Page 232 of Modern Romance October 2025 5-8
Dante didn’t glance in her direction once.
All Dante could think of was getting rid of Jamie. Which surprised the hell out of him. This was his one-time wife. Someone he’d once loved. Someone he’d probably thought he still loved, up until maybe a few months ago, when he’d realised he rarely thought of her, didn’t miss her and had started to truly accept the necessity of their divorce.
It wasn’t that he was against the idea of seeing her again. And he sure as heck didn’t want to hurt her. But he’d been looking forward to getting Charlotte back to his place and pulling her into his arms and kissing her just like they’d kissed in Italy—often and thoroughly. He wasn’t ready for the little holiday bubble they’d created to burst just yet. Even when he knew it inevitably would, because this, here, was their real world and their real lives. Reality would intrude, but he’d hoped it would be the kind of reality that shifted a little to accommodate the way things had changed between them.
The fact that theirs wouldn’t be a real marriage no longer mattered. It would be real to them, real in its own way. No love, but respect, friendship, sex, shared interests and a deep understanding of one another and why those barriers mattered so much. And neither of them wanted children. There was more than enough here to warrant them marrying, yes, but also staying married. After all, why mess with a good—no, great—thing?
‘Hey, you,’ Jamie broke into his thoughts, smiling up at him. But it was a sad smile, the kind of smile he’d seen plenty of before.
‘Jamie, have you been waiting long?’
She shook her head. ‘Allegra told me your flight schedule.’
He closed his eyes. She’d spoken to his grandmother?
‘I see.’
‘Can I come in?’
He glanced towards the door, surprised by how vehemently he wanted to demur. This was where Charlotte lived now. It was the physical representation of their bubble. But this wasJamie. A woman he’d shared more love and loss with than he could put into words.
‘Of course,’ he said, putting a hand in the small of her back as he guided her up the stairs. He thought of Charlotte though, as he unlocked the door. Wondering what she would buy at the stores. Wondering if she was as carefree about Jamie’s being here as she seemed and hoping she was. Because he knew one thing for certain. He never wanted to hurt her. She’d known too much hurt and rejection in her life. He would not be a person who added to that.
‘So,’ he said, once they were inside. ‘How are you?’
‘I’m—okay,’ she said, lifting her shoulders.
‘Okay, good.’ He frowned, not wanting to ask her what she was doing at his house.
‘Allegra says she’s nice,’ Jamie murmured, not quite meeting his eyes.
‘Jamie, you didn’t tell my grandmother anything about my relationship with Charlotte, did you?’
‘You mean the fact that it’s fake?’ The words had a hint of something in them, something he’d never heard from Jamie. Anger? Accusation?
‘It’s not fake.’
‘Right, but you’re not in love.’
He’d never love anyone again. That was a mantra he’d held close to his chest for so long, it had weaved its way into his being, so it didn’t occur to him to dispute that.
‘It’s just a practical marriage, right? Something to do with your business, I’m guessing. Everything always comes down to that for you.’ There was bitterness in her voice.
‘In fact, it’s Charlotte’s business,’ he said, distractedly, because his mind was starting to rattle and screech. There was an odd, panicked background hum going through his mind, making it impossible to think straight.
‘Charlotte’s business? You’re doing this to help her?’
He forced himself to focus. Or try to. ‘It’s mutually beneficial.’
She frowned. ‘Okay then. Well, that’s not why I’m here, anyway.’
‘No?’
‘I wanted to tell youmynews.’
‘You have news?’
‘I’m adopting.’
