Page 67 of The October Arrangement

“What was she doing there?”

“I’m going to take a wild guess and say shopping,” I said.

“Smartass.” He smiled.

“I was checking out when she walked over and introduced herself.”

“How did she know who you were?” His brows furrowed.

“She was in line behind me and overheard the sales associate and me talking about you.”

“Why were you talking about me?”

“She had the store deliver my dress and shoes and needed the address. Mary asked if I was Bella. Apparently, your father told her all about me.”

“I’m not surprised.”

“She seems so nice. Do you like her?”

“I do. She’s a great woman and good for my father.”

“Why didn’t you tell me he had a girlfriend?” I asked.

“I didn’t think about it.” He loaded the dishwasher and shut the door. “But I will tell you this. I had lunch with my father today. He showed me a ring he bought her. He’s going to ask her to marry him.”

“How do you feel about that?” I asked.

“Fine. As I said, she’s a great woman. She makes my father happy.”

“She’s going to be your new step-mommy.” I grinned.

“I know. I’m not bothered by it. By the way, will the dress you bought also work for Daisy’s wedding?”

“Yes. It’ll be perfect for Daisy’s wedding.”

“No.” He shook his head, leaning over the island. “I don’t think it will, and you’ll have to go out and buy another one.”

“Please don’t make me go through that again,” I pouted. “They made me drink a glass of champagne at twelve in the afternoon.”

“How dare they.” His eyes widened.

“Right? It was brutal.”

“And yet somehow you survived,” I smirked.

“I’m not sure I did.”

He stretched his body over the island a little more, and his lips softly brushed against mine.

“Then let me take you to the bedroom and make you feel better.”

“I’m not sure if you can.”

“Oh, I can, and you damn well know it.” He winked.

I rolled over him and placed my hand over my racing heart.

“Fuck, Bella,” Simon said breathlessly.