Free Her Unexpected Affair (The Robinsons) by Shea Mcmaster Page B

London?” That didn’t seem likely.
    “When we go to the Sussex house on the weekends. He had a charcoal grill installed and Cook’s been having a fine time watching him learn to cook something more than toast and eggs. He’s getting better.”
    “How many chickens were sacrificed to the fire?” Sure, the guys who lived all around them here knew the fine art of cooking over open flames, but it wasn’t something done across the pond. Not by men who could hire cooks, butlers, and maids.
    “Not many. Fewer than I expected, actually. I’ve never fully mastered the outside grill.”
    “Sure, and you have a fine indoor one.”
    “Completely different animals, I assure you.”
    Birdie bounced into the kitchen wearing a one-piece suit with a sarong tied around her hips. “What else? Drinks are on the table.”
    Randi handed her the salad bowl. “I’ll bring the dressings. Drew has the plates and silver. All we need is the corn from the fridge and the bread from the oven.”
    “Fab. I’m starving,” Drew said as his stomach growled.
    “You’re always starving.” Both women spoke at the same time.
    Drew grabbed up his assignment and left them to their giggles in the kitchen. He pretended to be annoyed, but really, he loved the teasing. This was what it meant to be a family. Something he’d vaguely missed, but hadn’t realized how much until he’d been gifted with these two women. This life he could easily learn to love. Perhaps he should let Birdie take over the London office and he could be a California beach bum.
    * * * *
    Meilin stood beside Shan in a small anteroom to the side of the ballroom booked for their engagement party. He was dressed impeccably in a tux with black tie, his thick dark hair perfectly groomed, shoulders straight, looking every bit the handsome tycoon. On the outside he appeared cool and comfortable. Who knew what he felt on the inside. His face gave nothing away, nor did he fidget.
    Allowing herself a small nervous swallow, she tried to emulate his stance. The elegant, traditionally styled red silk dress fit her better than any formal gown she’d ever worn in her life. If the appraising perusal Shan had given her a moment before meant anything, she’d cleaned up quite well. A hint of a smile hovered around his lips and a slight warmth filled his eyes, making her think he’d noticed enough to be pleased, but his mind wasn’t entirely on her. Was he nervous too?
    From beyond the door into the ballroom, the sounds of conversation and string music filtered in. Occasionally a laugh lifted above the murmurs, but nothing loud and crass. So unlike the loud dancing music of the night before. No conversations shouted to be heard over the music. No magical LED lightshows to help build the frenzy of those lost in the music.
    She wanted to sigh. She held it back. No doubt it would make Shan frown, and they couldn’t have that.
    “Before we go in,” Shan said, turning to fully face her.
    “Yes?”
    He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a long narrow dark leather case. “A gift.” He simply handed it to her.
    Knowing there would be an engagement ring ceremoniously given in front of the guests, she raised a questioning brow.
    “Open it. I hope you like it.” Not a drop of nerves appeared in his expression.
    Meilin lifted the hinged lid and both brows rose at the sight of the diamond bracelet inside. Pairs of diamonds were separated by waves of pavé set diamonds. The man had exquisite taste. Or his mother did. “It’s beautiful.”
    Shan cleared his throat. “I thought to get something larger…showier, but… Well, this seems more fitting for your beauty. More delicate.” He reached around the lid and lifted the bracelet. “May I?”
    “Yes. Please.” She lifted her left wrist and let him work to secure the fine catch.
    He fumbled a little. “I can see this will take a little practice to master.” The smile he gave her actually bordered on shy. A layer of ice fell away