Love in London (Restless Hearts) Read Online Free PDF

consider this a success.”
    “Deal.”
    Dexter led us past the line out front, putting us on the receiving end of a number of dirty looks. When he gave his name to the bouncer, we were immediately allowed to enter.
    “It pays to be with the boss,” I said, feeling much cooler than I deserved.
    “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,” he replied. The palm of his hand pressed against my lower back as he escorted me into the club. “Our party is upstairs.”
    I felt very self-conscious as I scaled the stairs, slowly because of the heels Cessy made me wear. I was quite aware of Dexter’s presence behind me, no doubt staring directly at my rear as I climbed.
    “You lead the way,” I said when we got to the top.
    He took my hand again and this time his grip was a little tight. It occurred to me then that he was just as nervous as me. As he composed himself, I took my time surveying the room. About a hundred people mingled about, holding fancy drinks and generally having a good time.
    “Looks like a fun group,” I commented.
    Dexter look unconvinced.
    “Come on,” I said with a laugh, tugging him forward. “If you’re good, I’ll take you for ice cream after.”
    “Okay then.” He begrudgingly stepped into the room.
    Almost instantly, we were surrounded by people smiling earnestly and speaking in overly polite tones. It didn’t take me long to understand why Dexter had been so quick to warn me about the awkwardness of the evening. While everyone was perfectly nice and friendly, it was clear that they were filtering their words and behavior while talking to Dexter.
    They were even more awkward around me. Several of them asked how long I’d been seeing Mr. Sanders, which made me felt like I was about eighty years old. Other small groups stood around talking in hushed voices while staring in our direction.
    The scrutiny finally got to be too much so I excused myself to use the restroom. It was nice and quiet inside, allowing me to clear my head. I sat in one of the stalls and took several deep breaths.
    The door opened, sending in a wave of laughter and music. When it shut again, two female voices began to speak.
    “The boss looks good tonight,” one of them observed.
    “The boss always looks good,” the other said and they both giggled. “Did you see his date?”
    “She was pretty. But she’s probably a bit dim. She looks like the type that would date a man because he is wealthy.”
    “She’s American.”
    “Well, that would explain it.”
    Again they both laughed.
    “Do you think the new girl knows about Laurel?”
    “If she knows about Laurel and she still came here with him, then she deserves what she gets.”
    “Hope she’s ready to be a step-mum!”
    My heart thudded in my chest so loudly that I was certain they would be able to hear it. But they didn’t. After a quick discussion about hair, they left and I was alone again. Leaning over the sink, I splashed cool water on my face. As I was dabbing myself dry, the door opened again.
    This woman I recognized- Marian. Dexter had introduced her as his assistant. She had been one of the only people to have a normal, relaxed conversation with me.
    “Needed a break?” she guessed sympathetically.
    “It was a bit tense out there.” I locked eye contact with her in the mirror. Based on what I had overheard, I needed to know some answers about Dexter and I was willing to bet Marian could help me out. “Can I ask you something?”
    “I suppose,” she said with a frown, as if she could sense what I was about to ask.
    “Who’s Laurel?”
    She sighed. “Let me guess- the marketing girls got to you?”
    “Not exactly. I overheard some people talking.”
    “I guess you better hear it from me,” she said. “Laurel used to work on the marketing team. She quit a couple months back after becoming pregnant. Some people speculate that she’s carrying Dexter’s baby.”
    It wasn’t too far off from what I had guessed. “Why would they think