The Aristocrat E-Book

Penelope Ward

• Herausgeber: WS
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Seitenzahl: 421

Beschreibung

The Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestseller.

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.
The one that got away. Every girl has one, right?
Mine was a charming, British aristocrat who turned my world upside down one summer.
From the moment I first spotted Leo in the distance through my binoculars, I'd been captivated. I certainly never expected to find a man showering outside of the property across the bay in his birthday suit.
Then I noticed his housemate staring back at me with binoculars of his own—watching me watching Leo.
That made for an interesting conversation starter when I inevitably ran into them.
Turned out, the handsome Brits were only renting that house for the summer in my seaside town.
Leo and I formed an instant connection, even though we were technically opposites by all appearances. I taught him how to dig for clams, and he taught me that not all wealthy and powerful guys are pretentious.
Despite knowing he was totally wrong for me, I couldn't seem to stay away.
It was a wild and crazy few months. And before I knew it, we'd fallen in love.
We both had one wish: more time together.
But Leo had obligations back home. He lived a life I'd never fit into. And I was going to law school. So, we decided to end it and never look back.
A part of me always felt like I'd let my soulmate walk away.
I believed our story was over.
Until five years later when he sent me a letter that shook me to my core.
I'd thought my world was turned upside down that first summer?
Well, I knew nothing yet.

Leseprobe

First Edition

Copyright © 2021

By Penelope Ward

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, things living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Edited by: Jessica Royer Ocken

Proofreading and Formatting by: Elaine York, Allusion Publishing

Proofreading by: Julia Griffis

Cover Photographer: Alejandro Brito

Cover Model: Kacey Carrig

Cover Design: Letitia Hasser, RBA Designs

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Five Years Later

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Epilogue

Mailing List

Other Books by Penelope Ward

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Felicity

Track 1: “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell

“What are you looking at?”

I jumped at the sound of Mrs. Angelini’s voice and put my binoculars down momentarily. “Did you know we have new neighbors across the bay?” I asked.

“Well, I saw some flashing lights coming from the house the other night. Figured someone finally moved in.”

“Yeah. They were having a party, I think.”

We lived on the bay in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Aside from the house next door, the only other residence in the vicinity was a sprawling estate across the small body of water that separated our land from theirs. You’d have to take a boat to get to it—either that or be a really good swimmer. The house had been vacant for several months, but now someone had either bought it or was renting it.

“Do you know anything about them?” she asked.

“Why would I?”

“Because you’ve obviously been spying.”

I cleared my throat. “I was…birdwatching and happened to notice them. It’s two guys. I think they might be gay.”

“And how would you know that?”

“Well, they’re both extremely good-looking. Many of the ones who look that good tend to be gay. It’s not fair.”

The wind blew Mrs. Angelini’s long sweater as she grabbed the binoculars from me and lifted them to her eyes.

She laughed after a moment. “Wow. Well, I can certainly see why you’ve taken a sudden liking to…birdwatching.”

Mrs. Angelini returned my binoculars and winked before she walked back into the house, leaving me alone to resume watching the new inhabitants. But this time when I looked, I saw something I was most definitely not meant to see. One of the men must have gone inside the house, because the other was now alone. He’d moved from his previous spot and was now buck naked under an outdoor shower. My mouth dropped. I should’ve looked away, but my eyes lingered on his bronze body. The water fell over him like a waterfall down a mountain of carved stone.

I felt awful for staring, but honestly…who showers in front of the neighbors? Although, in his defense, he probably thought he was alone. The only house facing the back of theirs was mine. He likely never imagined someone as far away as me would be watching him.

My guilt finally caught up with me. I put the binoculars down and took a long sip of my lemon water. Maybe I needed to pour it over my head instead. Trying to concentrate on anything other than the peep show across the bay, I picked up my phone and began to search for summer jobs. I didn’t want anything too stressful, just something to earn a little cash for my move to Pennsylvania in the fall. Considering the most excitement I’d had lately was spying on a couple of handsome men, I needed something to occupy my time.

I’d graduated from college a couple of years ago but had stayed in Boston for work. I’d just turned twenty-four and had moved back home to Rhode Island for the summer before I was headed to law school. Home was an estate owned by Eloise Angelini, a widow whose husband had owned a string of seafood restaurants. I’d been living with Mrs. Angelini since my sophomore year in high school. After her husband died, she’d decided to become a foster parent, taking me in after my previous foster mother had moved away. Because of Mrs. Angelini, I was able to finish high school with my friends and didn’t have to leave Narragansett. For that, I would always be grateful. And as if taking me in wasn’t enough, she’d decided she wanted to help put me through college—although she never had to, since I got a full scholarship to Harvard.

Even so, Mrs. Angelini made sure I had a place to call home. She always made me feel like she needed me more than I needed her, though I knew that couldn’t be the case. She’d found me during one of the loneliest times in her life, but I’d already been accustomed to a lonely life. I’d never known anything but being on my own, and I’d learned not to get my heart set on anything, not to get attached to anyone. I’d been in and out of many foster homes by the time I landed on Mrs. Angelini’s doorstep at fifteen. I appreciated that she didn’t try to mother me. She was a true friend and confidante. And we made each other laugh—a lot. Mrs. Angelini gave me a sense of security, and I provided her with a distraction from the loss of her husband. We were just what the other needed. Still, my life had conditioned me not to get too comfortable with anyone—even Mrs. Angelini, who’d done nothing but embrace me with open arms.

