ustin made no move to linger. He turned to Connor and asked, “Planning any trips out to LA these days?”
Connor shook his head. “Things out there are pretty much wrapped up. I’ll be staying in Northcrest for the time being.”
Justin stood, smoothing his jacket. “Well, drop by my place sometime if you’re free.”
Connor knew perfectly well what that invitation meant. If he went, he’d have to watch Justin flaunt his happy relationship—again.
Of course, Justin’s real intent was just to rub it in. He wanted Connor to get a taste of what it was like to be the odd man out.
But Connor was nothing if not stubborn. He almost looked forward to seeing which one of them would end up more uncomfortable if he actually accepted.
“Sure,” he replied cheerfully. “I’ve got free time these days.”
Justin paused, a little surprised at how easily Connor agreed. After saying his goodbyes to the others, he left the private room.
As soon as Justin was gone, Henson sidled up to Connor, eyes bright with curiosity. “Grant, you’re not really going, are you? We all know what Justin’s planning.”
Connor laughed and nodded. “Of course I’m going. Mr. Hawksley doesn’t extend invitations often how could I turn him down?”
Henson looked genuinely baffled. “But you know exactly what he’s up to, so why play along? I’ll never understand you. Honestly, I don’t get him either.”
Thorpe chimed in with a smirk, “Honestly, you two–no one can tell whose pride is at stake anymore.”
15:33
Connor just shrugged. “I’m not the one trying to prove a point here. He wants to get under my skin? Fine. Let’s see who ends up more flustered.” Thorpe just shook his head and sighed. “Grant, what on earth happened between you and Mrs. Hawksley that’s got Justin holding a grudge all this time?”
Connor tossed back the last of his champagne. There was no way he’d answer that–if he did, Justin might really lose it.
By the time Justin returned to the Hawksley house, it was already two in the morning.
In the bedroom, someone lay fast asleep, turned away from the door.
He tiptoed into the bathroom, careful not to make a sound. He didn’t even dare use the hairdryer–afraid the noise would wake the woman in bed. Instead, he patted his hair dry with a towel and slipped quietly back out.
A soft amber nightlight glowed in the bedroom.
Justin climbed into bed and turned the light off. Darkness and silence wrapped around the room.
Beside him, the sleeping figure shifted, nestling closer. Like a kitten burrowing into warmth, Edith curled up against his chest, content and
unwilling to move away.
Justin wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. He pressed his chin gently to the crown of her head, breathing in the light, sweet scent of
her hair.
He was sensitive to most perfumes–too strong a scent and he’d instinctively recoil. But Edith was the one exception. With her, he didn’t mind at all. If anything, he found himself greedily breathing her in.
Maybe he held her a little too tightly, because Edith wrinkled her nose and let out a small, sleepy protest.
Justin looked down and found her beautiful face drawn in a faint scowl, clearly annoyed at being disturbed.
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15:33
Chapter 148
He knit his brows, leaned in, and whispered into her ear, “Stingy little. thing. You wouldn’t even pass me the salad tonight.”
Edith grumbled, ready to roll away, but Justin wouldn’t let her go. He tightened his hold, refusing to give an inch.
After a half–hearted struggle, Edith gave in and settled quietly in his arms, drifting back into sleep.
The next morning, Edith was the first to wake.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.