The One Addicted(52)

“All good?”

“Yes. Can we head downstairs for a bit.”

“Of course. You can give me my tour later - I’d like to check out your plumbing…”

I grin up at him. “Are you sure you’re Ok with it?”

“Fine. Is everything alright, Lu - you seem off kilter?”

“Just something a client said to me, or rather didn’t say, oh whatever… I’m good. Let’s go.” I reach up to plant my lips on his wide sexy mouth. Who cares if this is work - all I want to do now is play.

“Well, I have a surprise for you that will cheer you up - even though they’re not usually your thing.”

He knows me too well. “You do, do you?”

“I do. Not nearly as good as your little declaration downstairs.” His eyes drop to my groin and I squeeze my thighs together at his words. “But, I think you’ll like it.”

“Well, don’t leave me hanging.”

We make our way down the stairs, his hand in the small of my back at all times and through to the bar, where Nathan holds up a beer for Seb. I practically run alongside his long steps, trying to keep up.

“I think I’ll hold off a little longer, baby. One more hour and you’ll know.”


“So, I think that all went rather well, Lucia don’t you?”

I glance over my shoulder as the owner of the establishment settles in next to me in the library. “It’s been wonderful, James. Truly. Thank you for such an amazing launch and including Elysium in it.”

“Hard to believe that you’ve achieved so much in such a short time.” He sips his whiskey and settles back into the purple velvet settee. “I seem to be having a severe case of déjà vu, darling.” He raises a bushy brow, “You, me and garishly dressed male here, discussing the brief - was that really only a month ago?”

“Yes. We seem to have all changed in that month.”

“That day brought a fabulous interior designer into my life, who I like to think of as a friend.”

“Of course we’re friends, James. This weekend has been such a treat; you’ve ruined us all.”

“It was my pleasure, darling. Tell your friends that they do not have room bills, I’ve already got Debbie to sort things.” He holds his hand up to stop me arguing with him. “Colin wanted to have a house party, and play Lord of the Manor and this was his chance - I wanted to indulge him.”

“That’s very generous of you - thank you, James. How are you and Colin?”

“Dreamy, darling. A month ago, I got you and a new man. He is a bloody whirlwind, but he’s good for me. He keeps me young and less stuffy - and keeps an eye on my cholesterol.” He pauses to chuckle. “What about you? Sebastian Silver is certainly a catch.” He raises his glass to me in cheers and I bite my lip. He certainly is that.

“A lot has changed in the last month. I am open to what the future holds.”

“That’s the attitude. Gorgeous girl like you can pick and choose but just remember to grab those opportunities when you see them, feel them, or another month will have gone by just as fast as this one did.”

 “It’s flown hasn’t it? Are you happy with the completed works James - I mean you’ve signed them off but its always nice to hear?”

“Bloody marvellous job you’ve done, Lucia. Marvellous! I just wanted to grab a quiet moment with you before you’re too busy for my little Hotel.”

I chuckle at his words - he was my most affluent client to date, owning an estate and lands worth millions - pah! little hotel - I would not be discarding him for new blood. “I take it you would like me to address some of the other rooms in the same design manner?”

“This party has been wonderful for feedback from both locals and our regulars and the rooms have gone down a storm - why break what is a winning strategy? Put some figures together and we’ll talk but yes, to answer your question, I have another 20 − 30 rooms at least to work over and our private dining room needs a makeover before Christmas, if that’s something you’d be interested in?”

My head is spinning with ideas. “Yes, of course. I’ll have my assistant set up a meeting and we’ll talk next week.”

“Super. You are a rare gem.”

“Exquisite, isn’t she?” I sense Sebastian at my back, his fingertips, softly kneading my vertebrae and I roll my head into his touch.

James’ clears his throat and stands. “Exquisite is a perfect word for her. Right, I think I’ll retire to bed now that all the guests have gone. Enjoy each other.”

We watch him leave, all the while Sebastian at my back, his fingers doing wicked things to my skin and then his lips brush against my ear. “Are you ready for your surprise, baby?”