Chapter 29

The marble facade of the Four Seasons’ Celestial Suite loomed before Dashiell, a gilded cage waiting to swallow him whole. Selene was inside, waiting. He inhaled deeply and went over his story again. He’d built a rickety tower of half-truths – the work party, the need to reconnect with his friend Ari, the extended Los Montical stay. Maybe it was enough to send her packing back to Danning, or, if she clung on, at least dampen her expectations for cosy nights and all-day dates. His practised speech curdled on his tongue as memories of the yacht party danced behind his eyelids. Elodie had been a supernova, her quiet nurse persona a discarded chrysalis. Dashiell, once blind to everything but his own recovery, had finally seen her. And not just him – the entire room had been captivated. Those admiring gazes weren’t just business appraisals; some were smouldering with something more primal. He glanced at the closed door and couldn’t help but wonder – if Elodie ever found herself with a fianc