I wondered if it was safe to look back across the bay now. Lifting my binoculars to my eyes, I flinched when I found the sexy man now wiping his still-naked body down with a towel. His huge cock bobbed up and down, and after losing my train of thought for a bit, I moved my peepers off of him and over to the left.

I jumped. Staring back at me was the other guy—with binoculars of his own. He’d been watching me watch his friend.

Oh no.

Then, to my horror, he waved, flashing a snide smile.

What do I do?

These guys knew where I lived, and I’d likely run into them around town. I couldn’t hide forever. Playing it cool was my only option. Rather than run inside the house—my first instinct—I tried to remain calm. I smiled and waved back.

I was just about to put my binoculars down when I saw him call Shower Guy over. The formerly naked man now had the towel wrapped around his waist. The guy with the binoculars said something to him, and they laughed. Then Shower Guy grabbed the binoculars and waved at me as well. He was enjoying this? They both apparently got off on my stupidity.

I awkwardly waved back and then realized I’d had enough. I turned and went in the house.

Mrs. Angelini was standing at the sink washing dishes. “What’s wrong, Felicity? You’re all red.”

“Nothing,” I said as I passed her to go upstairs to my room.

Despite ruminating about what had happened outside, I forced myself to once again focus on the summer-job search for the next couple of hours—not the most exciting Memorial Day weekend, that was for sure.

Later that evening, the doorbell rang, and I could hear Mrs. Angelini’s footsteps as she went to answer it. The door shut before she called to me from the bottom of the stairwell.

“Felicity, you might want to come down here. You have a delivery.”

Something came for me? I jumped off my bed and skipped down the steps. Mrs. Angelini was holding a bouquet of bright yellow flowers. Daffodils?

“Who are they from?” I asked.

“I don’t know. But there’s a card.”

I took the flowers from her and walked them over to the kitchen counter. My heart nearly fell to my stomach as I opened the card and read the note.

Dear redhead across the bay,

We thought these would be a perfect way to say thank you for being a neighbor. This is a flower known as the Narcissus Peeping Tom. Need we say more? Enjoy them.

Love your neighbors, Sig and Leo

Hell.

Hell was the moment I stepped into the grocery store a few days later and nearly knocked right into him.

“It’s you.” He held up a long, phallic-looking baguette and shook it. “Remind you of something?”

My face felt hot. “Very funny.”

“I haven’t seen much of you outside over the last couple of days. Did we scare you?”

This was not Shower Guy, but rather the one who’d caught me peeping. He had a strong British accent and was extremely tall, with dark hair.

“I’ve just been taking a break from the backyard.”

“Too hot outside for you, eh?”

“Look, I didn’t intend to see what I saw. I’ve been into…birdwatching this summer. Then one day you two moved in, and I—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa...” The other guy had appeared next to his housemate. “I’m sorry for anything he might have said to you just now. Rest assured, it’s all shite. He’s just playing around.” He, too, had a strong British accent. “I don’t believe we’ve properly met.”

“Although, you’ve improperly met...” his friend chided.

“Put a sock in it, Sigmund.”

Okay, so the asshole is Sig—or Sigmund. The previously naked one must be Leo, then. They were both tall and good-looking, but Leo, with his chiseled features, lustrous hair, and striking eyes was on another level—a total Adonis, and intimidatingly gorgeous.

Sigmund shrugged. “Surely she knows I’m just kidding.”

“But you don’t know when to stop. That’s always been your problem. Can’t you see how red her face is getting? You’re embarrassing her.”

Uh…how red is my face getting? This was mortifying. I couldn’t control that about myself. After all, I was a redhead with fair skin covered in freckles. Whenever I got embarrassed, I basically turned red from head to toe.

Leo’s tone softened. “I apologize for his rude behavior.” He held out his hand. “I’m Leo Covington.”

I took it, enjoying the warmth of his skin. “Felicity Dunleavy.”

The other guy offered his hand. “Sigmund Benedictus. But please call me Sig.”

Benedictus?

Been a dick-tus.

He sure had.

Fitting.

“Good to meet you,” I said.

“And you, as well, Freckles.”

Freckles? He couldn’t have come up with a more original nickname? I was self-conscious about my freckles, and typically wanted to murder anyone who dubbed me Freckles.

“Do you mind not calling me that?”

“Do you prefer a different nickname?” Sig asked. “Peeping Tom, perhaps?”

Leo gritted his teeth. “Enough. Seriously.”

“All right. I’ll behave. Going in search of tapenade for this bread.” He winked. “Be back.”

Relief washed over me as he walked away.

“I’m...really sorry about him,” Leo said.

“Well, given how you came to know of me, the ridicule is warranted. I shouldn’t have been spying.”

“I don’t reckon you anticipated seeing me in my birthday suit. That was the first time I’d ever done that. I assumed no one was in the vicinity, of course. For the record, I don’t make a habit of showering for all the world to see. I never had an outdoor shower in England. So it’s a novelty.”

Leo was simply striking. His hair was light brown with golden undertones. He had beautiful bone structure and full lips that were difficult not to stare at. There wasn’t one thing I would change about his face. His eyes were a deep blue. They reminded me of a piece of sea glass I’d used to make a necklace once.

