Can a romance that was written in the stars survive real life? Lily Clark and Gavin Edwards met when their lives collided in a crazy twist of fate. Their relationship started amidst chaos, fraught with lust, passion, and love. Building a life together will take more than destiny, especially when ghosts from their past try to tear them apart. Needing a fresh start, Lily decides to escape her life in Washington, DC to join Gavin in London. Trust and faith have never come easily to Lily. She’ll be put to the test now that she and Gavin are living under the same roof. To make matters worse, trouble finds Lily wherever she goes. She thought she’d rid herself of her late husband’s demons, but she soon learns that when you make a deal with the devil, he often comes back to up the ante. Can she learn to let Gavin in or will she continue to fight her battles alone? Find out what happens When Fate Isn’t Enough.
I take the Tube, which I’m becoming quite comfortable with, to Oxford Circus to the flagship Victoria’s Secret store. The lingerie store is bigger than some department stores! It takes me a while to wade through the bath and body products, functional bras and panties before I get to the good stuff. Lace, garters, stockings. I pick up an array of bras, thongs, bustiers and teddies, putting a small fortune on my credit card. I know no matter what I wear, I won’t be in it for long but I have fun adding to the excitement.
I wander around the other shops looking for inspiration and I spot a Burberry store. I make a quick, expensive purchase and head back to Gavin’s. After a quick shower, I get dressed. Soft curls and light make up complete the look. After finding a bottle of Vodka in the freezer, I slam back a shot, lock up and make my way downstairs to my waiting cab. Going to his office in the middle of the afternoon without checking with him first is a risk but some risks are worth taking.
When my cab arrives at Gavin’s building, I just about lose my nerve. The very horny voice inside my head nudges me out of the taxi. The building is bustling with hundreds of people going about their days, looking very professional. I’m wearing a black trench coat, fuck-me heels, and smoking hot lingerie. Gloating in my naughtiness, a smirk crosses my face and I feel a sway in my hips and swagger in my step.
When I arrive at Gavin’s office, I spot Snooty Smythe, Gavin’s assistant. She looks exactly like I expected her to—plump, silver hair, and tough as nails. If my plan’s going to fail, it’ll fail here.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Smythe. I stopped in to surprise Gavin. Is he in?” I ask.
She stares at me blankly. “And you would be…?”
How many American women stop in to surprise him? Wait, I don’t want to know the answer to that question. “Lily Clark. We’ve spoken on the phone.”
“Oh, yes. Ms. Clark, he has a very tight schedule. I’m not sure he has time for an unauthorized visit. Perhaps if you’d rung and made an appointment, I could have saved you the trip.”
Listen, bitch, I came here for something, and I’m not leaving till I get it and get it good.
Deep breath and sugar sweet smile. “Could you possibly check with him to see if he could spare a few minutes? He had to miss an important appointment today and I’m sure he wants to hear all about it.”
“Certainly. If you have a seat, I’ll check. Shall I take your coat?”
“No!” Get it together, Lily. “I mean, no, thank you. I’m a bit chilly.” I notice she doesn’t call Gavin to see if he’s free, so I take matters into my own hands and text him.
I left a package for you with Mrs. Smythe. If you have a minute, you should go get it.
Gavin: I’ve been going mad waiting to hear about your appointment with Alex. He wouldn’t tell me a bloody thing. I’m finishing a meeting. I’ll get it in a moment. What did Alex say?
I decide not to answer and let him stew a bit. Ten minutes later, Gavin and a group of suits exit his office. The groups clamors around him, like puppies following their master. Each person hanging on his every word. His suit jacket is off, his sleeves are rolled up and his tie is loose. His hair looks as if he’s been running his fingers through it all day. The whole look is slightly disheveled but so hot.
“Mrs. Smythe, did Lily drop something by for me?” he snaps.
She lets out a huff and glares at me. “Ms. Clark is here, Mr. Edwards. The remainder of your day is booked solid. You have less than ten minutes to speak with her before your next appointment.”
Ten minutes. I can work with that.
He gives me a curious look. I walk over to him and he kisses my cheek while pulling me into his office.
“I thought you said you left a package,” he says as he closes the office door. His phone dings and he looks at it while walking to his desk. “Sorry, I’m a bit distracted, luv. Crazy, crazy day. Major crisis here. Are you going to tell me what Alex said or do I have to guess?”
While he searches his desk for god knows what, I let the trench coat fall to the floor. I don’t say a word, waiting to see how long it’ll take him to notice. I can feel Snooty Smythe’s clock ticking down and my opportunity slipping away. He looks tense, stressed and still a bit angry. I seem to have chosen a horrible time for an afternoon delight. By the time I’m standing in front of him, he still hasn’t looked up at me.
“Gavin, do I need to get on your desk to get you to look at me?”
“What’s that, luv?” He looks up, and his jaw drops. Papers fly everywhere when he drops a stack of file folders.
“Mrs. Smythe said you have ten minutes. You’ve wasted three. What can we do in seven minutes, Gavin? Any thoughts?”
I’ve rendered him speechless. Thankfully, the stun wears off and Gavin jumps into action. “You minx.” He crashes into me with a desperate kiss.
Isabelle Richards spent years as a speech writer before tackling fiction. An avid reader of all genres, Isabelle is drawn to romance novels as they provide an escape from daily life. Through her complex cast of characters, Isabelle creates a sanctuary for readers to dive into for a break from reality. When she is not writing, Isabelle works as an advocate for persons with disabilities in Washington, DC. Her two yellow labs are her writing partners, although they frequently sleep on the job.
