Page 80 of Tempt

I know. But Grace asked for Hazel’s help. “It’s fine. I like watching you do your thing. Concentration is very sexy.”

Her lips twitch, and she finally looks up. “Can I give you one of your gifts early? It’s something to read.”

I sit up straighter. I have a bracelet for her in my pocket. “Great idea.”

She leans over and pulls a thin rectangle from her backpack. It’s light and feels like paper when she hands it over.

I dig out the jewellery box and pass it across to her. “And for you, my beloved.”

A soft, glorious smile crosses her face. “Merry Christmas.”

I wait for her to go first, and she makes a lovely sound when she opens the box. It’s a gold rope bracelet that matches her ring—a reminder, and a promise.

“It’s stunning.” She holds out her wrist so I can put it on her, then she gestures at my gift. “Now your turn.”

I carefully peel the paper away.

It’s a book. A slim volume, and my guess is that it may be the only copy in existence.

A collection of poems inspired by Sam Preston

“A limited edition binding?” I read the subtitle out loud.

“Very limited,” she says softly. “For your eyes only.”

My suspicion was correct.

“An excellent gift,” I say around the thick knot in my throat, tighter than any I’ve used on her. “And a perfect distraction.”

She climbs out of her seat and leans over to kiss me. “I’ll be quick,” she promises. “And then we can play a game for the last leg of the trip.”

“When will I find out what this secret is that you and Grace are working on together?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. When she’s ready to share it with the world. Which might be next week, or it might not be for months.”

I let it go and lean back in my seat. I have a precious book to read, a glass of whiskey to sip, and a half-empty train car with nobody around.

Hazel

When Sam goes back to his drink, and the chapbook I had printed just for him, I look at the most recent email Grace sent me.

I’m okay. Or I will be. Please don’t tell Sam. I don’t want to ruin your time away. I’m sorry you found out like that.

She has nothing to be sorry for. That’s all on her husband.

I glance across the table at my own husband. Half-brother to the man Grace loves, for reasons I cannot wrap my head around.

Sam will kill Luke when he finds out, so it’s my job to make sure he never does.