I cleared my throat. “What brings you to Narragansett?”

“I’m taking six months off from life. It seemed like a good location to get lost. We picked this place randomly on a map, actually. Sigmund and I have spent our time in a few different locales. First was California, then New York, and now Rhode Island.”

“Are you two…together?”

His brow lifted. “What do you mean by together? We’re rooming together. But if you mean romantically together, then no. Exactly what did you assume?”

“I thought you might be gay.”

“If I were gay, I’d have far better taste in men than that wanker cousin of mine. What in God’s name made you think we were gay?”

“I don’t know. Two handsome men...living together in a big house…”

“So, if I’m a guy living with another man, I’m automatically shagging him?”

“You’re right. That was a hasty assumption.”

“Thank you for the compliment, by the way.”

I just called him handsome, didn’t I? Feeling suddenly hot, I looked toward the produce section. “Well, I’d better be going...”

“Before you do, I want to apologize for the flowers he sent your way the other night. I urged him not to. Not everyone appreciates that sense of humor.”

I shrugged. “It was fine. And they were pretty. I was embarrassed, at first, but then I ended up laughing about the whole thing. Mrs. Angelini certainly got a kick out of it.”

His brow lifted. “Mrs. Angelini?”

How do I explain who she is without unloading my history on this stranger? I kept it simple. “She’s my roommate.”

“Ah. Roommate. So she must be your lesbian lover, then.” He raised an eyebrow, and I had to smile. “Anyway, why do you call her Mrs. Angelini? She doesn’t have a first name?”

“Well, she’s seventy. It’s more of a respect thing. It’s what I started calling her some years back, and it stuck. She’s always asked me to call her by her first name, but I got used to calling her Mrs. Angelini.”

“I see.” His eyes seared into mine for a moment. “Your roommate is seventy. And how old are you, might I ask?”

“Twenty-four. What about you?”

“Twenty-eight,” he answered. His eyes lingered on mine for a bit. “Listen, we’re going to be renting the house across from you for the entire summer. We know virtually nothing about Narragansett. I’d love to pick your brain about places to go and things to do here. Maybe you wouldn’t mind coming over for tea sometime this week?”

“Tea? You really are British, aren’t you?”

“Guilty as charged.” His white teeth gleamed.

Looking down at my feet, I said, “I don’t know.”

“I promise not to take off my clothes...” He added a crooked smile.

I let out a much-needed laugh. “Well, since you put it that way.”

“Tomorrow at two, then? Or whatever time works for you.”

A part of me wanted to refuse, but why? It wasn’t like I had anything more exciting going on. I didn’t quite understand whether he genuinely wanted my expertise on Narragansett, or if there was something more to the invitation, now that I knew he wasn’t gay.

“Sure. Two tomorrow works.”

“Brilliant. You know how to get to the house without having to swim across, I take it?”

“Yes.” I smiled.

“Very well, then. And I promise, Sigmund will be on his best behavior.”

“I can handle it if he’s not.”

This seemingly rich traveler had no idea just how much I could handle. I might turn red when I was embarrassed, but I’d grown a pretty-thick skin over the years.

That’s the way it is when you always had to fend for yourself.

Felicity

Track 2: “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” by the Original Broadway Castof Annie

“What exactly does one wear to tea?” I asked.

“I’ll tell you what they don’t wear. That raggedy ‘gamer girl’ T-shirt you’ve got on.”

My best friend, Bailey, was entering her second year of grad school at Brown. She lived about forty minutes away in Providence, but was visiting me a couple of hours before I was set to head over to the neighbors’ house.

“That’s why I’m asking you. You have much better fashion sense than I do.”

She sifted through my closet. “I’m thinking…something buttoned up and proper, yet chic.”

“Really? Aside from their accents, these guys don’t seem that proper at all. They’re more wild.”

“Think about it. Tea? That’s like synonymous with high necks and buttons.” She reached for a white blouse I often wore to interviews. “This looks nice. What do you have for skirts?”

“I don’t really wear them.”

“Seriously. Your entire closet is jeans, the same few T-shirts in different colors, and a couple of sweatshirts.”

“Well, that’s what I like.”

“You need something for special occasions, though.”

“I don’t really go anywhere.”

She managed to find the one skirt I had in the back of my closet. “What’s this?”

“That’s the skirt I wore to concert choir performances in high school.”

“Does it fit?”

“I think so, but don’t you think that’s too formal?”

“Nah. Try it on.”

I undressed, putting on the white shirt and buttoning it before slipping the long, black skirt over my legs.

Bailey looked me up and down. “You look nice.” She continued searching through my closet. “What about this over it?” She took a gray blazer off one of the hangers. “You need something to spruce up the white shirt.”

“It’s June. Isn’t it too warm out for a blazer?”

“Well, you’ll be in the air conditioning, right?”

“Maybe. Not sure.” I slipped the jacket over my shoulders.

“Why are these guys renting that house again?”

“He said they picked Narragansett randomly. They’re on a six-month vacation here in the States.”

“Weird. But cool at the same time.” She beamed. “You think this guy likes you?”

I closed the last button on the jacket. “I don’t know.”

“Well, he has no clue he’s invited the chess champion of Narragansett High over for tea.”

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s something to advertise. It’s bad enough I’m dressed like I’m going to a job interview. I don’t need to highlight my nerd tendencies.”

