Read Online London Loves - Book 3 - Love's Great Adventure Series by Theresa Troutman - Free Book Online Page B

have the veal.”
    It was a relaxing meal. Sebastian and Max talked and were becoming more comfortable in each other’s presence. When their meal was consumed, they joined the other club members in the smoking room to enjoy a brandy.
    Sebastian relaxed into the maroon leather tall-backed chair and inhaled the smell of cigarettes. It had been years since he last smoked, but sometimes the scent made him crave it—especially after a good meal. He observed the room: some members were reading newspapers, some were in deep quiet conversation, and others sat alone drinking. Someone familiar entered the room. He walked down the carpeted steps and stopped in his tracks when his eyes locked with Sebastian’s. A smile curled up on the man’s handsome face as he set course in Sebastian’s direction.
    “Bloody hell, Irons. What brings you to London?” Prince Alistair asked, stopping in front of him.
    Sebastian stood from the chair and held out his hand. “Blue blood, it is good to see you again. My family recently moved back. My wife has a job with the Associated Press here in London.”
    “Family—wife? By God, we have a lot to catch up on.” Alistair looked at Maxwell. “Earl Sutton, it’s good to see you again.”
    Maxwell stood from his chair. “Your Royal Highness, it’s always a pleasure. You are welcome to join us.”
    “I would love to. However, I have a meeting.” Alistair reached into his pocket to pull out a calling card. He handed it to Sebastian. “Please ring me later. I’d love to catch up.”
    Sebastian nodded in agreement. “I’ll do that.”
    Alistair left the pair and headed toward the back of the room.
    “How do you get away with calling him blue blood?” Max wondered, taking his seat.
    “I roomed with him at Eton. We’ve had some interesting adventures together,” Sebastian explained, but declined to go into detail. “He must not be aware that you’re seeing Penelope Stanton. If he was, I don’t know that he’d be so gracious.”
    “He dated her years ago. He’s had ample opportunity to rekindle the relationship if he chose to do so,” Max replied.
    “Penny doesn’t forgive cheaters. Be warned,” he clipped out.
    “I have no intentions of cheating on Penny.”
    “Good.”
    “It’s rather endearing how protective you are of the women in your life. I admire that quality in you.”
    Sebastian was taken aback by the revelation. Unsure how to respond, he took the last sip of his brandy. Finally he muttered, “Thank you, Max.”
     
    Sebastian made Mattie her favorite dish, macaroni and cheese, and put her to bed at eight o’clock. Tess had phoned ahead saying she had a deadline and wouldn’t be home until late that night. To fill the time, he tried to read a novel, but his mind was too full of information to concentrate on the written words in front of him. Sighing, he closed the book and lay back on the couch. Whatever had made him think he could quietly move his family back to London and go about his business unknown? Ever since stepping foot back in his homeland, he’d been greeted with the ghosts of his past. It seemed as if he were living in a Charles Dickens’ novel.
    He heard the key turn in the lock and sat up to find Tess walking through the front door. She was the consummate professional: dressed in a light gray suit, her hair pulled up into a chignon, briefcase in hand.
    “Hello, darling,” he announced, rushing over to greet her with a passionate kiss.
    Tess teetered on her heels. “Wow, miss me that much?”
    “You have no idea,” he replied. “I made a light salad, if you want to eat.”
    “Oh, that sounds perfect. Could you open a bottle of wine while I get changed and check on Mattie?”
    Sebastian confirmed her request by kissing her on the forehead. He busied himself in the kitchen while Tess changed out of her suit. He lit a taper candle and placed her salad and wine on the dining table. Tess came back dressed in her blue silk robe, her hair flowing over