“Mmm,” he agreed with a guilty smile. “But I can work on that. We can work on that? Because how I feel around you…is wonderful.” He turned to face her, his eyes anxious—his words now hesitant. “It’s also frightening. It’s like… something is within my grasp and I’m not sure how to hold onto it. You know my last serious girlfriend was a while ago and she got sick of my lifestyle pretty quick. She also ‘played fast and loose.’ So, I know how that feels.”
“Well, she was a crazy woman,” Nina said, shocked. “And you should know I'd never do that to you.”
“I know, and I wouldn’t to you. Don’t walk out of my life. Or at least, can you walk back in? Take a chance and see where this goes?”
Her innards curled—afraid of hoping. Of believing. “It’s too fast.”
“Fast is good,” he said. “Fast is fun. Not something to be afraid of. There’s something between us, Nina, something filled with promise. Something precious.”
“Eduar—”
“I know you don’t want to see those people. But you don’t have to leave London to avoid them.”
“I don’t care about them anymore.”
He frowned. “Then why are you still going? Why so soon?”
She swallowed. How could she admit he was the reason she was running away now? But she knew he guessed, because his whole expression softened and he quickly pressed a kiss to her cheek.
He whispered in her ear. “I have a much better plan.”
Still silent, she looked at him.
“Come hide from them in my apartment,” he invited. “In my bed, if you like.”
Sensation rippled down Nina’s body. “I can’t…”
He nodded. “I’m owed months of leave—I’m going to take it. I’m going to see where you take me. I could come with you—for just part of the trip if you’d prefer. I could meet you somewhere, maybe take you to Spain…”
Her heart soared. But no way was this really happening. No way did he really mean it. “You’re a fearsomely intelligent person, you’ll get bored with me.”
“Bored of Elizabethan smut?” he laughed. “You’re interested in anything, everything. How could I ever get bored with you around asking questions of everyone?”
His words made her glow and she began to believe him. Her curiosity for obscure information had annoyed Corey. Apparently, it intrigued Eduardo. And he enthralled her. And his fully confident, winning smile showed that he knew it, too.
“Put this back on.” He placed the ring on the small patch of seat between them.
She hesitated. “This isn’t a proposal.” She had to check.
He looked thoughtful. “What if it’s a token, a promise of something more… of intent. Can you accept it then?”
Nina swallowed but he read something in her eyes. Something that lit his own expression.
“You know I’m only going to leave it there anyway,” he teased.
She began to smile.
“Take it, so you have to see me again to give it back to me. That’s the game I’ve been playing all along, you know.”
“Really?” She laughed, but her eyes had that suspicious stinging sensation. He’d come after her. This gorgeous, wonderful man who had so much to offer the world—he’d come for her. He wanted what she had to offer—just herself.
“I didn’t realize it, but yes.” He pulled her closer, his gentle fingers lifting her chin so her mouth almost met his. “My subconscious was doing me a favor.” His lips brushed hers as he spoke.
Her t
hroat was so clogged with emotion she could hardly speak. “I’ve been afraid I’d lose it,” she whispered.
“You won’t,” he muttered between kisses. “You won’t lose me, either.” He stroked the side of her face with his fingers. “That’s my promise. I want a different life, Nina. I want the life only you can bring to me. A fun, loving, warm, balanced life. I want better—for you and for me.”
His silver-blue eyes shone—with seduction, emotion, honesty.
And she believed him. Her heart soared and joy spread through her body so fast she felt dizzy. She didn’t resist when he lifted her hand and slid the ring back on her finger.
Her lips quivered—it was going to be tears or laughter. She was determined laughter would win—a smile at least. He sidled closer, putting one arm around her shoulders, the other high on her thigh.
“Eduardo?” she asked, hideously wobbly as she leaned against him, absorbing his heat and strength.
“Yes, darling?”
His attentiveness melted her. There was such sweet promise, such pleasure in the possibilities before them. “Let’s not miss the train home.”
DEAR READER,
Thank you for reading Her One-Night Fiancé! I hope you enjoyed Eduardo and Nina’s romance—Eduardo broke my heart in this one and Nina is a heroine that has a little bit of me in her, so it was nice to give her a man who learns to risk his heart for the reward of love.
I’d greatly appreciate it if you’d consider leaving a review—they really help authors out and I read them all—it doesn’t have to be an essay—a sentence or even just a rating would be awesome.
Meanwhile, the details of the other stories in the Love in London series are over the page—so be sure to read on!
And please consider signing up to my mailing list to get details on my new releases, exclusive content and offers. You can also find me on Facebook or contact me directly on my website. There is nothing better than hearing from readers and lovers of romance :)
With very best wishes,
Natalie
XXX
Love in London