She laughed. “Okay. Well, I gotta run. Let me know how it goes, okay?”

“Will do.”

“And Felicity? Come meet me in the city next week. Let’s go shopping. I didn’t realize how bad this closet situation was.”

“Not necessary.”

“Oh, believe me, it’s necessary.”

I parked my tiny car in front of the beautiful property, which had a circular driveway. The house featured wood-shingle siding and a stunning front porch with four white Adirondack chairs. This was the quintessential Narragansett house, yet most people could only afford it in their dreams.

Before I could walk to their front door, Sig came out to greet me. I faced him as I stood in front of my car.

He gave me a once-over. “I didn’t realize we’d invited Mary Poppins to tea.”

Great.

Is it that bad? I looked down at myself. It is that bad. Long, black skirt with a white shirt and blazer. The only thing missing was the umbrella. Damn you, Bailey.

Glancing at his shirtless chest, I understood now that this was most definitely a casual “tea.” Leo, who happened to have a T-shirt on, finally appeared, running toward us as if to stop his cousin from doing further damage.

“There you are,” Leo said.

“I’ve never been invited to tea before,” I told him. “I assumed it was more formal. But clearly I was wrong.”

Leo smiled. “I think it’s adorable that you dressed up. And for the record, you look lovely.”

“And you’re a liar.” I laughed, wiping some lint off my skirt. “But thank you anyway.”

Sig looked over at my tiny, mint green Fiat 500. “Would you like to bring your toy car inside as well?”

“Leave my car alone. It’s easy to park and good on gas.”

“Sigmund can relate to being small and gassy,” Leo joked. He placed his hand lightly at the small of my back, sending a chill down my spine. “Welcome to our humble abode. Let’s go inside.”

“Hardly humble.” I chuckled, looking up at the massive property.

They led me through a large foyer to a spacious kitchen with cream-colored cabinets and sparkling granite countertops.

“What can I get you to drink?” Leo asked.

“I thought tea was the default beverage today.”

“I bet you like it with just a spoonful of sugar, yeah?” Sig chided.

I rolled my eyes. “Spoonful of Sugar”—the famous song from Mary Poppins. This guy was a pill.

I don’t think Leo got the joke. He just squinted at his cousin. “Well, when I invited you for tea, I was using the term loosely,” he said. “I do have other options. But I can make tea, if that’s what you want.”

“In that case, I’d love some tequila. Have any?” I teased.

“Tea-quila. Coming right up, gorgeous.”

“I was kidding, but I certainly won’t turn it down.”

“Tea-quila is much better than tea anyway.” He winked.

Sig had left the kitchen, and Leo ventured into an adjacent room that must have been where the liquor was stored. For the brief time I was left alone, I gazed out through the French doors at the bay.

His voice startled me. “It’s a beautiful day.” Leo stood holding what I recognized as a bottle of Casamigos Reposado tequila and two shot glasses.

“It’s gorgeous out, yes.”

He gestured with his head. “Let’s enjoy these drinks outside, shall we? I’m eager to learn more about you.”

“About me? I thought I was supposed to be teaching you about Narragansett.”

“Oh. Well, I suppose we can talk about that, too.” He smiled.

Leo led me out to the large deck and placed the alcohol and glasses on a table. I sat in one of the chairs, and he sat across from me.

He opened the bottle and poured the tequila nearly up to the rim of my shot glass before serving himself.

He reached his glass toward mine. “Cheers.”

We both threw back at the same time. The tequila burned my throat as it went down.

So much for tea. Bottoms up! Almost instantly, I felt the buzz, my cheeks tingling. Looking across the sparkling bay, I said, “It’s weird to see my house from this angle. Mrs. Angelini’s property looks even more beautiful from here. In fact, I think this view—the back of her house—is the best part.”

“I think the best part of the house might be sitting across from me, actually.”

His words left me feeling flushed. “What are you basing that on?” I asked. “You don’t even know me.”

“I was trying to be complimentary, but you’re right. I don’t know much about you aside from the fact that you’re not very easily charmed.”

Sig appeared and patted his cousin on the shoulder. “My boy here is not used to that. Normally he has women falling at his feet.”

I addressed Leo. “So…you said you’re traveling for six months. Did you get time off from your job or…”

Sig snickered.

Turning to him, I raised my brow. “What’s so funny?”

“He thinks me needing time off from work is hilarious, since that’s not really a consideration for me,” Leo answered.

“Why is that? You don’t work?”

“He comes from old money,” Sig said. “Whether he works on a daily basis or not is inconsequential, although there are responsibilities.”

Leo looked annoyed. “My father is grooming me to take over the family business,” he clarified. “He owns a number of properties in the countryside where we live in England.”

After taking a moment to process that, I said, “So this grooming includes a six-month jaunt around the US?”

“That might not seem to make sense, but yes, this trip was part of an agreement I have with my father. Being an only child, I’ve always had tremendous expectations placed upon me. Before I can begin to take things seriously, I needed a break from the pressure. I know what’s expected of me, and I plan to fulfill his wishes. But I needed this time away first.”

“Okay, so you made a deal with your dad…”

He nodded. “He gave me six months off from any and all familial obligations. And in return, I’ll take things more seriously when I return.”

“You don’t want to take over the family business?”

His expression turned a bit serious. “What I want has never really mattered.”

“With all due respect, why can’t you just tell your father you aren’t interested?”

