Chapter 28
Tim
I hoped the Baronial Lair was the sort of restaurant Tabitha liked. Right around the corner from her work, it was a combo of glittery and soft lighting, patterns and colors I wouldn’t have put together—tartan, gold, and pink—but somehow worked.
I was standing near the bar, mindlessly scrolling my phone, but nervous.
She’d texted and said she was going to be half an hour late because of work, which I could tell was stressing her out, as she hated to be late.
I’d reassured her to take her time, although I knew they’d eventually ask me to give up the table.
I looked up again at the revolving door when my phone rang. Amy. I automatically answered my sister, no matter what I was doing.
“Where are you?” Amy asked. “Sounds like somewhere busy, but not pub-y.” Amy really did fancy herself an investigator these days.
“I’m in London for the night.” A roll of regret trailed through me. I instantly knew she was going to expect to see me.
“What? Awesome. I’ll make up the spare room.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m staying at a hotel. It was a last-minute thing.” Should I have made such a big deal about this date? It was putting a lot of emphasis on this one night, not that I was expecting anything from Tabs.
“What’s going on, Tim?” She seemed offended. “Everything okay?” Her tone softened with concern.
I couldn’t think of a single reason I’d be in London and not contact her. All my friends were her friends, especially since she’d gotten together with Fitzy.
“I might have to go in a few minutes.”
“Haaaaang on. Are you waiting on a date?”
She was relentless.
“Might be.”
“Who is it? Someone who lives in London? Oooooh. Is it Tabitha Balfour?”
I ducked my head, feeling myself blush at the sound of her name. Did I want Amy to know? If it didn’t work out tonight for some reason, I’d have to put up with her endless questions. But I’d have to put up with them anyway. “It might be.”
“Oh my God. I told Fitzy this was going to happen. You took my advice. I was right.”
“You were right.”
“Wait a minute. You agreed that I was right. It’s upside-down day. And you sound nervous.”
My head certainly felt light and buzzy. “I am. Excited and nervous.”
“Oh, Tim, I’m so happy for you. I really, really like her.”
“I do too, Amy. I like everything about her. She’s so great. I just… I don’t know… I…” Amy was going to give me absolute hell. I was unusually tongue-tied at the thought of Tabs. Damn, Langston, man up. I had to get my shit together before Tabs showed up.
“Make her realize how you feel, Tim.” Her voice was gentle. “Be honest—that’s all any woman wants.”
A flash of blond hair swung in front of the revolving doors. Tabs. I knew her just from the turn of her head. A strange sensation flew through my belly, and my heart thumped loud and hard against my rib cage.
“Gotta go, Ames,” I said and ended the call, even though I never asked why Amy called. I’d text her tomorrow.
I didn’t want to be on the phone when Tabitha arrived.
I wanted to be free to watch her walk toward me. Fuck, she was beautiful.
And tonight, she was all mine.