Page 90 of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye

I did? Tarquin scratched his moustache. Were we drinking? Gambling? Jeez, it must’ve been quite the bender if I can’t place him.

“I saw something about it in Time Out this week, too. It’s that cool red brick building on Greenwich Street…from the 1850s or something?”

“The 1830s.” Catching the bartender hovering, Tarquin pulled his wallet from his shorts’ pocket.

“Ooh, so close! So, what’s my prize—an invite?”

That’s… pushy. Will he go away if I say yes? “Sure. Come any time after nine.” Tarquin’s jaw tensed. “I’ll need the correct spelling of your full name…you know, for the guest list.” And my restraining order.

He bobbed on the spot. “You know, it would be bangin’ if I could bring a plus one. I’m trying to impress her. The whole velvet rope treatment would, you know, slay.”

The cheek! Tarquin swallowed what he really wanted to say. “Uh, sure…whatever.” He tapped his card against the bartender’s payment terminal.

“Cool beans!” The guy tossed another glance poolside. “Hey! You can meet babe now.”

Oh, brilliant. Removing his baseball cap, Tarquin wiped perspiration from his brow. I could do without these people glomming onto us tonight.

“Hey, Leia?!”

LEIA?! Tarquin froze. No! Can’t be.

He dropped his cap on the bar and spun around, spotting a tall redhead wearing large, Jackie O-style sunglasses and a soaked one-piece, her phone and a long white towel in her hands.

Nope. Not her. His body relaxed. My Leia is a beautiful blonde. He slipped his card back in his wallet.

Draping the towel over her shoulders, the woman lifted her shades and looked up, her sunny blue-eyed sparkle and unassuming smile falling into a stunned gape. “Tarquin?!”

He did a double take. Holy fuck! It IS her! He sucked in a breath, a sudden veil of lightheadedness tilting him backward against the bar. “Hiya…” His heart skipped a few beats as his gaze swept her body, the drenched fabric of her bathing suit fueling his memory. Fuck me, she looks incredible, even better than I remember. Meeting her questioning eyes, he fumbled for words. “I mean, hello…again.” Shit. She’s gonna have a go at me. Her email…

“What on Earth are you doing here in—?”

Leia’s male companion jumped in. “Wow! You guys know each other?”

“Uh-huh.” She grinned, a nervous giggle filling her pause. “Nice ’stache, Han Solo. And glasses, too. They suit you.” She pulled her bottom lip into her mouth.

Oh, Christ. I can’t breathe when she does that. Come ON, mate, get it together.

“Cheers, Leia.” Tarquin broke into a wide smile, fighting every urge to swoop in and hold her tight. She’s not angry! And has red hair! He leaned in. “You look lovely—as always!”

“Well, this is cool!” The guy crossed his arms, biceps bulging. “Leia, I trained Tarquin once last year—he tagged along with his brother.”

Oh! He’s Nick’s TRAINER! Ah, okay. I still don’t remember his name, though—not that I care. Everyone else here can just do one. Leia’s looking sexy as hell. It’s so great to see her!

Tarquin waved a dismissive hand toward the far side of the pool. “You should catch Nick before he leaves, mate.” Yeah, bugger off. Give us some privacy. God, what I’d do to hold her in my arms. Tarquin’s warm gaze didn’t waver. No one else existed, not the trainer, not the bartender leaving his credit card receipt—not a soul but Leia. “So, how are you?”

“I’m good. Busy! But I’m off today. As you can tell!” Her anxious half-laugh returned. “Time away from the Institute is as rare as a limited-edition Hermès bag these days.” She perched her sunglasses on her head and blinked up at him, adjusting the towel on her shoulders. “How are things with you?”

I can’t believe she’s actually here. God, my heart! It’s literally hammering through my chest. Tarquin nodded. “I’m great, yeah! Here on a break. Enjoying the sunshine. Can’t complain.”

Leia smiled kindly. “Good. I’m glad.”

The trainer leaned in. “Uh, babe…”

Her face pinched.

Babe? Tarquin bristled. She hates that! His eyes narrowed as the guy touched her arm. Oh, fuck. At least she used to.

“Time’s a tickin’. We should probably…?” The trainer tilted his head toward the exit and let go.