Sig laughed under his breath.

I looked over at him and back toward Leo. “I’m sorry to pry.”

Sig chuckled. “Believe me, he’s thrilled you’re asking these questions, because it means you have absolutely no idea who he is, and that’s exactly what he prefers.”

Leo’s face turned a bit red.

“What is he talking about?” I asked. “Who are you?”

“Here? No one.” He sighed. “But back home in the bubble? People think I’m a big deal because of the family I was born into. I’m the subject of much unwanted attention.”

“Boo-hoo.” Sig rolled his eyes. “I’d gladly bear some of that so-called burden, if I could.”

Leo glared at him. “Anyway, enough about that for now. Can I pour you another?” He seemed eager to move this conversation elsewhere.

I held my palm out. “I’d better not. I can already feel this one going to my head.”

“How about some actual tea, then?”

“That might be good.”

Sig stood up. “I volunteer to make it. I can tell you’ve been waiting for me to get out of your hair for a second so you can talk to Freckles in peace.”

“I believe she told you not to call her that,” Leo scolded.

“That’s right.” He placed his hand over his heart and feigned regret. “Forgive me, Mary.”

Such a dick.

“I apologize for him. Really, if we weren’t related, I would’ve cut him off a long time ago. But he’s quite a fun travel companion when he’s not being an arse.”

“It’s all right.”

He tilted his head. “Tell me more about you, Felicity.”

“Well, I graduated from college a couple of years ago, and for the last two years I’ve worked for a nonprofit in Boston.”

“Whereabouts did you go to school?”

“Harvard.”

His eyes widened. “No big deal, then.” He coughed. “Wow. Seriously, congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“What’s next?”

“Headed to Pennsylvania for law school this fall.”

“Brilliant.”

“Yeah. I’m trying to enjoy the summer before I have to buckle down again.”

“I know you live with a roommate. Whereabouts is your family?”

Here we go. I came out with it. “I don’t have one, actually.”

Concern filled his eyes. “You have no family?”

“Nope. I grew up in the foster system, so I’ve lived with people who weren’t my actual parents for a good portion of my life. Mrs. Angelini is the last such person. She took me in when I was fifteen, and that house across the bay has been my home base ever since.”

He nodded, taking in my revelation. “I hope you don’t mind my saying, but I find you even more remarkable now—all that you’ve accomplished. It couldn’t have been easy for you growing up.”

“It wasn’t, but it’s made me the person I am today. Made me strong.”

“I can see that.” His stare lingered a bit. “Are you too hot out here?”

I was. Not only because of the sun and my ridiculously heavy clothes, but because of my attraction to him. That was causing me to burn up in a way I hadn’t in a while. Which made me uneasy.

“Yeah.” I looked down at my ensemble. “This get-up wasn’t the best choice.”

“Shall we go inside? I can give you a tour of the house.”

“That might be good,” I said, standing.

We passed Sig in the kitchen, and Leo showed me around.

Eventually he led me back through the foyer to the living room. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a clear view of the bay from a different angle, and streaks of sunlight streaming through glowed against the hardwood floor.

“I’d always wondered what this place looked like on the inside. It’s even more beautiful than I imagined.”

He stared through me. “Yeah.”

Being inside really hadn’t cooled me down. I fiddled with my collar, tempted to unbutton my blouse, even though I knew I wouldn’t.

“You seem a bit uncomfortable,” Leo said. “Am I making you nervous?”

I admitted something I probably shouldn’t have. “I think maybe I still haven’t gotten over the way we first…met.”

He raised his brow. “The birdwatching, you mean?”

“No. I started out birdwatching, but after I spotted you guys, I was definitely watching you. I’m not going to deny that. I think very few people would’ve turned away. I’m only human.”

His mouth curved into a smile. “That is yet another reason why I like you, Felicity. Most people might not have turned away—I certainly wouldn’t have—but few are honest about such things. I spend my life surrounded by dishonest people whose number-one goal is to look good rather than be authentic. I hardly know you, but what little you’ve given me is purely you. And I appreciate that. It’s refreshing.”

“Tea is ready,” Sig announced from the threshold, prompting Leo and me to turn to him in unison. He gave us a look as if perhaps he knew he’d interrupted a moment. “Made some crumpets, too, since she was clearly expecting a more proper tea.”

“Thank you, oh domestic one,” Leo said before turning to me. “He’s definitely the cook in this relationship.”

I followed them out into a grand dining room, where Sig had set up a formal-looking tea service. A mountain of crumpets were stacked atop each other on a plate.

“So, you actually made these?” I asked.

“Yes. From scratch.”

“Impressive.”

“There aren’t many ingredients,” Sig said. “Make sure you eat one before they cool. There’s nothing like melted butter on them.”

I grabbed one and buttered it. It was exactly as he’d promised, savory and delicious. Leo took it upon himself to pour me a cup of tea. That was sweet.

Sig crossed his arms. “So, Felicity, what is it that two single guys do for fun around here?”

“You’re asking me?” I said with my mouth full of crumpet. “Seems like you two have no problems finding fun, with your parties and all.”

Leo’s eyes narrowed. “Parties?”

“Yeah, I saw the flashing lights coming from here one night, and I’ve heard music from across the bay more than once.”

