Page 73 of Nigel

She did not have timefor the long leisurely bath she had planned on, she thought infrustration. A quick shower would have to do. The man who had becomeher entire life would be here any minute now and she had a feelingthat he was going to be right on time.

She had selected thedress already, a green and gold kaftan like one that was light andpretty and perfect for the heat. The end of June weather wasseasonably warm, but they were eating by the pool. She dragged on aone-piece black bathing suit under it and secured her hair with adecorative elastic band.

Pushing her feet intosandals, she glanced at herself in the mirror, before grabbingtowels.

He knew what shelooked like without her clothes and she had stopped looking for flawseach time she undressed. She was convinced that the man loved her andif one or two times she found it hard to believe that he had chosenher, well, that was to be expected.

The man was hot andthe amount of money he had made her more than slightly petrified, butthat came with him and she was going to try and accept it. She wouldaccept anything as long as he was hers.

She bounded down thestairs and headed out to where the others were already gatheredaround the pool. She had thought about having a meal delivered, buther brothers had vetoed that idea.

"We are expertswhen it comes to grilling. You can order pastries for dessert, but weare taking care of the rest of the meal," Lionel told her firmlyand as usual, his decision carried weight.

"Somethingsmells good." She smiled at Chloe as she came to give her a hug.

"You look reallypretty auntie."

"Thanksdarling."

"I second that."Michael was next, a grin splitting his face as he kissed her cheek."If we were not related, I would be checking you out."

"Get away fromme." She shoved him playfully. "All this food. Are we-"She turned quickly at the sound of the car coming up the drive."That's him!"

They all watched asshe passed nervous hands over her hips and almost ran to greet him.

"Man, she has itbad," Michael murmured with a grin.

"She does,"Lionel said musingly. "Let's give them some privacy, shall we?"He turned back to the steaks he was monitoring.

"Hey." Forsome reason, Ava was nervous.

"Hey you."Nigel closed the door with a snap and opened his arms to her. "Youlook stunning."

"It's just anold dress." She breathed in his scent.

"Still. Youshould wear dresses more often. I think I am going to order a ton ofdresses for you."

"You will not."She lifted her head to look at him. "I am nervous."

"I should be thenervous one." Bending his head, he kissed her thoroughly. "Weare being observed."

"Hmm," sheresponded dreamily. "Do that again."

"Your wish - mycommand." His lips touched hers and this time the kiss was slowand languid, sweeping her off her feet.

"There are roomsinside." The female voice sounded behind them.

With a laugh, Avaturned to Dahlia. "Darling, this is my sister-in-law, Dahlia."

"And I know whoyou are of course." Dahlia gave him a dazzling smile. "Letme be the first to welcome you to the family."

"Thank you."Nigel greeted her, but kept his arm around Ava's waist.

"Come on youtwo, the rest of us are starving."

The introductionswere made and Lionel and Jeffry gave him long searching stares beforethe ice was broken. Chloe fell in love with him and assigned herselfhis shadow, offering to fetch and carry his food and drinks.

"We have beers,"Lionel told him as he brought a case of it over. "We skipped thewine."