Page 36 of No Strings Attached
“She’s thirteen, not MI6. Relax.”
I don’t get a chance to respond because he’s already unlocking the door.
His niece walks in with zero suspicion, bouncing along in a holiday sweater that saysSleigh All Day.Her hair is in a messy bun and she’s holding a can of whipped cream like it’s a weapon. Her eyes dart between the two of us. “Why was the door locked?”
Henson answers smoothly. “We were just having a quick meeting about the New Year’s Eve party.”
Brianna’s face lights up. “Oh! Are there going to be fireworks?”
“If the town laws allow it, I’m sure we can make that happen,” I say.
“Town laws,” Henson scoffs behind me. “Us Millers do what we want now.”
I roll my eyes as his niece laughs. She already has his sense of humor.God help us all.
“I’m going to, um, freshen up,” I mumble quickly, before anyone else can walk in and smell sin lingering in the air.
Once in the bathroom, I close the door and press both palms to the counter, glaring at my reflection.
“You fell for it again. Stop letting him in.Literally.”
I’m still sorting through the wreckage of my last relationship, still not over the way it made me question everything about who I am, so I can’t let this happen with Henson.
And now, on top of that, he’s technically a client.A wildly attractive client who makes my brain short-circuit every time he looks at me.
I sigh, shake my head, and take a moment to get myself together. After using the toilet, I wash my hands and splash cold water on my cheeks, then head back out.
The lounge room is alive with music. I spot Henson’s mom near the far end, chatting with a few relatives. She catches my eye and waves me over with a warm smile.
“I hope you’ve had a nice evening, Amira.”
“Very nice. Thank you again for including me.”
Nadine leads me toward a quieter corner near the fireplace and lowers her voice. “I just wanted to apologize if Worth made you uncomfortable earlier. He can be a bit direct but he means well.”
“Oh no, don’t worry,” I say quickly with an awkward laugh. “Honestly, I’ve dealt with much nosier people.”
She smiles knowingly. “Well, I hope you don’t feel unwelcome. We’re truly grateful to have you.”
If only she knew how “welcome” I’ve already made myself.
We talk through a few party details—guest list additions, the adjusted timeline, her plans to have a hot chocolate bar with themed toppings. Then she leans in, her eyes glittering with mischief.
“I have a little surprise planned. Something I’ve been keeping under wraps.”
“What kind of surprise?”
Nadine grins. “Not telling.”
I laugh. “Now I’m even more intrigued.”
After another few minutes of chatting, I set my glass down and excuse myself. “I should probably get back to the cottage for the night.”
Henson appears at my side as if summoned by thought alone.
“Yes, of course.” Nadine says, then looks at Henson. “Walk her back, will you?”
“Gladly.” He grins, clearly pleased with his mom’s request.
