Page 68 of Nigel

“Good. So, weunderstand each other.”

“We do. Howabout July?”

“For what?”

“Gettingmarried.”

Her eyes widened.“It’s the middle of June.”

“End of Julythen.”

“It’sgoing to take weeks for me to plan a wedding.”

“They have whatare called, wedding planners.”

“I have everyintention of being involved in every aspect of my wedding. I am in myforties and this is going to be the one and only for me. August.”

“You arekilling me here,” he complained. “In that case, we aregoing to be living together.”

“Here.”

“My place.”

“Nigel- “

“We compromise.Weekends here and my place during the week.” He tilted her faceup.

“It’s agood solution.”

“For you,”she complained. “Okay. Fine.”

“Thank you. Nowgive us a kiss.”

She moved into himimmediately, wrapping her hands around his neck. He kissed herlavishly, hands roaming up and down her back restlessly. Putting heraway from him, he shook his head in wonder and took several deepbreaths. “I have to go.”

“I love you.”She felt as if she could say it so freely now. It came naturally andfelt right to say it.

“Darling, Iadore you.” He did not dare touch her again, or they would notleave the house. “Call me, will you?”

“Absolutely.”She watched in tender amusement as he tucked his hands into hispockets.

“Ah, the driveris already here.”

“Want me towalk you out?”

“No.” Heshook his head. “I- it’s fine.” Still, hehesitated, looking at her. “This is crazy.”

“Totally. Areyou going or not?”

“I should.”Swearing beneath his breath, he moved in just when she did andcrushed her into his arms, taking her lips in a bruising kiss. He puther away from him reluctantly and shook his head. “What you doto me. Where would you like to go?”

“Luce’s.”She grinned at him. “The perfect place to alert everyone thatwe are together.”

“Trying to showme off, are you?”

“Absolutely.”She blew him a kiss. “Get out of here with your fine self.”

Giving her adevastating smile that had her going weak, he turned and left.