“Oh…it’s…” the man said, slowing for a brief second and staring at James. Recognition flashed over his eyes.

“Sorry, go ahead.” James held up the redundant bottle of bubbly and let the man past.

He was clearly in a wild hurry. Unlike James, who now had an empty evening ahead of him. Maybe he would just get straight on to the airlines and book a flight home. The sooner the better.

He stomped back down the path and to his car. He was angry, sad, furious and disappointed.

Women!

He never quite got it right. Either there wasn’t enough time for dating and fun times or there was but not the right woman. He’d really thought Megan might be the one.

For crying out loud, only minutes ago he’d been imagining her on his balcony, in a bikini, sipping cocktails, enjoying dips in the ocean, smiling at him in that sexy way she did when he came in the front door.

He’d thought she’d wake stretched out in his bed, the sounds and scents of the waves filtering through the room and invading her dreams. He’d be there next to her, holding her as she came around.

Industry functions were usually lonely affairs for James. He never took a date, preferred the company of colleagues. But that would have all changed if Megan had come to LA with him. He’d have been proud to have her on his arm—she’d have put all the others to shame no matter how beautiful they’d thought they were. She’d have shone like the brightest star on the red carpet. Everyone would have been envious that she was his. The press would have been falling over themselves to take her picture and she’d have graced glossy magazines with her fresh beauty and seductive smile.

He clicked his key fob and his car beeped to life. He tossed the bottle into the back and dropped onto the driver’s seat.

Pipe dreams. That’s all that had been. Having Megan in LA wasn’t going to happen. She was perfectly at home in London with her secret man and was right now showing him all her moves.

Another wave of nausea attacked James. He pressed his lips together and started the engine. It should have been him in there with her. Holding her, kissing her.

It should be me!

He indicated and checked his mirror. The traffic had eased a little and he pulled out on the main road, revved the engine and whacked up a gear.

A car behind beeped, one he hadn’t realised was quite so close—his mind was clearly elsewhere. He tightened his grip and pushed his foot to the floor. Banged up another gear and let the roar from the exhaust fuel his frustration.

The sooner he was out of London the better.

Chapter Seventeen

Megan