Leo shook his head. “There was no party. That was Sigmund playing his music and fucking with me. We haven’t really met anyone since we’ve gotten here. The previous inhabitants installed those strobe lights and the sound system.”

I chuckled. “Well, that’s sort of bizarre. I just assumed you were party animals.”

“Anyway, you never answered my question,” Sig said. “What’s hot around here?”

“Well, there’s the bar by the beach. A lot of people hang out there, even on weeknights. Then there’s the center of town. There are a lot of nice restaurants. But if you chose to spend a portion of your US trip here, of all places, you may not be looking for exciting night life.”

“Sig and I have wanted different things out of this trip,” Leo said. “Narragansett was his compromise to me since I put up with the other locations. And I’m most definitely looking for peace.”

“I’m looking for a piece of something too.” Sig winked.

Leo rolled his eyes. “Never mind tourists. Tell me, what do the locals like to do?”

“Things are pretty laid-back here. We mostly sit on our decks and drink beer, or watch the sunset over the bay. We might go clamming or fishing and see what fresh catch we can bring home for dinner.”

Leo smiled. “You fish?”

“Occasionally. Although, I’d need a boat to get to some of the best parts of the bay for quahoging.”

“Co-what?” Leo asked.

“Quahoging. The act of digging for quahogs. Clams.”

“Ah. You need a boat to do that?”

“Well, there’s a section of the bay where you can harvest a lot, but you need a boat to get there from here.”

“I see.” Leo licked butter off the side of his lips. “If I can get a boat, will you take us there?”

“Um…I don’t know...” I stammered.

Leo’s face fell. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to volunteer you to be our tour guide. That’s not your job.”

“I just don’t know if I can commit to anything right now. I’m in the process of looking for a summer job. I have a couple of leads, so I don’t know my schedule for much longer.”

He nodded, still seeming disappointed. “Fair enough.”

I exhaled. “So...how long are you guys here exactly?”

“Until the end of August,” Leo answered.

“Leaving sooner would be my preference,” Sig interjected. “I’m more eager to return home than Leo.”

“Then you guys head back to England?”

Leo sighed. “That’s the plan.”

“His family will have his balls if he doesn’t come back by September,” Sig interjected.

Leo chose to move on. “So, you said you’re going to law school in the fall. Tell me more. Which school and what type of law are you looking to specialize in?”

“Drexel. And I want to use my degree to work in child advocacy someday, to help children who grew up the way I did. That’s very important to me, to do something close to my heart where I can make a difference.”

“If only everyone followed their passion, the world would be a better place.” Leo smiled.

Sig looked between us. “Did I miss something? Children who grew up the way you did?”

“I told your cousin earlier that I grew up in the foster care system.”

“An orphan?”

I hated that term. “Yes.”

Sig blinked a few times. “Let me get this straight. You’re a redheaded orphan. You live with an older woman. Is her name Miss Hannigan, by any chance?” He tilted his head. “Do you have a dog named Sandy?”

Very funny. I rolled my eyes. “I think it’s pretty hysterical how well you know Annie, Sig. I wouldn’t have taken you for someone so well-versed in musicals. First Mary Poppins, now this.”

Leo’s face reddened as he turned to his cousin. “You are an absolute buffoon.”

“And you’re…Daddy Warbucks, apparently.”

Leo nearly spit out his tea.

“Actually, our nan took me to see Annie in London when I was a kid.” Sig looked over at me. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop being an arsehole for now,” he said. For the first time since I’d met him, he seemed genuinely interested. “What happened to your family?”

Before I could answer, Leo said, “I don’t think you need to be prying into her background right now. Let the girl enjoy her tea without having to give you her life’s story.”

“I don’t have a problem talking about it,” I insisted.

Leo nodded.

I braced myself to explain. “My mother died of a drug overdose when I was seven. She’d been estranged from her family long before I was born. When you’re left without a parent at that age, you don’t have people eager to adopt you. People prefer newborns, not scrawny seven-year-olds who don’t talk much. So, I was placed in various homes, but for one reason or another, no one was ever able to adopt me. I got very lucky—made it through the system without being physically or emotionally harmed. That’s not the case for many kids. So, bottom line, someday I’d like to be able to help those who are less fortunate than I was.”

Sig nodded. “That’s commendable.”

“Is that a compliment from your snarky ass?” I asked.

Leo snorted.

I shifted my focus to him. “What is it that you do, Sigmund?”

“Besides lurk in the shadows of my much better-looking and successful cousin, you mean?” He stood suddenly. “It seems I might have matched with a gorgeous Persian girl who’s approximately two miles away. I need to get ready.” He lifted his teacup toward me. “Nice chatting with you, Freckles. I mean, Felicity.” He winked.

“Good riddance,” Leo muttered when he’d gone.

“That was kind of a random way to depart.”

“That’s typical Sigmund behavior. He’s at a crossroads right now, unsure what he wants to do with his life. I think your question scared him off. Not to mention, this is the longest I’ve seen him sit in one spot since we got here. He’s always had ants in his pants. He’s never satisfied just being alone, or relaxing and enjoying life. He’s always going in search of the next big thing, the next woman, the next adventure.”

“Makes sense why he wasn’t the one who wanted to come to Narragansett, then.”

“The deal was, if we spent the first half of our trip in metropolitan cities, he had to go wherever I chose for the last half. And so far? This was just what the doctor ordered.”

