Chapter 23: A Lavish Gift, and the Confidence He Gave Her!

Sunlight slipped through a gap in the curtains like a blade cleaving through the dim bedroom. It landed squarely on a pale floral dress strewn across the floor. A dark blue men's suit jacket lay beside it. The scent of white tea and freesia still lingered in the air, mingling with another, richer and more primal aroma. The covers had fallen halfway off the broad double bed. Mandy Sowden lay facedown on the pillow, her brows faintly drawn together. Much of her fair back was exposed to the air....