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I walked over, sipped my coffee, and took in the scenery. I understood why this had been Mrs. Barrett’s favorite room. And how thoughtful it had been of Press’ father to have it enclosed for her. It was the kind of thing Press would do.
“My mum would’ve adored you,” I heard him say from behind me. “I regret the two of you never met.”
My eyes filled with unexpected tears, spilling over onto my cheeks.
“Please don’t cry,” he said, coming to stand beside me.
“I’m the reason you hadn’t seen her since the night of the auction.”
“Luisa—”
“It’s true, Press. Don’t deny it.”
“She understood. She also knew I was on my way here. I can only hope that filled her with some comfort.”
I turned and put my arms around him. “I wish I could’ve met her too.”
Like always, Press returned the embrace. “You remind me of her. I told her that.”
I raised my head from his chest and looked up at him. “How do I remind you of her?” I asked. Rather than fishing for compliments, I was curious.
He tightened his arms. “I told her you were amazing. Brave, strong, funny, and…gorgeous.”
I pulled back a second time and stared into his eyes. “You think I’m gorgeous?”
He smiled. “Come, now, Luisa. There isn’t a man alive who wouldn’t agree with me.”
“Was there anything else you told her?”
He studied me, his eyes darting back and forth between mine. I could see the war waging behind them.
“Tell me, Press,” I whispered.
His brow furrowed.
I leaned up and brushed his lips with mine, then his cheek. “Tell me,” I repeated, this time whispering in his ear.
I could feel the change in his body. It was rock-hard from tension, then it was as if he’d suddenly let it go.
“I told her Beau doesn’t care for you the way I do.”
I held him tighter and rested my head above his heart.
“Luisa…I need you to look at me.” He waited until I did. “You kissed me.”
I nodded. “I kissed you.” I lowered my arms so they were around his waist.
“Why?”
“Because I care for you too, Press.”
He didn’t speak, nor did he do the one thing I really wanted him to do. I moved one hand to his neck and pulled him close enough that I could kiss his other cheek.
“How do you care about me? Like a sister?”
He shook his head.
“How, Press?”
