Page 67 of Filthy Rich Temptation

‘No, it’s nothing like that. It’s more that he doesn’t really do living with people. He likes his space, his quiet… Like Lottie, he appreciates routine.’

I wrap an arm around my swirling stomach. ‘So, he does want me out?’

‘He hasn’t said that, no. I just know Theo and his track record, and I’m sure it can’t be easy for you living with him either. Maybe you’d relax more with me now.’

‘Track record?’ I give an awkward laugh. ‘You say that like he’s had a mum and her kid move in before…’

‘God, no. He had a fiancée, though. It all went a bit sour after she moved in. I think Katie scarred him for life. Of course, it’s different with you and Lottie, he’ll put you up for as long as you need, but I’d understand if you were ready to move on.’

‘Afiancée?’ I say, failing to absorb the rest of my sister’s ramble. Did she just say, ‘put up with,’ or, ‘put you up’ and what the actual— ‘Theo wasengaged?’

‘You didn’t know?’

‘Why would I know?’ I say, trying to sound normal and failing.

‘Sorry, love. That was insensitive of me.’ She frowns, misreading my reaction as being down to my absence and not the emotional hit of Theo beingthatattached to another woman. ‘But yeah, they broke up about a year ago. She was nice enough, in her way. I mean, I couldn’t have lived with her, but still…’

I want to laugh it all off. Say something clever. But I can’t. Because the idea of himalmostbeing that man to someone else… ithurts.

And it shouldn’t. He’s not mine. He never was.

And I’m so done with love. Danny’s seen to that. Hell, Theo saw to it first.

But the way Theo looks at me… the way Ifeelwhen he’s near… the chemistry, the connection… I can’t deny it, and damn, maybe I shouldn’t.

Maybe I need to be more like Taylor and own what I want. The fun. Take what feels good while it lasts… and leave before it ruins me all over again.

* * *

Theo

When I emerge from Lottie’s room – having survived bath, book, bed – it’s to find my mother grinning like the cat that got the creamandthe mouse. Only the cream is my chilled chardonnay and the mouse… yeah, you guessed it.

‘Need a top-up?’

She’s standing at the floor-to-ceiling windows, glass in hand, a vibrant pop of colour against the late-evening sun. You wouldn’t think she was sixty next year. Her hair’s scraped up into a messy bun, her summer dress more carefree hippy than grown-up chic, and her make-up looks as natural as the golden glow to her skin.

And she’s just endured the same hour I have, chasing after a racing Lottie without so much as breaking a sweat.

Wish I could say the same.

‘Please, darling.’

I head to the bar, pull the bottle from the chiller and she joins me, glass outstretched. I fill it and screw the lid back on. All the while, she’s watching me with open curiosity and I make a point of not meeting her eye.

‘Are you not going to join me?’

I want to, but…

‘I have a child in my care.’

And that’s just a cop-out. The real reason I won’t touch a drop is I want to be certain I have my wits about me when Sadie returns tonight. Because my God, that outfit, those boots, her body, that smile…

It’ll take everything in me to resist the urge that wants to pin her to the nearest surface and claim the promise I glimpsed in her eyes.

‘So you do… and it’s thebestthing I’ve ever witnessed!’ She chuckles softly as I turn away to fill a glass with ice and water. ‘You know, you should think about taking them to Pembrokeshire. A little holiday might be just what you all need.’

‘We don’tneeda holiday together, Mum.’ I almost drop the glass. ‘I told you, they’re just staying here for the summer while things blow over with her ex. That’s all.’