Page 62 of Wishes for August

“What do you mean, you two were dating when she... oh.” It clicked for him then and I didn’t need to tell him the rest of the story.

“I didn’t tell you earlier about it because I didn’t want you to think it had anything to do with how I feel about you. I told you then and I’m telling you now. No matter what life throws at us, we can get through it together. I’d love you the same whether the baby was mine or not. I need you to know that.”

“I do Caleb. It took me a while to understand but I do. But,” he pushed me onto my back and climbed on top of me, “I’m sorry about the baby. I know how much you want a family.”

“I was gutted when she told me, and I don’t forgive her for what she did and the mess she caused but I guess I can understand that she acted out of fear.”

August hummed, a thoughtful look on his face. “I hate that she hurt you. I hate that I hurt you.”

“I nearly lost you,” I said, and August buried his nose in my neck.

“But you didn’t and now you’re stuck with me.”

I pulled August against me, his head resting on my chest. His body fit against mine perfectly. Every hard edge and soft curve was moulded to match my own with such precision, he could not have been made for anyone else.

“I am going to guess by the size of that mark on your neck, that things between you and your boy toy are going well?” I rolledmy eyes at the annoying man in the five grand suit strolling uninvited into my office.

“What are you doing here, again? Don’t you have an office to work from, in a different country?” Noel shrugged as he took a seat at the sofa, kicking his feet out and resting them on the coffee table. I stood from my desk and took the seat opposite him.

“Careful, I may start to think you don’t want my business.” He winked at me before pulling out his phone. “Your office is more fun anyway. There is so much gossip here it’s like a soap opera.” He threw his phone on the seat next to him before his attention turned to me. “But seriously, I’m glad to see August is back. And to see that you’re smiling again. It’s creepy when you’re all forlorn.”

“Ok-ay.” I dragged the word out not quite knowing what to say to that.

“As much as the rumour mill at Manners Media thrills me, I am here for a reason. We have the relaunch party in a few months and there’s a few things I need to run through with Ruby and August. They will probably flip when they hear I want to change one of the designs again but that’s where it pays to be the boss.” He shot his boyish grin my way and I smirked at him. Noel was a great person but a pain to work with. “You’re both coming right?”

“Yes, we’ll be there.” The Bennett Properties relaunch was due to be held in the ballroom of their flagship hotel in New York. The very same hotel August and I had stayed in all those months ago where we’d both fooled ourselves into believing we could suffice as friends with benefits. I was looking forward to being back there with him.

“Great, I’ll have Madeline sort out rooms and flights for you. Also, are you still on for my birthday thing next month?”

“I thought you were joking about that. You're turning thirty six not six.”

“Oh, I never joke about extreme sports, C.”

“I would hardly call indoor go karting an extreme sport, Noel. But yes, I will be there. You do realise those things are speed restricted?”

“But are they? Amazing what a little money can do my friend. Bring August too,” Noel said, climbing to his feet and straightening his suit jacket. “He strikes me as the kind of guy who loves a good thrill.” And with that he walked out, leaving me to wonder what sort of trouble the two of them would get me into.

Chapter 33

August

The smell of petrol and the adrenaline pumping through my veins, from racing around the track for over an hour had me buzzing.

“Fucking hell Noel! That was unreal. I had no idea those things could go so fast!” I shouted over the rumbling of engines, wiping the sweaty hair from my forehead. The indoor go karting was incredible. I don’t know how much Noel paid for the private hire and the little superpowered cars but by the looks on both his and Caleb’s faces as they pulled off their helmets, I knew it was worth every penny.

“Want to go again?” Noel asked and I nodded emphatically before he walked off to arrange another lap. I didn’t know the other people Noel had invited but everyone was having a great time. Who’d have thought a thirty six year old would throwthemselves a birthday party like this? Noel Bennett was an enigma so it didn’t really surprise me.

“Why didn’t Noel celebrate his birthday back in New York? That’s where he lives, isn’t it?” I asked Caleb.

“He told me it was for family reasons, and I didn’t delve any deeper. But lucky for us, I guess. That racing really got my blood pumping.”

“I’ll get your blood pumping,” I joked before nuzzling my nose into his neck.

“You’re trouble.” I felt the vibrations as he chuckled.

We spent the rest of the evening racing and eating greasy burgers and fries before the party moved to the pub. Caleb and I stayed for two rounds of drinks before saying our goodbyes.

“Train or taxi?” Caleb asked as we exited the pub. The weather in London was getting warmer as the days moved on, heading closer to spring, and the evening was cool but not cold.

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