Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Firkins Jacqueline

Author:Firkins, Jacqueline [Firkins, Jacqueline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Contemporary, Adult
ISBN: 9781250836502
Amazon: 1250836506
Goodreads: 59808246
Publisher: Griffin
Published: 2022-10-25T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

While Angus set up for breakfast outside, Marlowe ran downstairs and swapped her laundry so her final load was in the dryer and she could put on something of her own. She slipped into a pair of cotton shorts, a bra, and a scoop-neck tank top that almost made her look like she had cleavage. The clothes were nothing special, but they saved her from thinking about his clothes and his scent and how his body would look in the boxer shorts she’d been wearing. And how he’d look out of those boxer shorts.

She stepped onto the patio to find Angus already seated, ankles stacked, hands laced behind his neck, gazing out past a tranquil pool to the sunlit hills. His outdoor space was as tidy as his indoor space, defined by spare décor, clean lines, and earthy textures like dark stones and polished wood. His environment was comfortable but purposeful. Every piece of furniture was carefully selected for efficient use and high-quality craftsmanship. Except, perhaps, for the books. There, content triumphed.

“It’s a lot warmer outside than inside,” Marlowe said, already sweating.

Angus straightened up as he turned toward her. “Welcome to L.A.”

“I’ve lost track of seasons since I moved here.” She sat down opposite him, folding her legs beneath her, a habit she’d retained from childhood when she used to worry about taking up too much space. “Does L.A. even have seasons? Ones that have nothing to do with film awards or TV listings?”

“Tired of the sunshine already?”

“I shouldn’t complain. My friends in New York are hauling out warmer clothes even though we’re barely into September.” Her voice caught as her mind jolted into overdrive. September. The month printed on two hundred wedding invitations that never got sent. A canceled reservation. A simple dress in ivory organza. A rich chocolate cake, tasted but never ordered.

“Question for a question?” Angus asked, jarring Marlowe from her thoughts.

“Yes, the food smells amazing, even with the green stuff.”

“Not what I was going to ask.” He picked up his fork but he didn’t put it to use. “What happened with your fiancé? Or was he your husband?”

She flinched so sharply she almost fell off her chair.

“How did you know?” she asked.

“You play with your ring finger a lot. I’m betting it wasn’t always naked.”

Marlowe glanced down to find one hand wrapped around the other, while she did exactly what he’d said she was doing. She shook out both hands and took a drink of her orange juice. Slowly. Really, really slowly. When Angus was still watching her as she set down her glass, she decided there was no point evading the question. He didn’t seem like he’d judge her and she was obviously preoccupied.

“We were together for three years, engaged for two months. When he proposed, I didn’t even have to think about it. I said yes and I meant it. We loved each other. We also knew each other. Everything else was so uncertain. Launching careers. Moving into the city. Meeting new people. Trying to make ends meet.

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