Chapter 11
The Light of Day
LANIE
I woke in the morning light alone in Baz’s palatial bedroom.
London awaited me outside—bustling, crowded, alive.
I loved this city. I was a stone’s throw from my sister’s sleepy house in Mayfair, but everything felt new.
I peered through the sheers at the road below.
The immediate street was quiet, while Brompton Road just up the way bustled.
I wasn’t in a hurry to return home, so I sent a group text to Chloe and Dora again to let them know I’d survived the evening.
Then, I took a photo of the bedroom and sent it off.
God, Baz’s place was gorgeous! I wasn’t sure how I’d been worth all of this—even in pillow talk—but I was even more flattered in daylight.
Scrolling my messages, I saw one from Leah Roughy.
LEAH
Are you available for a late lunch? I’d like to introduce you to some backstory with your character if you’re up for it.
ME
Sure. I could do two maybe? I had a late night.
LEAH
Same. Long night here. Too much family drama.
I snickered. I’d have gladly taken my evening over her woes.
ME
Text me where and when.
LEAH
2 at Windsor.
I cocked my head, confused.
ME
Where in Windsor?
LEAH
Windsor Castle. Just bring your ID. I’ll put you on the list.
I stared in disbelief
LEAH
You’re on the cleared list with Scotland Yard already. Promise.
In one way, that made sense. In another, it did not.
I smiled, then wondered what I could wear.
I used the toilet and perused Baz’s massive bathroom, eyeing a tub I bet he never used, before walking into his extensive closet.
There were suits, ties, and shoes in the most organized fashion.
I wondered if I’d annoy him if I stole a button up shirt.
I figured I didn’t care if I annoyed him.
He relished torture and I longed to make him grumpy. The worst he’d do was fuck me again.
Somewhat clothed, I went downstairs. On next floor found two guest bedrooms. I heard Baz’s voice down the hall and followed. He sat in his home office talking on the phone and typing at his computer. I leaned against the doorframe until he saw me. Baz held one finger to tell me he was almost done.
“I know. And I told you I would be there,” Baz grumbled. “But I have projects. So it won’t be until next week, Alex. Alright?”
He listened to the person drone, then said. “I have a guest and need to go.”
More talking.
“Yes, it is. And I’m being dreadfully rude. See you next week.”
He hung up and rolled his eyes. “My brother. Apologies.”
“You’re fine,” I said. “It’s always a little sexy when you’re in a mood.”
“I am not in a mood, darling. I just hate my brother. It’s different altogether. Now, I can confirm I have nothing for breakfast because I do not cook.”
“At all?” I asked.
He furrowed his brow. “And you do?”
“A bit.”
“You don’t have a staff in that big house?”
“Do you?”
“I have a housekeeper,” Baz answered.
“We do, too, but she’s only there twice a week. My sister owns the house. She is letting us crash there but she lives abroad with her husband.”
“It’s your sister’s house?”
“She inherited it. But we’re Americans. We don’t really do staff. Well, she does, but she’s lived here since she was like 17. Our mother is British. I’m not.”
“Wild. Odd. Unexpected. Well, that’s just like you.”
“You could take me to brunch.”
“Isn’t that all women your age do these days of a Saturday?”
“You sound old when you say that.”
“What on Earth would I take you to brunch in, darling?”
I considered that. “Good point.”
“We’ll order in,” Baz said definitively.
I liked a man who made an executive decision without worry.
Not choosing everything freed my mind for other tasks.
I liked to be taken care of; not because I wanted to be controlled, but because I got so exhausted always having to plan everything.
My ex’s indecision exhausted me. I didn’t miss that.
I loved him still even if I hated to admit it, but needed someone willing to plan a date on occasion or make a hard choice.
It made sense why he wasn’t ready for a baby.
I kissed Baz. “Sure. I can stay a bit. Then, I must go to an appointment.”
“I will take any and all time I can get with you today.”
“You’re still not bored of me?”
He chuckled. “I think it would take some time to bore of you. You’re unexpected and quite confounding at times.”
“I am the wild card,” I admitted.
Baz barely knew me. And he didn’t know what I was up to, but he got me. He pushed all my buttons. The sex hadn’t just been good. It wasn’t even just amazing. It was otherworldly. Last night shattered any preconceptions I had about Baz. He outpaced all my expectations.