‘That’s as far as they can go because of their size,’ Hero said, stuffing another square of the salted caramel fudge they’d bought in Borough Market into Nick’s mouth before taking one for herself. ‘We might have to go back for some more of this. I don’t think the one we got for Jules is going to last the journey.’
Having watched the ship dock, they wandered on, arm in arm, turning into Shad Thames.
‘So all these’ – she pointed up at the metal walkways crisscrossing the narrow street above them – ‘were once used to get between the storage spaces.’
‘And they’re all apartments now?’
‘The warehouses, yes. The walkways are the balconies for them.’
‘Not sure I’d fancy sitting out on my balcony with all these people peering up at me.’
Hero shrugged. ‘There is that. How the world turns though. In Dickens’ time, all this’ – she waved her arm to encompass the area – ‘was terrible slums.’
Nick looked around, trying to equate the descriptions of disease ridden slums with the smart, expensive apartments either side of them. It was impossible.
***
‘To us.’
Hero lifted her glass, tapping it gently against Nick’s. ‘To us,’ she repeated softly, her eyes on his.
She took a sip of the champagne, turning to gaze out at yet another spectacular vista.
‘Well, it’s certainly different from cracking open a beer on the verandah with only sheep as far as the eyes can see.’
They’d made a late booking at ‘Vertigo’, London’s highest champagne bar, for an afternoon refresher before heading over towards Piccadilly where Hero wanted to have a look around the huge bookshop, savouring her chance to stock up on some reading material for the flight home, as well as pick up some books she thought Joe might like.
Home.
She smiled and held her glass up once more. Nick tilted his head, enquiring with his eyes.
‘To home.’
‘To home.’
Nick plopped down heavily on the sofa and let out a huge sigh of satisfaction and relief. ‘Crikey. I never thought being a tourist could be so exhausting.’
Hero smiled across at him as she hung up her coat. His head was lolled back, eyes closed, long legs stretched out, still fully muffled up against the biting cold outside.
‘Do you want a cup of tea?’
He lifted a hand wearily and gave her a thumbs up sign. Hero flicked the kettle on, pulled off her boots and crossed the room. Nick opened his eyes and let out an ‘Oof’ as she sat down on his lap unexpectedly.
‘No stamina,’ she stated as she pulled his hat off and dropped it to the side of them. His hair, still in need of cutting, stuck up at odd angles. Hero ran her fingers through it, in an attempt to tame it.
‘As you pointed out this morning’ – off came the gloves – ‘you’ve spent the best part of three days in bed’ – then the scarf – ‘and now’ – she leant him forward to free his body from the coat – ‘you’re tired?’
Nick let her take the clothing, enjoying the feel of her body against him. He moved his hands to her hips, pulling her closer, enjoying the flush of colour it brought to her cheeks.
‘Just because I spent the last three days in bed, doesn’t mean I haven’t been working hard.’ He moved under her, his mouth smiling, his eyes darkening with desire.
‘Really?’ Hero replied lightly. ‘I hadn’t noticed.’
‘Right!’ Nick stood, tipping her off him. ‘We’ll see about that.’
Hero laughed and scooted into the kitchen, placing the breakfast bar between them. Nick strolled in and up to where Hero was standing, blocking her view of everything but him. He looked down into the beautiful face, shining now with laughter and mischief.
‘I thought you wanted a cup of tea.’ She pretended to stall him, recognising the look in his eyes, one corner of his mouth tilting up in a sexy half smile.
‘Didn’t notice, huh?’ he said, still not touching her.
‘Well, I …’ she trailed off. Nick had a way of making her forget everything but him.
He moved closer, touching her now with his body, pressing her back into the counter top. Slowly he bent and kissed her, teasing her with his tongue and the promise of more. Hero’s hands were trapped behind her back, her head was dizzy, her knees weakening as Nick leaned into her again, whispering into her ear, his voice thick and hoarse with love and wanting.
‘I promise you you’re going to notice this time,’ he said, one hand sliding under the clothing layers until it found her breast.
Hero moaned as Nick’s thumb teased the skin already swollen and tight with desire.
