Page 33 of No Going Back

“She wouldn’t happen to be the reason why you’ve been spending so much time away from home lately, would she? And that trip to Paris? She is, isn’t she? That’s who you’ve been seeing.”

His niece was way too astute.

“I couldn’t possibly comment.”

His effort was valiant but futile.

“Way to go, uncle!”

While his revelation might have been unexpected, it wasn’t unwelcome, if Ros’ grin were any indication. Then again, she’d never seen him date anyone—not even Liz, thanks to the way he’d always compartmentalised his life.

Another source of regret. While he couldn’t undo past mistakes, he could, however, ensure he didn’t repeat them, even if the current situation did take some getting used to.

“So what is it about Madeleine Scott that’s grabbed your attention?”

Ros had suddenly perked up, and was showing far too much interest in his private life. The way she was looking at him made it quite clear he was on the hook and wouldn’t be allowed to wriggle off it.

It didn’t prevent him from trying, though.

“Shouldn’t you be looking at caterers, or something?” He nodded in the direction of a brochure, the cover of which was adorned with a spectacular confection of a multi-tiered wedding cake.

“Not until you spill the beans about you and Maddie.”

“I’m not saying anything more. It’s still early days.” And he was still more than a little raw from almost losing her twenty-four hours earlier.

Ros’ smile softened to one of understanding. “You really like her, don’t you?”

“I really do. She’s a remarkable lady.”

Professional, highly competent, and undoubtedly successful when it came to her work, she was both passionate and vulnerable when it came to the intimate aspects of her personal life. Though he’d only shared a few nights with her, Guy missed her when he spent the night alone. He’d woken that morning with a strong suspicion that there might be more to this relationship than a pleasant way to pass the time in convivial company.

Ros stood and came around the desk to face him. “I don’t know her well enough to know if that’s true or not. There is one thing, though—does she know about Aegis, the lifestyle, and what it means to you?”

Guy took a deep breath. He hadn’t intentionally avoided mentioning the club and the meeting where he’d revealed he was its owner, but he hadn’t made a point of talking about it, either. Perhaps now was an opportunity for them to become more comfortable about something that was important to both of them.

“No. Not yet,” he added, casting his mind back to the odd occasions when he’d seen hints of a submissive nature in Maddie.

“If things get serious, you’ll have to tell her. How do you think she’ll take it?”

The million-dollar question. “I can’t be sure, but I hope she’ll at least meet me halfway.”

“I hope so, too. I’ve seen a change in you recently, and if it’s down to her… then she’s good for you. I’d hate to see you have to give that up.” She grinned. “So don’t screw it up, okay?”

Guy chuckled. “I’ll give it my best shot. But don’t forget what I said—if you need help with the wedding preparations, have a word with Maddie. And before you ask, it wouldn’t be connected to her job at the hotel in any way—it would be as a friend.”

“Okay, I’ll bear that in mind. I need to speak to her about the options for the evening function anyway. Now go away, and let me sort out the bouquets and buttonholes in peace.”

“Does that mean you and Simon have finally agreed on a theme?”

“To be honest… not really.”

“How about your dress?”

Her shoulders fell with the almost melodramatic groan. “Don’t remind me. I told him I’m too old for white or ivory, but he won’t have it. I want to get married in something more colourful. Until I talk him around to my way of thinking, making a final decision on the details for his suit is out of the question. Are you sure we can’t elope? There must be a vacant beach somewhere.”

“Nope. Save the beach for your honeymoon. I’m giving you away—got to make sure you do the job properly. What’s wrong? You’re not still worried about this Nia, are you?”

Over the last couple of weeks, Guy had noticed the way Ros tensed up whenever Simon mentioned the other woman in her presence. To Guy, nothing he’d heard indicated anything other than a working relationship, but then, he wasn’t his niece.