“Thanks, but—”
“Allow me to do this for you. You’ve been an amazing personal assistant, Ella, but even more than that, you’ve been an incredible friend to me over the years.” Drew’s face was serious. “And you’ve done what I never could have for Hannah.”
She scrunched her nose. “What’s that?”
“You gave her a peace of mind that goes beyond having faith in me or in what I say. That is something I’ll never forget and never be able to repay,” he said. “Get packed, but take your time. I’ll arrange everything for you.”
Tears filled her eyes, but they were ones of gratitude. Rising up on her tiptoes, she lightly kissed his cheek. “Goodbye, Drew. Thank you for everything.”
*
The jet couldn’t travel fast enough for Ella’s liking. Yes, it was luxurious and filled with amenities that weren’t even available in her uptown apartment, but all she could think about was getting to Blake.
Never in her life had she made such a rash decision to go after a man, but her heart and mind were of one accord on this.
“How much longer do we have?” she asked the attendant.
“Four hours, ma’am.”
Ella’s heart sank.
Blake had a three-hour start on her. By the time he arrived at Heathrow, he would be well on his way to the country estate where his family lived.
However, Drew had promised a car would be waiting to immediately whisk her away to Ravenswoodshire. Whether her appearance would be welcomed was another matter.
She tipped up her chin and accepted the glass of white wine from the attendant, determined to relax. There was nowhere she could go, and this was the fastest way to get to him.
Maybe she could take the remaining hours to practice what she would say to him. Only, she had no idea how to start. The always-prepared-for-any-situation-type-A personality in her rebelled at the thought.
“I can always practice on the drive,” she said, thinking of Drew’s warning that it was another three hours to Blake’s estate from London.
And if he sends you packing? a small voice whispered in her head.
“Well, at least I won’t spend the rest of my life wondering what if,” she said and downed the contents of the glass.
Chapter Nine
Blake walked in the garden of Ravenswoodshire, down a path that led to the forest. He’d always been a fan of walking. It helped cleared his mind and focus.
Until today.
Turning left at the rectory, he headed back to the house, exhaustion hitting him hard. He hadn’t slept in twenty-four hours, something he hadn’t done in years, not since he’d served. Perhaps that was what he needed to clear the fog from his brain, not exercise.
The wind blew through the trees, bringing a smattering of rain with it. The sky was grey, dreary, just as a proper spring day in England should be. No tropical birds of paradise flying about, no drinks served in coconuts, and certainly no statuesque redheads lying about on massage tables.
He groaned at the image of Ella, her legs spread, her thighs wet as he sank into her over and over. An image of her laughing on the boat he’d chartered for them. Her cheeks were flushed a bright pink and her eyes sparkled.
His gut clenched.
Yeah, he was an absolute fool for leaving the resort early. He could have talked to Ella, like an adult, apologized for his crass behavior until she forgave him, and confessed his love.
Instead, he’d flown back home. “Where it’s bloody fucking cold,” he shouted at the sky.
Birds scattered from the treetops, taking flight like one massive black blanket.
“Blake,” he heard a voice scream.
He turned around.
The unmistakable shape of a human being ran toward him, but there was no one around for miles. His staff had the weekend off.
“Blake!”
He stood there in complete shock as the sun pierced the clouds and shone on hair that was a deep, lustrous red. “Ella.” Her name fell from his lips.
“Blake!” She waved her arms wildly.
“Ella!” he shouted her name and threw his walking stick down, pumping his arms and legs. He didn’t give a damn if he were hallucinating or even dreaming. She was here and he wanted her in his arms, if only until he awoke, or became lucid once more.
She rammed into him, a flash of pain making him grunt. Dreams didn’t hurt. “Ella. You’re here,” he said slowly.
“Blake,” she cried, covering his face with kisses. “Yes. I’m here.”
He kissed her back, hungry for a taste of this dream girl in his arms.
“I had to see you again,” she said between kisses. “I don’t love Drew. I don’t even want him.”
“I don’t understand,” he said stupidly.