‘But, and it pains me to say this, if he had a medical condition, it can’t be helped.’
‘True. But that doesn’t always stop people regretting stuff. It can be hard to let go if that was your dream.’
I shook my head and then put a hand out, finding Seb’s chest to steady myself on.Note to self, do not shake head after that many champagnes.
Gently, Seb rested a hand at my waist. ‘You OK?’
‘Yep. Just… old brain got a bit loose in there for a moment.’ I looked up and saw his smile. ‘What’s funny?’
‘You are. But in a good way.’
‘I will accept in a good way.’
‘Excellent.’
‘But you’re still wrong. Tarquin’s not that bothered about me. Certainly not enough to insult you over. He’s just annoyed with me because he thinks someone of my comparatively lowly station should be so impressed by all his money and trinkets that I should be forever grateful he chose me to bestow his cheap propositions on. The idea that someone, anyone really, but especially someone like me should dare to say no has just put his aristocratic nose out of joint.’
‘I think there’s more to it than that. Being turned down by you would be upsetting for anyone.’
I looked up, but the light was low in the hallway and I couldn’t see his expression. ‘You’re teasing me.’
I saw his head tilt briefly. ‘Maybe. Maybe not.’ His voice was soft, low and deep and I felt something shift within me. A flame that I’d been trying to keep doused made a flicker into life from the embers.
‘Seb, I—’
‘Where have you been?’ Jess burst into the hallway. ‘I’ve been looking for you everywhere.’
‘We were just seeing my parents off. Why, what’s wrong?’
‘Oh, have they gone? I wanted to say goodbye and thank them.’
I gave her a hug. ‘They didn’t want to interrupt you, but they said to thank you very much for inviting them.’
‘Aww, I’ll message your mum in a minute.’
‘So why were you looking for us?’
‘Harry’s got someone he wants Seb to meet and my bloody feet are killing me. Come and sit on the balcony with me while they talk boy stuff?’
‘Of course. You OK with that?’ I turned to Seb, able to see his face a little more as we headed back into the main living area, which was just atmospherically lowlit rather than slightly dark as the hallway had been.
‘Talking boy stuff? Absolutely.’
I gave him a little look and he brushed my fingers with his own.
‘Go and sit with Jess. Relax. Have fun.’ He squeezed my fingers gently before letting go and taking the outstretched hand of the first man Harry introduced.
Immediately Jess grabbed hold of my hand and tugged me towards the balcony. Sliding the door open, we stepped through before she slid it back across, leaving just a small gap. The night was cool but a welcome contrast to the heat of the party room. Jess flopped onto a lounger and I sat sideways on one opposite, facing her as she kicked off her shoes.
‘Seven hundred quid and they’re murdering my feet!’
I stared down at them. They were pretty. Gorgeous, in fact. Jess had always had fabulous taste in fashion, but I just couldn’t imagine spending that much on a pair of shoes.
‘I know,’ she said, reading my expression. ‘It’s stupid money, but I made the mistake of admiring them online and, the next thing I know, I have a delivery.’
‘Wow.’
‘I’ve told Harry he needs to stop doing it or I won’t say anything any more.’
