Page 8 of The Mad Marchams

Colin reached up to stroke her cheek. “This is such appalling timing.” He must have seen something on her face because he immediately winced. “That didn’t come out quite how I meant it. I don’t regret meeting you for a second.” He hesitated. “Remember when I told you I was trying to be a more responsible person? Well, there’s a meeting in England that I have to attend soon. If I don’t turn up, my family will go back to considering me a complete tosser.”

“And we can’t have that.” Mabel nodded wisely although she had no idea what a tosser was. “Being responsible isn’t always easy.”

He sat up and took her hand, his vivid blue eyes fixed on hers. “You have no idea just how much I want to blow them off right now.”

“For me?” She considered his tousled morning beauty. “Why?” she blurted like an inarticulate teenager. “I’m so average and you are⁠—”

“You are not average. Don’t ever think that. I like being with you. You make me believe things aren’t as bad as I imagine them to be—that there is hope.” He grimaced. “Now I sound like a complete idiot.” He kissed her. “The question you should be asking yourself is how you ended up with such a jabbering fool in your bed.”

“I like jabbering fools?” His smile made her want to smile back at him. “When are you flying out?”

“Tomorrow. Why?”

Mabel took a deep breath. “I could come with you.”

His blue gaze became unreadable. “Are you sure you want to? The family matter I must attend to is a big one and might take much of my time.”

“Will I be in the way?” she asked.

He hesitated and she added quickly, “I could stay somewhere else while you’re busy, or⁠—”

He cupped the back of her neck and drew her close. “I would be honored if you were there for me. In fact, you might prevent a murder.”

Mabel smiled at him, helplessly. Anyone who knew her would call her crazy, would think this plan to fly off to England with a man she’d just met was unbelievable. But as she looked into Colin’s eyes, she felt that everything was finally making complete sense.

“I promise I won’t let you murder anyone,” she said.

“That wasn’t quite what I was worried about,” he admitted. “If anyone is going to die, It’s probably me.”

“Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go and confirm my ticket, Colin?”

“Yes, of course.”

Colin took charge of Mabel’s suitcase as she navigated across the shiny, white-floored concourse to the reservations desk. She was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved hoodie in bright pink. Her brown hair was tied back in a high ponytail that bounced when she walked, and she wore almost no makeup. Unlike most of his previous girlfriends, she was not particularly tall, thin or beautiful. In fact, she was perfectly average.

And he was completely and totally obsessed with her.

Which was ridiculous and unheard of, and…

Not good timing at all.

Colin sank down onto the nearest seat and let the astounding fact that she was willing to go to England with him resonate. He knew almost nothing about her except that she worked for a tech company and did software coding. But it might be worse that she knew nothing about him.

Nothing important anyway.

But that was a good thing if he wanted her close, if he wanted to see where this relationship might lead them. Still, all it would take to change her mind and have her running for the hills would be one quick google of his name.

Was he using her? Was his sudden infatuation with a woman who was totally outside his normal dating pool simply an attempt to avoid dealing with his current massive problems? A few years ago, he would’ve had to say yes. Now? He was done being that person.

Mabel was… something else entirely.

She reached the head of the queue and leaned forward to talk to the customer service rep. She gesticulated in his direction and then resumed her conversation. He liked that about her, liked the way she treated other people and her positivity.

Now he was sounding like an American—or even worse, a Californian. Optimism was frowned upon in old Blighty and he’d better not go home spreading sunshine and roses and positivity or he’d be treated like an outcast. But dammit, if he was expected to save the family and be the hero of the hour, he needed something optimistic in his life. He covered his mouth against a huge yawn. Jet lag combined with the best sex of his life made for an interesting combination of sensory implosion.

A big reason why he was so hellishly attracted to Mabel was her confidence and independence. But was it fair to drag her into his drama? Perhaps he should tell her what was going on.

Mabel beckoned at him, so he gathered the bags and made his way over to her.