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“Hi, can I come in?” I asked in what I hoped was a normal tone

His shock was alreat as mine, but he stepped away silently to allow me admittance I entered the foyer and tentatively looked around, trying to hide s carpeted the polishedroo leather couches An Art Deco chandelier dripped fro, and even the small tables scattered about looked like they were pieces of art

“Coet you a drink?”

Tentatively, I sit on the nearest couch and spread my skirt over my knees

“Yes, please Water would be great”

He disappears into what I assulass in his hand before handing it to ers brush Oh ive nothing away, and his dark features remain stormy I s This man must hate me for soest news of his life

10

Patrick

“So how can I help you?” I ask in a growl, lowering hShe’s here! The woht here inroom, not ten feet away I want to catch her up in my arms and press kisses to every exposed inch of her flesh, but this isn’t the time for that Clearly, Penny’s nervous and her pink pout trely, even as she opens it to speak

“Well, I have some news for you, Patrick”

I nod, ure Has she put on weight? She looks a, and even more lush and curvy than I remember

“Yes? What is it?” I growl I wish I could stop acting like an animal, but the emotions in my chest are relentless I want to juainsther to Paris, and showing her the lights I want to keep her close by me for the rest of her life, but is that what she wants too?

She bites her lip uncertainly, those brown eyes sliding left and then right before focusing on a lamp next to the sofa

“Well, you see, ever since we ins “I never thought we’d meet, and then e bumped into one another at Lancaster Industries, it was very interesting”

I stare at her

“We did h answer

She blushes