Whoa, you look better today.”

“I feel it.” I breathe a sigh of relief.

We all know what’s coming, but just seeing the twinkle of life back in her eyes makes me feel so much lighter.

I didn’t want to admit it, but I thought yesterday might have been the beginning of the end.

The fact that she’s standing here now has tears burning my eyes.

“I just needed a good rest. I’d been doing too much.”

Rolling my eyes at her, I walk over, drop the bags onto the table, and kiss her on the cheek.

“So, enough about me. Tell me about you. Have you seen your British man again?”

My cheeks burn, giving her all the answer she needs.

“Oh goodie, I was hoping for some juicy gossip. How about you make us a drink and tell me all about it?”

“Sure thing. Go and sit down.”

“There are cookies in the tin.”

“You made cookies?”

“I fancied a treat. Don’t worry, I did it in the mixer. I hardly moved a muscle.”

I raise a brow at her, relieved that my moaning is finally sinking in. I can’t chastise her for the cookies though, because they’re too damn good.

“So, come on.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me. “Make an old woman very happy.”

“You’re not old,” I mumble around a mouthful of cookie.

“Maybe not, but it’s been a few years, and it’s not like I have any of that in me these days.”

A spray of cookie flies from my mouth at her innuendo. To start with, she looks horrified that I’ve just covered myself in half-chewed biscuit, but after a second, she realizes what she said and barks out a laugh of her own.

“I didn’t mean it quite like that, but if your mind is going there, at least I know you have exciting things to tell me.”

My cheeks burn, and as much as I might want to deny it, to not allow her to think of all the things I’ve been up to, I can’t.

I realize right there and then just how incredible my time with Corey has been.

Even his meltdown yesterday morning. If anything, that just showed me how strong he is, how he’s just like me.

“He turned up last night just because he needed to see me.”

My aunt swoons.

“Tell me what he’s like. What does he do for a living? What about his family? Are they here too?”

I tell her everything I know before coming to what I think is the most important part. “He’s lost people too. He … he gets it. He gets me. Neither of us have talked about it yet, but I can see it in his eyes.”

“That’s good, Harlow. I mean, not that he’s lost loved ones. But that you both have that understanding of loss. Maybe you’re meant to be. Maybe he was sent to you to help you finally heal from everything and move on.”

I’m not sure I entirely believe her, but I can’t deny that it sounds pretty damn good.

“I hope so. Something just feels so comfortable when we’re together.”

“So … when are you seeing him again?”

A smile breaks out across my face. “Tonight. I’m cooking for him, for when he finishes work.”

“What the hell are you doing here then?”

“Um … checking in on you.”

“Have you got everything in the car?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Bring it in. I want to help.” I stare at her. “I’ll remain seated at all times and just give you orders. What are you making?”

“Moussaka and cheesecake.”

“Right, well, let’s make sure it’s the best damn moussaka and cheesecake that man has ever tasted. You want to get back in his bed, right?”

My chin drops in shock. “You did not just say that.”

She gives me an innocent shrug and sips at her teacup like a lady. Lady my ass.

“I was with your uncle all my life, my dear. Don’t be thinking we were boring.”

“Christ. I’m going to get the groceries.”

I walk out of her house with a wide smile on my face and a new excitement for life that I haven’t felt in a very, very long time.

With the best moussaka and cheesecake ever made sitting safely in the footwell of my car. I make a quick pit stop at home to shower and dress for tonight.

I’m standing with one towel around my body and another bundled on top of my head when a knock sounds at my door.

“Is it safe to come in?” Brooke laughs.

“Like it would stop you.”

“Seriously,” she says, poking her head inside and looking around as if he’s going to magically appear, “the last thing I expected to find this morning was a naked man in your bed.”

I think back to what it felt like, having the hot skin of his body pressed up against mine, and my temperature soars. It’s damn good after so long.

“Trust me when I say I understand.” I let out a sigh as I continue staring ahead. “I don’t know what to wear.”

“Something easy.”

“Easy?”

“Yeah, you’ve snagged the guy now, so while you still want to look sexy, you need to ensure easy access at all times. Don’t make him work harder than necessary to get the goods.”

“Jesus Christ,” I mutter. “So, jeans are out, then.”

“Unless it’s a skirt or dress—panties optional—then yes, it’s out.” She comes to stand beside me. “This?”

I stare at the dress she pulled out.

“No, too dressy. We’re just hanging out at his place.”

“Okay, then … this?”

“Yeah, actually. That’s perfect.” I take the hanger from her and hold the full-length maxi dress against my body.

“It’s got a lot of fabric. I’m not sure how easy access that is,” she mutters.

“Ah, but you’re missing something.” Reaching down, I pull the split in the dress open.

“Ahhh … see, I was underestimating you,” she laughs, reclaiming her seat on the edge of my bed. “Honestly, I think you could probably turn up in a trash bag and he wouldn’t bat an eyelid. Have you seen the way he looks at you?”

“Um …” I bite down on my bottom lip. I know how it feels when he looks at me.

Chemistry and desire crackle between us, butterflies erupt in my belly, and things I’m not sure I’ve ever felt before happen between my legs.

I might be a long way from a virgin after my former years, but no one back then ever turned me on like Corey.

That was purely about escape; there was nothing more to it.

“Well, let me fill in those gaps for you. He wants you, girl, and I don’t mean just out of that dress. He might not want to admit it, but you’ve got that man under your spell.”

“We’ll see,” I say, taking a seat at my dressing table.

“You will. And then, you’ll teach me how you did it.”

“I didn’t do anything, B. I just fell into his lap. Literally.”

She thinks for a few moments. “As if sent from above.”

“Whatever,” I laugh. “What are your plans for the night?”

“Going to see the parentals. I was going to invite you before you had a better offer.”

I smile at the thought of her parents. I haven’t seen them in ages. “Aw, I wish I’d known.”

“Don’t even pretend you’d have blown off your hot date.” Okay, so she might have a point. “Anyway, you’ll see them at your ball in a few weeks.”

“They’re still coming?” I ask hopefully.

“Of course they are. They want to support you and your first big event.”

“Give them a hug from me.”

“I will. And I’ll even gladly fill them in on why you can’t attend. They’ll be thrilled you’re spending a night with a Brit between your legs.”

“Please don’t say it like that.”

“Can’t make any promises.” She makes her way to the door as I groan. “Have a good night. Remember, if you can still walk in the morning, he didn’t do it properly.”

“Have a good night,” I call back, ignoring her comment but blushing at the thought of dragging myself into work in the morning.

With thirty minutes until Corey is due to finish, I leave the house and head for his studio. I told him I’d meet him at his place, but my impatience has gotten the better of me.