‘You’re going to notice everywhere. Every part of you. You’re going to be noticing for a week.’
Hero pushed her hips towards him, wanting him but he held her back with the other hand.
‘Nick …’ Her voice broke, one word encompassing all the frustration and pleasure and wanting he was creating.
She felt him smile against her cheek.
‘Are you beginning to notice?’
The moan she gave was enough of an answer.
‘Good,’ he said, straightening as his eye caught sight of something on the counter. He snagged the purple Liberty bag towards him, drawing out the long silk scarf Hero had bought. She watched as Nick pulled it from the bag, drawing it back momentarily before reaching around for Hero’s wrists, draping the soft, slippery fabric across them, twisting it loosely underneath to draw them together.
‘You know, I think this might help you notice.’
Hero pushed into him, claiming his mouth as Nick pulled her as close as he could. Without breaking the kiss, he lifted her against him, her legs automatically wrapping around his body as he took them into the bedroom in order to make good on his promise.
Chapter 23
Nick peeked over the top of his first-class duvet to where Hero lay next to him, sound asleep, her books so far untouched. Nick had been true to his word, making her notice him in all sorts of ways, the result of which meant they were both exhausted.
‘Can I get you anything, sir?’ a passing cabin crew member whispered in deference to the others sleeping around them.
Nick smiled, and shook his head before snuggling back under the duvet, content in the knowledge that everything he wanted was right next to him.
Acknowledgements
Thank you, as always, to James for his unfailing belief in me, especially in this past year when my own belief has definitely been in choppy waters. Thank you so much for all the support you give me both mental, and physical. None of these books would exist without you.
Thanks to Clio, Nia, and all the team at HQ for believing in Hero and Nick’s story and giving me the chance to share it with the world. Thanks also to my copy editor Dushi Horti.
A massive hug (I’m super big on hugs!) to all those fantastic book bloggers who, since I jumped into the deep end of this incredible – and sometimes scary – adventure, have given their time to read and review my books, helping spread the word. I really can’t thank these fabulous people enough. They do a brilliant job – all unpaid – and their beautiful, thoughtful reviews have made me cry (in a good way!) more than once. You are all superstars!
Mahoosive hugs go to the fabulous Rachel Burton, and Annie Lyons for their unfailing support, advice and ability to bring many giggles. Big thanks to Rebecca Raisin for her help with a couple of locality queries and also to Sarah Bennett, who is just a general fount of knowledge.
I’d also like to give a quick shout out, and a huge thank you, to the brilliant Mr Teo – plastic surgeon extraordinaire who inspired the surgeon mentioned in the book. Last year brought an unexpected, and upsetting diagnosis which meant that I suddenly required surgery on my face. As I’m shy and also tend to scar badly, I was having a bit of a panic. However, I need not have worried as, in view of the location, I was referred on to Mr Teo. He and his team not only did a fantastic job, but actually kept m
e laughing (as much as one can in such a situation!) during the procedure.
See? I told you I wouldn’t make you a baddie.
Ps – I’m still saving for the facelift.
And most of all, thank you to all the lovely readers. There is such a huge and wonderful choice of books out there and I am eternally grateful that you choose to spend precious time and money on one of mine. Hearing that I’ve brought a smile (and sometimes a tear) to someone is an amazing feeling and also incredibly humbling. Thank you so much. Your support and enthusiasm means more than you could ever know.
xx
No Place Like Home, the next book from Maxine Morrey, is coming in 2019 and available to pre-order now!
Dear Reader
Thank you so much for reading Second Chance at the Ranch, and I very much hope you enjoyed Hero and Nick’s story.
If you did, I’d be so grateful if you could leave me a review – just a short one is absolutely fine! They really can make such a difference in helping spread the word. I know Amazon isn’t everyone’s favourite, but as the market leader for digital sales, it really does help. But honestly, a review anywhere would be just lovely!
For those of you who’ve enjoyed my previous romcoms, don’t worry – I’m still writing those too, and hopefully there will be more out in the world before too long.
Thank you again for all your support. I always love to hear from my readers, so please feel free to contact me on any of my social media channels or by email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Happy reading!
Love Maxi xx
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