“Yet even here, he’s still finding ways to get ass.”

“Precisely.” Leo bent his head back in laughter. “And I love that you don’t mince words.”

“I am a bit of a straight shooter once I get comfortable around someone. Life’s too short not to be.”

“I can’t tell you what a breath of fresh air it is to talk to someone who isn’t trying to be someone they’re not. I envy you in many ways.”

“Envy? How so?”

“Back home—the life I was born into—you’re expected to act a certain way, conduct yourself in a way that’s very mechanical, for lack of a better word. I never feel like it’s okay to be my authentic self, not only because I’m constantly being watched and judged, but because no one will accept me unless I fit their expectations. As difficult as I know your upbringing was, clearly it allowed you to grow into yourself, a strong woman who says what she wants, who makes her own choices. A family who nurtures you can be a wonderful thing. But family can also be a burden…stifling.”

I arched a brow. “You don’t expect me to feel sorry for you…”

He shook his head. “God, no. I’m sorry if I came across that way—”

“No worries. I’m just teasing. I can’t begin to understand your struggles, just as you wouldn’t understand mine. Clearly we come from two different worlds.”

Leo continued to stare through me as my heart raced. I looked away.

Then I looked down at my watch. “Well, it’s actually later than I thought. I’d better get back.” I got up from my chair. “Thank you so much for the tea, and the tea-quila.”

Leo stood, his chair skidding against the ground. “You sure you have to leave?”

“Yeah, I’d really better.”

He blinked, seeming taken aback. I couldn’t say I fully understood this myself.

“I’ll walk you to your car.”

“Thanks.”

My shoes clicked against the marble floor of the foyer as Leo led the way back to the front of the house.

We stood face to face as a light breeze blew my long, thick red hair around. It was neither straight nor curly in its natural state, just a fluffy mane of waves. A strand flew into my mouth, and I blew some air out to get it off my face.

I was just about to say goodbye when Leo surprised me with a question.

“Why do you not like your freckles?” His eyes fell to my cheeks.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. When I was younger, people teased me about them, and I guess that made me hate them.”

Leo glanced down at my neck. “I love them, especially how they continue down your neck. They give you character.”

“A few give you character.” I looked at my feet. “I’m covered in them.”

“Yes, I know. It’s beautiful.” He paused. “You’re beautiful.”

I looked up and met his eyes.

While I hadn’t felt beautiful coming here in my Mary Poppins outfit, the man in front of me, the way he looked at me, did make me feel beautiful, for some reason. And that made me feel…like fleeing.

I lifted my hand. “Well, I’ll see you around town, I guess.”

As I began to walk toward my car, Leo called after me. “Felicity, wait.”

I turned around. “Yeah?”

He slipped his hands into his pockets. “Will you let me take you out sometime?”

My mouth opened, but all I could think to say was, “On a date?”

“Of course.” He laughed. “What else?”

He looked so handsome as he stood waiting for my answer, the sun reflecting in his blue eyes. A part of me wanted to say yes. But I knew getting closer to this guy would be a bad idea.

So I forced the words out. “Thank you so much for the offer, but I don’t think so.”

He frowned. “Can I ask why?”

Despite my openness about certain things today, I didn’t want to admit the reason I’d declined: he scared me. For some reason, I knew saying yes would lead to inevitable heartbreak by summer’s end. I needed to protect myself.

“I’m just...not interested,” I finally said. Damn, was that ever a lie.

He nodded slowly. “Okay. Fair enough.”

“Thank you again so much for tea,” I said before escaping to my car so I didn’t have to experience the lingering tension. Except in my haste, I accidentally put the car in reverse. Stepping on the brakes fast, I waved awkwardly and laughed. When Leo’s smile didn’t reach his eyes, it kind of tore through my heart.

I pulled out of the driveway and made my way down the road. Not even a minute into my ride, I was second-guessing having rejected his offer to take me out. We obviously came from two different worlds, and dating him would be futile since he was leaving, but I was deeply attracted to him—not only his looks, but his down-to-earth personality.

Without realizing it, I had long passed the street that led to my house when I finally looked around. I found myself driving over a bridge, unsure where I was headed anymore. Sort of the story of my life.

Leo

Track 3: “Hot Hot Hot” by Buster Poindexter

Sigmund emerged from the shower wearing only a towel.

He looked around. “Where’s the redhead?”

“She left,” I muttered.

“Is that why you have such a long face?”

“You’ll be happy to know I finally know how you feel.”

“Why’s that?”

“I got rejected.”

His eyes widened. “What?”

“Yep.”

“That’s literally the first time in your life a woman has turned you down, isn’t it?” He patted me hard on the shoulder, enjoying this a bit too much. “Well, welcome to the club, mate. We serve blue balls and stale beer in our neck of the woods.”

“Brilliant.”

Though I was doing my best to take it in stride, Felicity turning me down did hurt a bit. And it wasn’t about being rejected. I was genuinely disappointed to not spend more time with her. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d yearned to know more about a girl, yearned to count every fucking freckle on her body.

Sigmund shook me out of my thoughts. “I had a feeling that for some bizarre reason you fancied her and might go in for the kill, but I never imagined she’d turn you down.”

“Well, maybe that was a smart decision on her part.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” he said. “What’s the point of messing around with someone like that?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I snapped. “Someone like that?”

