The Art of Starting Over

Epilogue - The Art of Finishing

Jeremy releases a patient breath as he looks somewhere above his mother's head. "This is Alison," he answers coldly.

My stomach knots at the sound of his tone.

This is Alison? That's it?

I smile politely at her, trying not to let my emotions show as I reach out a hand to her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Cordina."

She contemplates my hand before touching it briefly. "Alison? Alison as in the friend who was sleeping on your couch?"

Her words are directed at Jeremy but she is still looking challengingly at me like we're the last finalists in a staring contest.

"Alison, as in my girlfriend and business partner." Jeremy's tone is stone-cold and strong, just like it always is when he's trying to control his anger.

"Ah!" she smiles knowingly. "Glad to see you want nothing to do with my son's money and are contented with just your name on the façade of his hotel."

Her words slice through me like a knife. My eyes start to sting but Jeremy's hand on my back gives me all the strength I need to stand my ground. I stare back at her and bite my tongue, not only because I want to be the bigger person but because this is Jeremy's night. He worked very hard for this and I don't want to taint it by scalping his witch of a mother.

"Mother," Jeremy starts, his face stiff and his voice restrained. "Why don't you and Uncle John go get a drink? You seem parched."

All the fake sweetness is drained from Mrs Cordina's face as her eyes finally leave my face and turn to Jeremy. The room temperature drops as they stare each other down.

John coughs uncomfortably beside her and says, "Quite! Let's go, Mona. See you around, Jeremy, and congratulations once again."

They disappear into the thickening crowd with their noses in the air.

"Wow!" I say, still in shock.

Jeremy turns to me and his face and eyes soften. "Wow? That's the understatement of the year."

I smile at his remark and the frustration of the encounter completely alleviates. He smiles back at me and my heart elates and soars to the sky. It's been almost three months since I came back from London and I still can't believe how happy this man makes me. He blows my mind, heals my soul and fills all my broken gaps. I have never felt so complete and so invincible in my entire life.

He puts his hands around my neck and pulls me up onto my toes, leaning in to take a kiss from me. I lick my lips as he pulls away, wanting more of his honey sweetness.

"Stop that!" he whispers sternly, narrowing his eyes at me.

But my lips curve into a smile as I bat my eyes innocently and give him a lustful gaze. "Stop what?" I sing back.

He holds his breath as he peers deep into my eyes, his pupils dilating hungrily. I can read his mind like an open book and I blush shamelessly at the dirty thoughts going through it.

"You know what, Sparky?" he growls just before he selfishly takes another kiss that makes me go weak in the knees.

"Mm," I just about manage as his lips trail slowly to my ear.

"Keep this up," he nips at the sensitive skin just below my ear, "and I'll make that evil woman your mother-in-law before the year is out."

My bravado dissipates and my heart takes off at the speed of light.

What did he just say?

He runs his tongue over the same spot, gently soothing the sting that's still lingering from his soft tugs mere seconds ago, and leaves me gaping at him as he walks away with a playful wink.