Page 117 of Wreck Me

Alexander Beckett is lounging by the pool in a pair of dress shorts and a pale blue shirt. Finally, he appears to be embracing his retirement. Vivienne has kicked off her Christian Louboutins, her floral dress swaying in the gentle breeze, and she bops along barefoot to the music with Zara and Rian.

Sean and Caelon are lounging on rattan recliners by the firepit, beers in hand. They raise their bottles as they spot me and James stepping out onto the deck.

Chantel is here, wearing a hot pink summer dress. She’s dancing with a gorgeous little boy who I assume is her son, Miles, who I’ve heard so much about.

I spot Avery at the far end of the pool. In a Grecian-style white maxi dress, that’s so sheer it’s practically see-through, she could pass for a Greek goddess. If the way Killian is staring at her is anything to go by, he agrees. For a man who doesn’t say much, he certainly seems to be engrossed in conversation with her.

Before I can go over to them, Eleanor catches my arm.

'I’m so proud of you, Scarlett.' Her head tilts to the side as she pats the back of my arm. 'Look at all you have achieved.'

'Thank you.' I glance around. 'Where’s Nathan?'

'He just got called away on an emergency,' she tuts. 'Hopefully he’ll make it back later.'

I lean in closer and whisper, 'Are you two…?'

Her eyebrows wing up. 'No, we’re just friends.' She scurries away before I can interrogate her further.

Yeah, and I’m the Queen of Sheba.

Watch this space.

James appears next to me with two glasses of champagne. 'Congratulations again, my love.' He clinks his glass against mine as his ebony eyes twinkle. 'Did you think about my proposal yet?'

I glance pointedly at the enormous diamond glittering on my left hand.

'Not that one.' His lips brush over my temple. 'The other one. Work for me. You’d be a huge asset to Beckett Enterprises. We’d be lucky to have you.'

'Okay.' I shrug.

'Okay, as in yes?' His voice jumps two octaves.

'But only if I can keep the desk where I did my work placement. I became quite fond of it.' Well, fond of the memories it stirs.

'I wouldn’t have you anywhere else but by my side.'

'That’s settled then.' As much as I wanted to be independent, I’ve been alone too long. If James wants me with him at work and home, then I’m there. The family business is where I belong.

I am Scarlett Beckett-to-be, after all.

Caelon

'Come on, Isa, pick up the phone. Pick up the phone. Where are you?'

The soles of my shoes thwack against the opulent marble flooring of my brother James’s mansion.

My wife is not one to miss a party.

Ever.

Especially not the lavish, extravagant graduation party my brother is hosting for his new fiancée.

A shrill ring echoes through my ear and a chill slides down my spine. I glance at my sleek, silver TAG Heuer watch, a gift from Isa on our wedding day. Ten years next week.

Though I’ve loved her for a lot longer.

The first moment I set eyes on Isabella Harte, I knew she had irretrievably stolen my heart. Every inch of her was perfect, from her wavy, waist-long hair to her twinkling emerald eyes.

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