Free Captivate, book I of the Love & Lust by Amy Miles Page B

Apsleys, a fine-dining restaurant within this luxurious Lanesborough Hotel. It is only when she thinks of the wonderful Italian food Tamsin and Slade will be dining on that she realizes she forgot to eat both breakfast and lunch, again. Her schedule has kept her far too busy this week.
    “A dress will be sent up for you at 8:00 p.m. You are to meet Slade in the Garden Room at 9:00 p.m. I have already made the reservations for you.”
    Tamsin twirls a thick lock of hair around her finger. “You won’t be joining us?”
    Ashlyn winces at the thought of being forced into small talk with Slade all evening long. No thank you! “You know that really isn’t my scene.”
    “And it’s not mine either.” Tamsin huffs as she rises in a billow of silk. Her emerald robe flows seamlessly behind her as she crosses the room to stare out of the window onto the street below. The rich wood paneling on the walls look warm and inviting in the early afternoon light as Tamsin leans against it. “Why can’t I just go out tonight instead? I’m sure Slade would feel more at home in a pub. I’ve been dying for a good pint.”
    “I’m sure he would, but this isn’t about him.” Ashlyn looks up from her planner. Bits of paper and Post-it notes jut from its pages at odd angles as she closes it in her lap. “We both know what’s at stake with this book tour. You agreed to keep your partying to a minimum, remember? We have appearances to uphold.”
    Tamsin chews on one of her broken nails, looking far more like a little girl than the sultry vixen who flaunts off her collection of Victoria Secret lingerie in public every chance she gets. “Fine, but just tonight. I’d rather order room service tomorrow. I’m exhausted from all of this traveling.”
    Ashlyn holds her tongue, careful not to say exactly what she’s thinking. “One meal. That’s all I’m asking. Smile, make nice with the press, and then let them all see the chemistry between you and Slade.”
    A perfectly penciled eyebrow rises as Tamsin turns from the window. “Chemistry? Do you really think so?”
    “Of course. The press will be thrilled to know it is you on the cover with Slade. They will eat that up, especially if you lay it on thick at the release party at the Osterely Park and House this weekend.”
    Tamsin grins. Her teeth are perfectly straight and bleached to perfection. Even without makeup she is stunning, but the small lines around the corners of her eyes can just be seen without the layer of foundation she usually cakes on. Not that Ashlyn would ever dare to point out that little detail.
    “I’ve always loved that place. So rich in history and men that are, well… rich.” Tightening the sash about her waist, Tamsin spins and heads through the arched doorway that separates their two rooms. She pauses in the entryway and then turns back, leaning around the wall. “So what are you planning for the evening?”
    Ashlyn sighs and leans back in her chair, casting an exhausted glance at her laptop. “I’ll be working.”

Nine

    Slade whistles as a black town car pulls up in front of his mother’s flat two weeks later. Its shiny, sleek design would be impressive anywhere, but in his neighborhood, it stands out like a diamond among thorns.
    “Now this is nice.” He grins as his driver rises from his seat and comes around to open Slade’s door as if he were someone important.
    The gray-haired man bows low as Slade sinks into the plush leather. He closes the door and makes his way back to the driver’s seat. Slade runs his hands along the supple back seat, enjoying the silky texture beneath his fingers. He could really get used to this.
    “How long until we arrive?” he leans forward to ask the chauffer as they pull onto the road and head toward the motorway.
    “Little over an hour, sir, depending on the traffic.”
    Slade leans back and closes his eyes. Perfect.
    The ride takes just under an hour in the end and by the time he arrives, his nerves have