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“Ah-ha!” I spotted the icon for the music player app and scrolled through until I found a playlist aptly named “Road Trip.” Perfect.
Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be” began playing through the speakers, and I sat back in my seat with a smile. The crowded streets of London soon gave way to long, straight stretches of motorway, with green fields as far as the eye could see. I leaned my head against the window and closed my eyes, finally relaxed.
“Avery, wake up.” A deep, rumbling voice sounded close to my ear.
“Huh? What?” I blinked, yawning.
“We’re here,” Ethan said.
“Oh. Right.” Sitting up straight, I pushed my sunglasses on top of my head, glancing into the vanity mirror on my sun visor, then groaned. I had an attractive dent in the side of my face where my sunglasses must have been digging into me in my sleep, and my makeup had congregated under my eyes, leaving me resembling a raccoon. I wiped under my eyes and smoothed my hair down, trying to gather myself.
“You look fine, don’t worry,” Ethan assured me. Naturally, he looked just as good as always—not a hair out of place. I sighed and flicked the sun visor up so I wouldn’t have to see my reflection any longer.
My attention was drawn to the golden stone seventeenth-century building in front of us, and my jaw dropped.
“Absolutely beautiful,” I breathed, suddenly wide awake. I hopped out of the car, gravel crunching underfoot, and made my way around to the back of the car to grab my bag. Ethan had beaten me to it, and he waved away my protests, hoisting my bags over his shoulder and striding towards the manor house. I followed him into the impressive wood-panelled lobby.
“I’ll just check us in.” He inclined his head towards an ornate chaise longue to the left of the check-in desk, which I gingerly perched on. I idly scrolled through my phone while I waited for him to finish.
“Ready?” He smiled down at me and held out a hand to help me up. I placed my palm in his, and he gently pulled me to my feet. Those inconvenient shivers raced through me again, and I snatched my hand away, averting my eyes.
“Come on.” His voice was lower than usual. We ascended the large sweeping staircase and turned right, where two sets of polished wooden doors led off a small landing area.
“Here we are. The Mayberry Suite.” Ethan held out a large brass key. “Want to do the honours?”
“Ooh, yes please. It’s so exciting, having a real key instead of a plastic card,” I babbled, nerves overtaking me. Were we sharing a room? I was too afraid to ask.
It turned out our suite had two bedrooms, a fact that I was exceedingly grateful for. Dealing with a mild attraction to Ethan was one thing. If we’d had to share a bedroom? I would have slept in his Range Rover.
5
Ethan
“We’ll need to head down to the drinks reception in around twenty-five minutes.” I closed my laptop; emails having finally been dealt with. Everything else would have to wait until Monday.
“What?” Avery’s panicked gaze flew to mine. “I haven’t even started getting ready.” She rushed out of our shared lounge area, slamming the bathroom door shut behind her. I heard the shower turn on, and ten minutes later she threw open the door, her body covered in a huge towelling robe, and raced into her bedroom, leaving clouds of steam billowing in her wake. Shaking my head, I strolled into the bathroom to shower.
“Avery,” I groaned under my breath. Towels were strewn across various surfaces, and the complimentary shower gel was lying on its side, cap off, dripping into the bath. I gingerly picked my way across to the shower, avoiding the large puddles all over the floor. Once I’d showered, I cleaned up the bathroom, unable to bear the mess any longer.
Dressed and ready to go, I gave myself a final cursory glance in the mirror, adjusting my tie, and stepped into the lounge area.
I stopped dead, my mouth falling open and a gasp escaping from my lips.
Avery.
She looked.
Stunning.
Fucking.
Stunning.
Standing in front of the large sash window, she stared at me from beneath her long lashes. Her dark hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and her body was encased in a scarlet dress that should, frankly, be illegal. An off-the-shoulder design, it clung to every single curve of her beautiful body, stopping at her knee. A pair of nude stiletto heels finished the look. My gaze returned to her face, and she licked her lips nervously. Her lips, that were showcased by a red lipstick that perfectly matched her dress.
Fuck.
My cock decided to wake up and pay attention, and I groaned under my breath, turning away from her and crossing the room in a few short strides. I wrenched open the door and crossed onto the landing.
