‘And I was just coming to dance with you. If you’ll allow me the pleasure.’
Oh lord, Seb. Don’t say things like that when I’ve had several champagnes and you’re looking like you do right now…
‘Oh! Yes.’
‘I’m no Mario, but I can shuffle around with the best of them to a slow song.’
‘You don’t have to,’ I said, slightly concerned. I know he hated me, or anyone, fussing about him, but it had been a long day and he’d been on his feet a lot already.
He looked at me for a moment. ‘It’s nothing to do with my leg. I’m just shit at dancing. Always was.’
I grinned and gave him a little push in the chest. ‘I think I’ll be the judge of that. I bet you’ve got a killer shuffle.’
‘Don’t say I didn’t warn you,’ he said, as we reached a space on the dance floor.
‘I wouldn’t dream of it,’ I replied, enjoying the feel of his body close to mine, his arms around me, the smell of him and the tantalising feel of his breath on my ear when he dipped his head to speak to me over the music. I wanted the night to both last forever and be over in equal measure and, as Seb gently tangled the fingers of one hand in my hair, I felt everything slide into place. I was where I was supposed to be. With the man I was supposed to be with. The years I’d thought I wasted weren’t wasted. They were just a path I had to tread to get me to where I was supposed to be. Here. With Major Seb Marshall.
* * *
‘We can get away soon,’ Seb laid a hand on my cheek. ‘You look shattered. Why don’t I get you a taxi now and you can head back to the hotel?’
‘No, I’m fine. Really. I’ll just wait until you’re ready to go too.’ I was in little doubt that the only thing that would be happening tonight now was both of us collapsing on the bed. Possibly still fully clothed, but it would still be nice to do that together.
‘Seb?’
I saw his face register the voice before he even turned. For just a moment, emotion filled his eyes and then, just as quickly, it was gone. In its place was… nothing. The unreadable face that I’d not seen in a long time was back.
He turned in the direction of the voice, and I followed.
‘Hello, Seb.’ The woman hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, placing a kiss on his cheek. Mid-thirties, elegant, and strikingly beautiful, with long dark hair that bounced in soft curls down one side, the sheen of it reflecting the soft lighting around us.
‘Hello, Maria. I didn’t realise you were coming tonight. I… I would have come and seen you earlier.’
I glanced at him as subtly as I could. There was something going on here that I didn’t understand, but what I did know is that, whoever this woman was, her being here wasn’t something he’d expected.
‘You had a lot of people to meet and greet,’ she smiled softly at him, and he nodded. ‘It looks like it’s gone very well.’
He nodded. ‘Yes. I hope so. I’m sorry,’ he said, turning to the man with her, ‘we haven’t been introduced. Seb Marshall.’
‘Mark Bishop.’ Older than the woman, but just as attractive, they made a perfect couple.
‘Pleased to meet you.’
They shook hands.
‘Mark Bishop,’ Seb repeated before looking back at him. ‘Bishop Investment Holdings?’
The man nodded. ‘Yes.’
‘Then I believe I owe you a large thank you. Your recent donation was incredibly generous.’
‘It’s a good cause.’
‘Well, it’s very much appreciated, sir. Thank you.’
He nodded again, graciously and without ceremony.
Seb turned to me. ‘Maria, Mark, this is Lottie.’
