Authors: Nikki Moore

Cocktails in Chelsea (7 page)

BOOK: Cocktails in Chelsea

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'Drink up,' he instructed, then shocked her by adding, 'we're having a shower together and then, unless you've got a burning need to see your friends, I'm taking you around some of my favourite places in London.'

‘Oh.’

‘What is it?’

‘Nothing, it’s just not what I was expecting.’

He frowned, looking unsure. 'Right. Well, if you don't want to I can get you back to Chelsea-,'

'No! I want to,' she grinned, rallying. 'I'd love to, if you're up for it. And if you don't mind lending me a clean top.'

'No problem.' He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, making her shiver, then got up and started rifling through his wardrobe, before tugging her into a hot shower.

It took them an hour to leave the flat.

They had a lazy day full of laughter and intense conversations and kisses, walking Tower Bridge while playing a silly game of
animal, vegetable or mineral
, strolling hand in hand along Oxford Street and popping in and out of shops before dropping down to Piccadilly Circus to share a tasty meal at Jamie’s pop-up diner.

When Nathan took her back to Toni and Christie’s that evening, Sofia knew it had been one of the most brilliant days of her life. He was so easy to be with, and she could be herself with him. It was a shame it had to end, and she felt a weird mix of happy and sad at the same time.

'Night.' He grabbed her around the waist and kissed her soundly. Wiggling in his arms, she sank back against the tall, white garden wall of the gated residence she was to spend her last night in London in. God knew what the girls were going to say when she walked in there after nearly twenty-hour hours of being AWOL. Although, at least she’d texted Tori to let her know she was safe and not to worry.

'Night.' She smiled. 'Thanks for such a great day.'
Keep it light Sofia.

'Yes. I was thinking…' He trailed off, gazing down at her.

'Ye-es?' She bit the inside of her cheeks. Was he going to ask for her number? Suggest they stay in touch? But just because she'd had a fantastic time, it didn't mean he had. Or that he was in a position to offer her anything. It had hung between them all day, what might or might not happen between them after today, but neither of them had said anything, and now it felt too scary to ask him outright. The girl who wasn’t confident when it came to men had made an unwelcome return.

‘Nothing.’ He stated.

Okay,’ she eased back out of his arms. It was time to say goodbye. 'I should go in then. Good night and take care of yourself Nathan. Good luck with everything.' Kissing him quickly she pressed the intercom on the wall and announced herself, waiting for the automatic gate to swing open. Needing the moment to be over. Gutted because the sexiest, loveliest guy she'd ever met, who seemed to enjoy her company and who she loved spending time with and who she had the most incredible chemistry with, was about to walk away.

No. That wasn’t good enough. She’d learnt something from this. Despite her interests and profession, and that in the past she’d been overlooked as a tomboy, she
was
a normal girl worthy of a guy’s attention. Added to which, this particular guy had made her feel special and wanted all day. That had to mean something. She just needed to grow a pair, when it came to her love life.
Just do it, Sof.

She spun around, ‘Nathan, I’d really like it if-,’

'I don't think so,' Nathan said at the same time, grabbing her gently around the shoulders. ‘Sorry, what were you going to say?’ he looking down at her intently, black hair ruffling in the evening breeze.

Scooping in a deep breath, ‘I want to see you again,’ she spilled. ‘What were you going to say?’

His mouth quirked in the crooked smile she liked so much. 'I was going to ask for your number, Princess.'

‘Yay!’ She launched herself at him and kissed him soundly, as he swung her off her feet.

‘I take it that’s a yes,’ he grinned when they broke apart, panting slightly.

‘Hell, yes,’ she said fiercely, before grabbing his mobile from his pocket and tapping her number into it. ‘And if you don’t call me, remember I know where you work, and where you live.’ Her eyes twinkled with mischief.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be calling you,’ grabbing her front pockets he hauled her in for another long, steamy, delicious kiss. ‘And maybe I can come visit you in Bournemouth at some point, maybe check out those bar-restaurants you were talking about?’

‘That sounds like a plan.’

He swept her hair back from her face, ran his forefinger across her full bottom lip, making it tingle. 'Great. I’ve always fancied a trip to the seaside. And what about you? Are you up for trips to London, as well as overseas?’

'Absolutely.' She craned her head back to look into his intelligent, Bambi brown eyes. 'Yeah.’

‘Yeah?’ He hugged her closer.

Running her hands up his arms, she tightened her grip on him. ‘Yes. A girl could definitely get used to cocktails in Chelsea.'

Coming Soon from Nikki Moore…

Tap the cover to pre-order now.

Also by Nikki Moore…

Valentine's on Primrose Hill

New Year at the Ritz

Skating at Somerset House

Crazy, Undercover, Love

Nikki Moore

I've adored writing and reading since forever and have always been a sucker for love stories so I'm delighted to be part of the fabulous HarperImpulse team! I write short stories and fun, touching, sexy contemporary romance and really enjoy creating intriguing characters and telling their stories.

A finalist in writing competitions since 2010, including Novelicious Undiscovered 2012, I'm a member of the fantastic Romantic Novelists’ Association. I blog about three of my favourite things – Writing, Work and Wine – at
www.nikkimooreauthor.wordpress.com
and am passionate about supporting other writers as part of a friendly, talented and diverse community, so you'll often see other authors pop in!

You can find me at
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiMooreAuthor
or
https://www.facebook.com/NikkiMooreWrites
or on Twitter
@NikkiMoore_Auth
to chat about love, life, reading or writing… I'd love to hear from you!

About HarperImpulse

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Impulse
is an exciting new range of romance fiction brought to you from the women’s fiction team at HarperCollins. Our aim is to break new talent from debut authors and import the hottest trends from the US, bringing you the very best in romance. Whether that is through short reads for your mobile phone or epic sagas that span the generations we want to proudly publish romance fiction that gets everybody talking.

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