“I’m aware.”
His sister was marrying the love of her life...or so she said. They’d chosen Valentine’s Day as their wedding day, which was just a little too cutesy for him, but she hadn’t asked his opinion.
Nigel had met his soon-to-be brother-in-law a handful of times when he’d gone home and the guy seemed like he’d fit into the Townshend family perfectly. But Nigel was in no hurry to bring home a woman. It would take someone special to get him ready to introduce her to the rest of the clan.
An image of Roslyn flashed through his mind.
No. Hell, no. First of all, when he brought a date, they wouldn’t expect her to be someone from the office. Second, he couldn’t bring Roslyn because...well...
Why not? She would actually be the perfect candidate. She was poised, she could definitely hold her own and there was nobody else he’d want on his arm.
Nigel couldn’t prevent the smile that spread across his face. His family would have no way of knowing Roslyn was from the office. If she came as his plus one, it would give him another opportunity to get to know her on a deeper level. He wasn’t ready for that commitment his grandmother was after, but spending more time with Roslyn would give him more insight to her. A fake relationship for the sake of his family wouldn’t hurt anything, right?
After that, he could explain they broke things off and nobody would have to know.
That is, if Roslyn went along with this crazy plan.
“And for pity’s sake, wear a tie,” Dame Claire scolded. “I know you have your own style, but this is a black-tie affair.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ideas rolled through his mind on how to approach Roslyn with his proposal. “I promise I won’t do anything to embarrass you or the family.”
“Oh, please,” she chided. “Nothing embarrasses me, but I do have standards. I expect you and your date to be here no later than Wednesday. The wedding is Saturday.”
“I’ll be there,” he vowed.
“You both will be here,” she corrected.
Nigel laughed. Of course she’d assume he was bringing someone simply because she said so. He told her to give everyone his love before he disconnected the call.
He stared at the phone another second and finally shot off a text before he could think better of it.
Going up against a persnickety, hardheaded old grandmother called for drastic measures.
Meet me at the office penthouse.
He hit Send, then quickly added another text.
I need a favor.
It was Saturday night, so maybe she was out on the town, but he didn’t think so. Roselyn worked hard and seemed to put her career above socializing. He didn’t want to discuss his family’s drama and wedding issue via text. And he just wanted to see her...the wedding was just the perfect excuse.
Nigel didn’t want Roslyn to think he was a complete jerk who only wanted to get her undressed. He’d meant what he’d said when he told her that he respected her and planned to take his time.
Time would prove to be the ultimate foreplay, especially since she’d already said yes to his advances. And a trip to his home? He couldn’t wait to take her back to the place where he had grown up, where he’d dreamed. He’d continue to charm her with the grand estate of Shrewsbury Hall. The home itself rivaled Buckingham Palace with all the rooms, windows, ornate architecture and decor.
Roslyn would love his childhood home if he could get her there. He couldn’t imagine any interior designer not falling in love with the rich history and all the stories behind each room and heirloom.
Nigel had to talk her into being his plus one first. Coming off their encounter last night, he hoped fate was in his favor.
Nine
“Meet your family?”
Sophie knew getting physically involved with Nigel was risky, both to her heart and her mind, but flying all the way to Cumbria, England, to be his plus one at his sister’s wedding? And for Valentine’s Day?
That was more than just taking a step in a dangerous direction—it was practically bungee jumping off a cliff. Meeting the family, attending a wedding that would equate to something from royalty and pretending to be his girlfriend for the sake of duping his family?
More lies might just do in her mental state and she wasn’t sure she could keep all of them straight.