Page 55 of Park Avenue Princess

“Of course. I couldn’t get rid of it. I, well, I had to keep it. To remind me of those wonderful days I spent with the woman of my dreams.”

Her face softens. “Oh, Guy.” She leans forward to kiss me and I keep it sweet, allowing her to take it as far as she needs to. After a moment she pulls back, keeping her eyes on mine. “There’s hasn’t been anyone since you. I, I couldn’t be with anyone else. I know I messed up and I regretted it every day and I hope you can forgive me and we can—”

“Hey, shh.” I wrap my hand around her neck and pull her in for another kiss. “There’s nothing to forgive. I told you, we move on from here. I want you in my life, Lynne, and not just for a few nights here and there then maybe breakfast in the morning. I want it all with you.”

She sniffles as a lone tear rolls down her cheek. I swipe it away as she tries to smile. “I want that too.”

I give her a quick kiss before pulling away. “I told myself this conversation would have to wait because we have a hefty goal to accomplish. But, looks like we sorta had it, huh?” I chuckle.

“Sorta,” she echoes with a laugh.

“We’ll talk more about our future. Let’s get through the next few days first, okay?”

“Okay.” She nods.

“Now, eat up. We’ve got a long day ahead that starts with phone shopping.”

“Technically, it starts with that shower we never got to last night. Only this time we wash. Separately.”

“Party pooper.” Hearing her laugh makes me smile. “By the way, I love the addition to your art.” I glance at her side before meeting her gaze again. While exploring her luscious body last night, I saw new work added to her tattoo. Spreading to her back, the waves from the ocean roll toward a shore, and on the sand lay two sand dollars along with a conch shell.

She blushes beautifully. “I, uh, just had it done last summer. I know I want more but I’m not set on what I want.”

“You’ll figure it out. Or we’ll just have to travel for more inspiration.” A surprised expression fills her lovely face and I give her a wink. “Call your dad while I jump in the shower first.” I take my last bite of omelet then walk to the sink with the plate. After rinsing it, I place it in the dishwasher. “Save me some coffee.”

Ten minutes later, I’m showered, dried, and redressing in my clothes from yesterday. I’ll have no choice but to make a trip home for a fresh shirt and suit. I’d love to bring Lynne with me, show her my place, but then I think there may be no point to that. If we get together as I’m hoping, I can see myself moving in with her. Of course, I’m assuming she’ll want to stay here in the city, because this is an excellent place. More to discuss another time.

When I make my way to the kitchen, Lynne is sitting silently at the counter, my phone in front of her, fresh tears streaking her face. I rush to her, cupping her face so she’ll look at me.

“Baby, what is it? What’s wrong?”

She grips my hands, removing them from her face and shakes her head. “I called my father to see how he and my mother were doing. The first thing he demanded to know was why was I calling from Guy Hamilton’s phone.”

“Shit,” I mutter.

Lynne releases my hands and pivots away, standing so the stool is between us. “Yeah, shit.”

“It never occurred to me my name and number would appear and what that must look like.”

“Well to my father, it looks like I’m consorting with the enemy.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it.” I try to keep the anger from my voice.

“Yes,Iknow it, but convincing my parents is another story. I didn’t even get a chance to talk with my mom, I couldn’t get a word in edgewise with him going on and on.” She grabs her plate, half the omelet remaining, and walks to the trash, scraping the food into the bin. “Notwhat they need to deal with on top of everything else. I need to get over there and talk to them.”

“What about getting your phone replaced?”

Her head whips up with an incredulous look on her face. “A new phone is now the least of my worries, Guy. I need to go see my parents and convince them I’m not sleeping with the enemy.” There’s a bite in her voice.

My jaw hardens and I hold my tongue to keep from saying something rash. After a breath, Lynne has taken care of her dishes and turns for the doorway.

“I can go with you,” I say quickly.

She whips around. “Are you joking?”

I walk to her, stopping an arm’s length away. “No, I’m not joking. We go as a united front, show themwe—you and I—are working together to stop what my father started all those years ago.”

Lynne is silent for a moment before she releases a breath. “Have you even considered the consequences of what your father’s done and what it’ll mean for him when he’s exposed? Not to mention what this will do to your mother.” Her voice isn’t tart, but truly concerned.

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