The British Billionaire's Innocent Bride. Susanne James

and, staring across at him, Lily thought how tired he looked—and a bit lost. She sighed inwardly. Despite all her misgivings, something was dragging her towards accepting his offer. From what he’d said, it shouldn’t be too onerous a commission, and his boys weren’t likely to be such little horrors as the twins. They wouldn’t dare—not with Theodore Montague for a father!

      She smiled suddenly. ‘Let me sleep on it,’ she said. ‘I need a little time to make important decisions.’

      ‘Quite right—I’d go along with that,’ he said earnestly, sensing victory. Somehow he’d read her mind, and in that brief instant he knew that she was going to say yes to his request. But he also knew that she would make him wait a while for his answer.

      The frown on the handsome brow cleared, and he stood up, taking a business card from his pocket.

      ‘My mobile number’s on this,’ he said briefly, handing it to Lily. ‘Give me a ring—any time—with your decision.’

      Lily studied the card. ‘What if I interrupt something important?’ she asked, not looking up at him.

      ‘Oh, don’t worry about that,’ he said at once. ‘Bea also has my number, and she knows she can contact me at any time if necessary. My children come first in my life.’

      They eventually said goodnight, and Lily watched for a moment as he strode away to return to his own hotel on the other side of the city. When she went inside, Sam was at the reception desk.

      ‘Oh—Lily!’ he exclaimed, coming over to give her a hug. ‘I’m terribly sorry about this evening. I’ll make up for it tomorrow, I promise. Is everything OK—where have you been?’

      ‘Out to a wonderful supper—and walking about, soaking up the atmosphere,’ Lily said happily.

      And she was happy. She’d had a great evening, and she’d enjoyed a man’s company more than she could have believed possible. But most of all bubbling up in her consciousness was the fact that not once had he attempted to touch her, to take her hand or even to brush against her. They had not made physical contact all evening. And that was the best thing of all. No wonder she’d been able to completely relax.

      As she got ready for bed, she glanced at the business card again. She’d ring him later on tomorrow, with her acceptance. After all, she’d be daft to turn down the opportunity of marking time—and being paid for it—while she reassessed her future.