Page 27 of Filthy Rich Temptation

What the hell’s wrong with me?

A bit of sun and my neglected libido is like,Hello, Mamma!

Don’t you mean a bit of Theo?

If only.

‘Sadie?’

‘Yup!’

He laughs. ‘That tough to admit, hey?’

Not tough. Truthful. Far too truthful. ‘I’m just working out how to phrase it…’

And what toadmit.

I chew it over, my lips shifting side to side as I take in the sight so perfect, I’m half-tempted to pull out my phone and snap a pic for posterity. But it’s in Lottie’s bag behind them both, and there’s no way I’m risking another capsize.

Besides, I’m not entirely convinced my bra and tee are hiding the twin-peaks situation I have going on, so the more distance between us, the better.

‘I’m just surprised…’

‘About?’

‘All this…’ I gesture at Lottie and him. ‘The fun, the make-believe, the way you have her wrapped around your little finger.’

He chuckles as Lottie chooses that exact moment to order a change in direction.

‘Pretty sure you’ll findshe’sthe one with all the power here.’

‘True.’ I laugh. ‘But you’re a natural. And I’m just… surprised.’

He pulls a face. ‘I think that’s what they call a backhanded compliment.’

‘No! It’s not! Not really. I just didn’t see you as the… I don’t know, kid-friendly type. Or I did, but…’

His frown deepens. ‘But what?’

‘I just figured that all these years down the line, you’d be married with kids, and yet…’ I shrug, admitting what’s been bothering me since I rocked up at his swanky penthouse, afraid to set my luggage down, let alone my three-foot wrecking ball.

‘All these years…?’ He chokes out, and I bite my lips – oops. ‘Why don’t you just slap an OAP sticker on my arse and wheel me into the nearest care home?’

‘Give over, Theo. I’m serious.’

‘So am I. And I swear you’ve just aged me another decade or two.’

I wish. Maybe then I’d be better at switching off all the feelings he stirs up.

Then again, Theo could be fifty-five to my twenty-five and I’d still want him – much to his horror.

Because clearly, I’m a glutton for punishment.

Wanting what I can’t have? Always Theo.

Wanting what’s no good for me? Definitely Danny.

Possibly Theo, too.