Chapter 32

LOUISA’S POV

My hands felt clammy when I stepped into the big office. The first thing I noticed was Benedict standing next to his mom with his face carved into a frown so deep I thought it might be stuck there forever.

My eyes watered instantly because whenever Benedict frowned like that it usually meant he was upset with me and he still had the same look from when we left the boutique. My lower lip trembled and I blinked rapidly, hoping the tears would not fall.

Maybe he was frowning at something else, I told myself. Maybe his shoes were too tight or his phone was broken or… or perhaps his stomach hurt and he had to use the toilet. That had to be it.

Before I could say anything, Mrs Blackwood’s sharp voice rang out like a bell being struck. “Louisa,” she said, her eyes narrowing as they always did when they landed on me, “this is Justin. Benedict’s brother.”

I gasped softly. Oh! Someone else was here. I had not even noticed. There was a tall man standing near the bookshelf, half hidden in the shadows and watching me with a smile that looked like it belonged on a big billboard. My cheeks heated and I quickly lifted my hand, flapping it in a little wave that felt awkward the moment I did it.

“Hello! Hi! I didn’t see you there. You’re very quiet just like a mouse.”

The man chuckled and stepped forward. “Justin,” he said smoothly, “pleasure to meet you, Louisa.” He extended his hand.

My eyes widened. Oh dear. He wanted a handshake. I could do that. I really could. I pressed my palm against my skirt first to dry the sweat and reached out tentatively. But before I could touch him, Benedict moved with lightning speed and clasped his brother’s hand himself.

I froze, my fingers hanging in the air and not knowing what to do with them. Slowly I curled them into a fist and pulled them back, my cheeks burning so hot I thought steam might pour out of my ears.

Justin raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Protective, aren’t you, brother? Afraid I’ll charm your sweet little wife with a handshake like I did your ex-fiancee?”

His words confused me so I tilted my head like a bird. “But… people don’t get stolen with handshakes,” I said softly, blinking at him. “Unless you’re a magician?”

For a moment there was silence. Then Justin burst into laughter and Sabrina clapped her hand over her mouth and giggled. Mrs Blackwood made a sound like she’d bitten into something sour, and Mr Blackwood let out a noise that was halfway between a snort and a cough.

My cheeks burned with embarrassment. I had only said the truth, hadn’t I? People could not be stolen with handshakes. That was just silly. So why were they laughing? My fingers twisted together nervously.

Benedict’s hand came down on my shoulder. “Louisa,” he said, his voice calm but edged with command, “wait for me in the room.”

I blinked up at him, my lips parting. “Which room?” I asked innocently. “Mine or yours?”

The laughter that followed was louder this time. Sabrina giggled behind her hand, Justin tilted his head back with amusement, and I wanted to hide under the carpet.

But Benedict ignored them. He leaned down, his lips brushing against my forehead in a kiss so soft I almost forgot how embarrassed I was. My heart did a somersault in my chest. He kissed me in front of everyone and it made the room spin in the nicest way.

“Our room,” he murmured, his eyes softer now. “Wait for me there. I prepared a surprise for you.”

My breath caught and my fingers curled in excitement. What could it be? A cake shaped like a pony? A box of shiny hairpins? Maybe even a kitten. My heart pounded with the possibilities.

I turned quickly to leave, ready to find out what magical thing he had in store, when Mrs Blackwood’s voice cut across the air again like a whip. “Stay, Louisa. I am not finished with you.”

I froze mid-step, my feet suddenly glued to the floor. My chest squeezed tight. I turned back slowly, my eyes darting between her and Benedict.

“Oh… um… should I stay? Or… or should I go? I can stay if you want me to, Mrs Blackwood. Or I can go if Benedict says so. Or maybe I can wait right outside the door and just… peek in if you call me?”

Justin chuckled again, his eyes glinting with mischief. Sabrina covered her mouth but her giggles escaped anyway. I felt more and more like a joke I didn’t understand.

Benedict gave me a steady nod, his eyes locking with mine. “Go,” he said, his voice firm but reassuring.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded quickly. “Yes. Okay. I’ll go.”

My legs carried me out the door, and I closed it behind me as gently as I could. No sooner had it clicked shut than raised voices filled the hallway. They were already arguing. My heart jumped.

I pressed my back against the wood, clutching my hands to my chest. “Oh dear,” I whispered to myself. “They sound so angry. I hope they don’t break a vase. Or a chair. Or… or maybe Benedict’s brother’s nose.” My imagination began to run wild with pictures of broken furniture and shouting.

Then I remembered Benedict’s words. My worry was immediately replaced by a bubbling excitement. I tiptoed down the hallway, clutching my skirt in both hands as though running would be too improper, though my heart begged me to sprint.

As I climbed the stairs I whispered to myself. “What if it’s a puppy? Or… or chocolates shaped like flowers. Or maybe… oh maybe he wrote me a letter. Yes, that must be it. A letter! With pretty words I don’t understand but I can ask Henry to explain later.”

When I reached the room, I hesitated outside the door. My hands pressed to my chest. What if I walked in wrong? What if I ruined the surprise? Biting my lip, I turned the handle slowly.

The room was empty and my heart pounded. My eyes darted around. There was no cake, no puppy and no ribbons. Just his bed neatly made, the curtains swaying, and Benedict’s jacket draped across a chair.

I stepped inside carefully, shutting the door behind me as my eyes roamed everywhere.

“Where’s the surprise?” I whispered aloud. My fingers touched the bedcovers, the chair, even the lamp, just in case, but there was nothing.

I frowned, confusion knotting in my chest. Had I come too early? Maybe Benedict needed more time to set it up. Maybe the surprise was hiding. Maybe it was under the bed.

Dropping to my knees, I lifted the cover and peeked underneath. I sneezed and rubbed my nose. “Not a puppy,” I mumbled, disappointed.

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