“Well, you know after speaking to her that she’s not the type who’s only interested in shagging. She’s too serious for that. So what’s the point of getting to know her, or taking her out? It can never go anywhere.”

“You can’t exactly choose who you fancy, Sigmund, even if that person doesn’t fit perfectly into the stifling box that is my life.”

“She’s the opposite of anything that fits, actually.”

“That’s precisely why I like her.”

“And your dick is probably even harder for her now that she’s turned you down.”

I couldn’t deny that her rejection made me want her more. A chase was always arousing. Yet Felicity Dunleavy didn’t care to be chased by me. Rather than making up an excuse, she’d very directly told me she wasn’t interested.

“Anyway…” He laughed. “Now your children won’t end up looking like they belong to Ed Sheeran.” He chuckled. “We can find you a replacement for her tonight, if you want to come out with me.”

Frustrated, I ran my hand through my hair. “Not interested in that right now.”

“Mate, she’s not even a ten. What are you worried about?”

“Are you serious?”

“She’s plain. Okay, well, she’s fit in her own way, I suppose.”

“She’s naturally beautiful. Not like the made-up women back home.”

“I’ll be more than happy to take some of those girls off your hands when we get back, since you don’t seem to appreciate them.” He sighed. “Seriously, cousin, I think you should forget about the F-word and come out with me and Shiva tonight.”

“Shiva?”

“The Persian girl I met on the app.”

“Oh…yeah.”

“Maybe she has a friend.”

No way was I in the mood for that. “I’m feeling kind of knackered. I think I’ll stay in.”

“Probably better for me anyway,” he said. “No chance of you stealing my thunder.”

After Sigmund took the car to drive to Providence, I decided to pay my mum a long-overdue phone call. I’d been avoiding her because she kept insisting on an exact date for my return. We had yet to buy our tickets home.

After three rings, my mother answered. “Well, hello, love. I thought I might never hear from you again. It’s late here. Is everything okay?”

I lay back on the couch. “Everything is fine, Mother. Sorry, I forgot the time. Things have been a little hectic.”

“Too much lying around on the beach wasting precious time away?”

“This is far from a waste. My mind is ten times clearer than when I left.”

“Well, your father is certainly more supportive of this whole thing than I am. I’m just happy it’s halfway over with, and that come September I’ll be getting my son back.”

The thought of returning home made my stomach a bit sick. “How’s Dad feeling?”

My father had been battling cancer for several years. He was always certain that one of these days he’d succumb to it. Prior to my trip, he’d made me promise I would carry on our family name. Since I was his only child, if I were not to marry and procreate, the Covington name would end with me. He’d always indicated he wished to see me married with a child before he died. No pressure or anything.

“Dad’s been pretty good lately,” my mother reported.

“I’m happy to hear that.”

“Do you want to talk to him?”

“Not if he’s resting. Just tell him I love him.”

“He’s eager to have you back as well. I think not having this time to train you on the ins and outs of the business is stressful for him.”

“That’s not what he expressed to me the last time we spoke. I think it’s stressful for you.”

“Well, I have a number of prospects I’ve been keeping my eye on, and I certainly can’t guarantee they’ll be able to wait around forever.”

Prospects. My mother’s term for women qualified to marry me based on their prestigious backgrounds.

There were two requirements of a member of the privileged upper class: Don’t do anything to shame your family, and marry within your pedigree. While I’d never agreed to anything formally, deep down, I knew if I didn’t marry someone my parents approved of, they’d make that person’s life a living nightmare. And I didn’t want that for anyone. So, I’d always hoped I’d miraculously fall in love with someone who happened to be acceptable in their eyes. It was hard enough connecting with someone, but to have the playing field whittled down to a mere handful of people deemed suitable made it nearly impossible to find true chemistry.

“Well, Mother, I’m not returning any earlier than summer’s end, so losing opportunities with the boring women you’ve selected for me is a risk I’ll have to take.”

“Boring? Hardly.”

“Has it ever worked out when you’ve chosen someone for me before?”

She paused. “I’m trying to help.”

“Exactly. Look…I appreciate your efforts, but—”

“Whatever you do, make sure the shenanigans you’re up to out there don’t land you in irreversible trouble. Don’t dip your pen in the wrong ink, if you know what I’m saying.”

“I haven’t dipped my pen in a while, so no worries, and when I do, I’m careful.”

“You’d better be,” she warned.

Unlike my cousin, I’d only slept with one woman on this trip. She was someone I’d met in a bar when we were in L.A., and while there was physical attraction, there was nothing special about it. When I was younger, I’d been perfectly fine with meaningless encounters. But at twenty-eight, I found myself needing to be intellectually stimulated, as well as sexually aroused. That combination was hard to come by.

“I’ll let you get going, Mum.”

“Well, this was a quick conversation. But I suppose I should count myself lucky that you called in the first place.”

“Give Dad a hug for me.”

“Kiss that nephew of mine, too. What is Sigmund up to tonight?”

“You probably don’t want to know.”

“Likely not.”

“Bye, Mother.”

“Goodbye, my love.”

As the evening wore on, I found myself unable to shake what had happened earlier. It was rare that someone captivated me the way Felicity had. And her rejection was a bit of a blow to my ego.

I had the lights off in the living room as I sat on the couch and looked out toward the moon over the bay. I grabbed my laptop off the coffee table and typed:

Felicity Dunleavy - Harvard