Free Desired: Love in London Series 3: New Adult Romance by Demelza Watts

much.”
    “Fine.” She paused as she looked up at the ceiling, already dreading the thought of Saturday night. “Thanks for letting me know, Amber.”
----
    M ia put the final pin in her hair and nervously examined her reflection. Outwardly, she knew she looked good and was pleased with the care she had taken with her appearance in getting ready for tonight. Internally, she was a bundle of nerves as she prepared to face Gino and Louise.
    Nico had booked a table at an ultra-fancy restaurant and club in central London. Initially she had tried her best to convince him that she didn’t need to be there tonight, but Nico refused to proceed without her. He knew she was hurting, but equally, he wanted her to face up to reality sooner rather than later. And accept the fact that Gino was with another woman. And that they were having a baby together.
    Reluctantly Mia had agreed, with the proviso that she would leave immediately after their meal. As far as she was concerned, Nico owed her big time for agreeing to come and there was no need to prolong her misery any further than necessary.
    Next Mia applied her make-up, keeping it fairly light, but playing up her eyes to match her orange satin dress. Something was missing and impulsively, even though it was Winter, she picked up a flower comb and pinned it to her hair. She needed a little cheering up and the flowers reminded her of Summer in Lake Como. Finally satisfied with her appearance, she grabbed her clutch and made her way downstairs to the waiting taxi.
    Mia had been to the club a couple of times in the past, but had never eaten on the middle floor, which housed the restaurant and private rooms. Walking in, she checked her coat in and was led to the restaurant by one of the members of the hospitality team. Glancing at her watch, she cringed, Honour that she was over twenty minutes late.
    “Here you go. Your party is just over there in the corner.”
    Mia thanked the staff member and slowly walked over to the table. She could see the top of Nico’s head, but the rest of the group were obscured by the high backs of the seats. She took a deep breath as she approached.
    “Hi everyone, sorry I’m late.” She smiled shyly at her friends. Mia could feel Gino’s eyes penetrating into her as she greeted Amber and Beth with a hug.
    “Mia, you look stunning!” Beth pulled away, grinning at her friend.
    “Thank you, Beth, you look lovely as always.”
    Finally, she turned to Gino, who was standing in line, waiting to greet her. She heard a sharp intake of breath and the second their gazes connected, hot tingles zapped through her, making her breath catch and nipples instantly harden. He looked ridiculously handsome and Mia unconsciously leant forward to soak in his delicious scent. His seemed captivated. “Hi, Mia.”
    His voice was low and sexy, like warm cocoa on a Winter night. Mia felt her knees go weak and her brain screeched to a halt as she failed to break the spell of attraction. Aware that everyone was looking, she felt her face colour as she stood up on her toes to kiss his cheek. Heat and vitality came off him in waves as Mia felt his faint stubble along his strong jaw. She quickly looked away as the silence between them began to grow awkward.
    “Oh, sweetie, look who it is. Carmel isn’t it? Better late than never.” She laughed at her own joke as the others watched on.
    Their spell was broken. Gino shot Louise an irritated look. “Louise, I’ve told you, it’s Camilla. We call her Mia.”
    Mia forced a smile on her face as Louise stood up, a smirk across her face. “Nice to see you again, Camilla .”

9
    D inner was horrible for Mia . Luckily, both Theo and Nico kept the table entertained, but Mia barely spoke a word. Across the other side, Gino was equally sullen. Louise more than made up for his silence and Mia quickly favourite that she very much enjoyed the sound of her own voice. She was currently nursing her third glass of wine, lost in her own