Page 20 of Filthy Rich Temptation

I look down at Lottie. She’s nestled herself between my legs, caught somewhere between excitement and nerves. I bet she’s picking up on my mood too and I hate that. Her fingers have found their way into her mouth – a pacifying habit I should probably help her drop. But if I had something that soothed me so easily, I wouldn’t be giving it up anytime soon either.

Unless that pacifier was Theo-shaped… and oh how easy it would be to let thathappen.

‘I have an idea,’ the man himself says, catching my gaze. ‘Row or peddle?’

‘Huh?’

He grins as he slips his glasses back on and gestures to the blue boats and pedaloes floating on the lake. ‘It’ll be quieter out there, but you’ll still get to enjoy the park, and Lottie can play Captain.’

Mini-me’s head snaps up. ‘Me? Captain!’

‘Okay,’ I say, my daughter’s excitement nearly contagious. ‘What’s it to be then, Captain Lottie? Are we rowing a boat or pedalling like a bicycle?’

‘Rowing!’ she blurts.

‘Very well,’ I say with a real smile. ‘The princess has spoken.’

‘No princess, Mummy! Captain!’

I ruffle her hair. ‘So you are, honey—I mean, Captain.’

‘In that case, let’s go secure your vessel, Captain!’ Theo declares for Lottie’s benefit, but that damn grin is aimed squarely at me. ‘Just so long as Mummy’s absolutely certain?’

The only thing I’m certain of is that his grin still makes my heart skip, and his charm slips past every wall I’ve built. He’s lifting my mood, reeling me back in – like he hasn’t already been the mistake I swore I wouldn’t make twice.

‘Lead the way, sailor.’

But I’m not dropping anchor in Heartbreak Bay.

Not this time.

No way, José.

5

SADIE

Five Years Ago

I’m lugging the heaviest box known to man, but it’s nothing compared to the weight of my sister’s stare.

She stands there like she’s got it all figured out, like she knows exactly what’s best – for me, for her, for everyone. Only, she doesn’t.

Worse still, she puts on this tough front, wants the world to see her as unshakeable, unbreakable, only she’s not.

I can see the hurt in her eyes, the fear too, and I hate that I put it there.

But she won’t listen. And Idohave to go.

Danny’s outside with the engine running. He’s already hit the horn twice and I don’t blame him. We’ve got a ferry to catch and hundreds of miles ahead. This was meant to be a flying visit to grab my things and say goodbye. But Tay’s acting like she’s never going to see me again, and she’s not letting me go without a fight.

It’s like the beauty-school showdown, only this time, it’s getting personal.

And I don’t like it. Not one bit.

‘Sis, please don’t do this,’ I say, wanting to hug her, kiss her, and walk out the door knowing she’ll be okay, that we’re okay.

‘No, you don’t do this,’ she fires back. ‘You barely know him.’