Page 70 of Arrogant Heir

Lucky 7.

I console myself that if the paper has got it wrong, and sheisback with her fiancé and he’s in the flat, to avoid a scene, I’ll make up an excuse about wanting to thank her in person for her work on the book. I’m mortified by the thought of seeing them together, but I’m committed now, so I’m going to risk it. I don’t want to spend my life regretting not fighting for her.

The piece in the paper said they could now reveal the identity of the mystery redhead. Sources close to the Rochester heir disclosed they were no longer together, and the family had employed her to write their upcoming book. It also mentioned herex-fiancé.And I almost missed that bit!

I’m hoping she’s alone and we’ll get a chance to talk. I’m desperate to tell her how I feel and it’s not the kind of thing I can bring myself to do over text.

Her voice echoes over the speaker. ‘Yes, who is it?’

‘Damian,’ I say, but my voice fails me. I clear my throat and the sound that emerges is gruff and doesn’t sound like me. ‘Damian,’ I repeat.

There’s a silence and then she says, ‘Come up.’

Every step feels like I’m getting closer to the noose, and I panic and have to stop myself from turning around and shooting back down the stairs. My long strides would have me out of there in a flash, and she might not even realise it was me.

But I must tell her how I feel, or I will have no peace. If there’s no hope for us, then so be it. It’s out of my hands, but I won’t go through life knowing I didn’t do all I can to discover whether we have a chance.

The door opens slowly as I reach the landing, and my throat closes over again.

Her mass of coppery-red hair is tied back in a high ponytail and the smattering of freckles on her nose has intensified in the sun. Her alabaster skin is makeup free, and she’s never looked more beautiful.

‘Jamie,’ It’s all I manage to say as I stare at her.

‘Damian. This is a surprise.’

‘An agreeable one I hope.’

‘Of course,’ she says, and I see the familiar pink dots on her pale cheeks.

At least I still affect her.

She steps aside and ushers me in. ‘Welcome to my humble flat,’ she says.

‘It’s charming,’ I say, smiling. And it is. The room, although small, overlooks the grassy common, and it’s an elegant room with a polished wood floor and bright minimalist décor with a cosy feel.

‘You could fit ten of these into your front room,’ she says.

We stand there, awkward, neither of us speaking, and the silence booms.

Finally, I gulp and say, ‘I’ve missed you.’

Her caramel eyes search mine and she says, ‘I’ve missed you, too.’

This is promising.I force myself to breathe.

‘How’s life?’ I ask.

‘Yeah, alright, thanks. How are things with you?’

I edge around what I came here to say while we bat small talk back and forth, until I blurt out, ‘I read the piece about the book in the paper today. My grandfather mentioned it.’

‘Oh, yes? Are we back in the headlines?’

‘In a small way. There was an article about the book from the publisher, and a reporter tagged on a gossipy profile piece about us.’

‘Not much to tell!’ she says wryly.

She looks at me expectantly, and I take a deep breath. ‘It said we’re not together anymore.’

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