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Emily offers a sheepish grin. “Sorry . . . again. But hormones or not, Aidan is a handsome man, and what’s wrong with being attracted to the father of the little life growing inside you? Nothing, as far as I’m concerned. What’s next?”

I blow out. “Okay. Well, after Mark, I swore off men and promised myself I’d focus on my own happiness, and—”

“Mark caused you enough problems when you were with him—don’t let him dictate your future too. Sure, you were right to take time away from the dating scene after that relationship ended, but you don’t have to swear off men for life. Next!”

I smile. Emily is fairly rattling through my points, and it is making me feel better.

“The next one is the big one. Even if I decide I’d like to give things a go with Aidan, it’s not as if it’s just my decision to make, and he has his stupid ‘one-and-done policy’. Yes, he’s been obeying my wishes to keep things platonic, but . . . well, I did think maybe he’d find me so irresistible he wouldn’t be able to help himself. But no! Last night, I even—wait, no, that’s a story for another time.

“Anyway, the point is, this is probably all theoretical. We’ve already had sex, so according to the way Aidan lives his life, that’s it—he no longer has any interest in me as a prospective partner. And yet, every so often, I catch him looking at me in this way that makes me think maybe he does feel something for me. Then this morning, just when I thought we were actually getting somewhere, he suddenly announces he’s going back up to Bannock tomorrow, like he can’t get away from me fast enough. I don’t know what to think.”

Emily nods. “Except . . . he’s not going away today. He’s going away tomorrow. Tonight he’s taking you to a fancy restaurant.”

“Well, yes, there is that.”

“So, here’s what you’re going to do. Tonight you’re going to make yourself irresistible and test how rigid Aidan’s one-and-done policy really is. I wish I was down there in London with you to help you get ready, but it’s okay, we can do this over video call. When you’re done with your classes, we will transform you from pleasant yoga teacher into seductive sex goddess. Dress, shoes, make-up, hair, perfume—we’ll get everything just right.

“If Aidan still resists, then you’ve got your answer, but I’m confident that won’t happen. No, you are going to show him how ridiculous his silly little policy is. By the end of the night, he’ll be begging you to give him a chance, and all the power will be in your hands. Understood?”

Goosebumps ripple across my skin. “Yes. Let’s do it!”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

AIDAN

I arrive at the restaurant first. I’ve been sitting for a few minutes when Grace is shown to our table by the maître d’. He, like me, does a double take when she removes her coat because . . . wow.

Her silky forest-green dress clings to the contours of her body and emphasises, rather than hides, her neat pregnancy bump. The neckline is distractingly low, while heels give her a few extra inches, showing off her shapely calves and adding an air of confidence. Her hair is elegantly styled in an updo, with a few tendrils framing her glowing face, and a careful touch of make-up enhances her natural beauty.

Without even realising I’m doing it, I rise from my seat to greet Grace, as though pulled by invisible strings. Wrapping my arms around her, I draw her in for a hug and inhale her scent of vanilla and honey.

“Hello to you too, Aidan.”

It’s only when she speaks I realise I’ve not yet said a thing. I embraced her without even saying hi.

“Grace, you look . . .” My sentence goes unfinished because I don’t know how to put it into words.

She doesn’t seem to notice—she’s paying more attention to the floor-to-ceiling window. “Wow, what a view!” she comments as she takes her seat. “If this is the sort of place you choose for dates, it’s no wonder you’ve taken so many women to your bed.”

Shaking myself out of my daze, I glance outside. We’re up high, on the eighth floor of a building on the bank of the Thames, and have a stunning panoramic view of London’s night-time skyline, with the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral taking centre stage across the river. As beautiful as the sight is, all I want to gaze at is Grace.

“This is a wee bit fancier than my norm,” I admit. “But you’re carrying our baby and have put up with me the last few days, so I thought you deserved a treat.”

Her lips, coated in a matte brown lipstick, curve upwards.

“You look incredible, by the way,” I add.

“Do I?” Casually she glances down at herself. “It was between this and those fluffy pink jammies you like so much. Did I choose well?”

I grin and scratch behind my ear. “Aye.”

“You don’t look too bad yourself. I notice you’ve been growing stubble since you got here. I like it.”

“Really?” I rub a hand over my cheeks and chin. “Honestly, I just forgot to pack my razor, but if you approve, I’ll keep it.”

“Ah, so my opinion is important to you? Interesting.” Her eyes twinkle then drift down. “And what about your outfit? Was that rolled up in the bag you took with you from Bannock?”

I’m in a light-blue shirt with navy-blue chinos. “No, I picked up this ensemble today. I didn’t think this was the place for jeans and a T-shirt.”