Page 113 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“Why didn’t you drive into Central London? You know I don’t like you taking the tube, poppet.”

“Because parking’s a bitch and you know this. Where do you want to meet?”

“At Tower Bridge.” he said matter-of-factly.

“What?” I bumped into someone and distractedly mumbled sorry. “I just got off the tube at London Bridge. I could’ve gone to Tower Hill-”

“It’s a ten minute walk and I left instructions for you with Rachel.”

“Well, super secretary told me London Bridge,” I bumped into someone else and got a ‘bloody twat’ in response. Charming. I needed to pay attention to bobbing through the masses in the station. “And it’s a fifteen minute walk, not ten. My legs aren’t as long as yours. I’m in heels, Matt. Heels.”

“You always wear heels, sweetheart,” he cajoled. “Walk faster.”

The call ended. I slowed to a stop, glaring at my cell. He called me sweetheart then hung up? Hubby was asking for some schooling.

“Arrogant.” I resumed walking. “Bossy. Infuriating.” Mumbling to oneself in public was a quick-fire way to gain a wider circle of space. I glanced behind me but my shadow was no longer visible. Had I lost him in the crush of people? What kind of bodyguard was he? I hoped Matt wasn’t paying through the roof for his services.

Thirteen minutes later I groaned out loud at the crowds of people milling about. Tourists. Always bloody tourists. I called Matt.

“Hon, it’s manic. Where are you?” Forget hello. Even in heels I felt swamped.

“Right behind you.” he replied evenly down the line.

I spun around, phone to my ear and got a face-full of chest. Ah. His scent wafted around me and I tilted my head up slightly to grin at him. “How did you-”

Matt slipped his phone into his coat pocket then wrapped his arms around me. “I knew which way you would be walking so I kept an eye out for you.”

I looked around. “My, my, Mr Bradley, mingling with the general public? How outrageous.”

He narrowed his eyes before slanting his mouth over mine. Everything stopped as he thoroughly kissed me, leaving me light-headed and a bit cross-eyed.

“Wow.” I breathed out slowly.

Matt cupped my cheek and kissed the tip of my nose before pulling the top of my jacket closer together. “It’s cold today, poppet. Let’s get a move on.” With one arm around my waist he moved us forward, stopping only to raise his hand in acknowledgement to-

Shadow man! Freaking ghost. He wasn’t behind me when I walked here.

“I’m still not 100% on board with this bodyguard crap.” I slipped one arm around Matt, leaning in closer to him as he helped me dodge people.

“Let it go, Madison.” Matt warned. Urgh. Complete first name. He was serious. “I’m not changing my mind. Nice skirt, by the way, quite sexy.”

I let it go, conscious of the fact I had bigger problems on the horizon. It was a wise person who knew which battles to fight.

“Where are we going?” I asked, trying to keep up with his long strides.

Matt grinned. “You mentioned neither one of us has been to experience the glass walkway since it opened last year. I thought-”

My unladylike squeal of excitement tore a deep chuckle from him.

“You’re the best,” I tried not to gush and wondered what the queue today would be like. “What about lunch? Have you decided on a restaurant nearby? It’s already gone 1 and I’m starving. How long before you have to head back to the office?”

“Watch your step.” Matt advised, evading my questions while hurrying me along towards the North Tower entrance. The lift, which the general public had access to, was being guarded by this pale redhead. The man looked ill. Damn. I wanted to give him some flu medicine or something.

“Mr Bradley. I’m Peter. Right this way please.”

I gave Matt a perplexed look and he winked at me as Peter led usinto the lift. Ok. Matt had a pleased smile on his face as I mouthed ‘what’s happening’ to him. The lift began its journey upwards. His smile widened and his grey eyes sparkled with secret delight. I adored that look on his face. That hint of playfulness which rarely came out around others, although with me it was never too far from the surface. I was going to make it one of my life’s goals to keep that look on his exquisite face.

“Everything is as you wanted, Mr Bradley.” Peter continued talking.

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