Four
“Ithink I’m going tocall it a night,” she told Willem and Serenity. It was half past eleven in the evening, but over eighty percent of the paintings had already been sold, while not a single guest had left yet. It spoke volumes about the success of their launch, but Anneke just wasn’t in the mood to celebrate.
“Of course.” Willem pressed a kiss on his sister’s cheek. “Go and have a good night’s sleep. You deserve it.”
After giving her brother’s fiancée a quick hug, she asked very casually, “Is Marcus still around?”
“I believe he went to the balcony.” Serenity’s tone was just as casual.
“Oh.”
“You should let him know you’re leaving if it’s not too much,” Willem slotted in. “It’s the polite thing to do.”
“Yes, you’re absolutely right.” Anneke tried not to let her relief show at the suggestion. “It would let other people know there’s no bad blood between us.”
Turning around, she headed towards the balcony, all the while hating the way her body was trembling so hard at the mere thought of seeing him again.
Alone, possibly?
The insidious thought had her cheeks flushing hot, and she mentally cringed. She really shouldn’t be doing this. But she just couldn’t help it.
Slipping past the curtains behind the balcony doors, she saw Marcus bent over the balustrade, hands clasped before him, and moonlight making his profile seem exotic and dangerous.
Her heart skipped a beat, and when he turned her way, her heart skipped another beat.
Crap.
She should be shunning the sight of him, not excited by it.
Seeing the look of surprise on his handsome face, she stammered, “I didn’t realize you were here.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop herself.Crap.What was she lying for?
Marcus straightened. “Apologies.” His tone was polite. “You can have the balcony to yourself.”
Her eyes widened.Oh no.Did he think she wanted him to leave?
“I only stepped out for a breath of fresh air.”
She watched him head for the doors dumbly, and it was only when he was reaching for the curtains to lift them out of the way did she get over her shock and blurt out, “You don’t have to go.”
Marcus stilled.Thank fuck.He had been close to giving up on hope when she had spoken. Turning around to face her again, he asked quietly, “Are you certain?”
She gave him a small nod.
That was more than good enough for him. He leaned against the balustrade, making sure to keep enough space between them so she wouldn’t feel crowded or cornered. From the corner of his eye, he saw Anneke rub her bare arms. “Cold?”