Never Say Love by Sarah Ashley Read Free Book Online

last night, wearing cropped jeans and a shirt. Her blonde hair fell loosely around her shoulders in soft waves. He loved that hair. She wore very little make-up on her porcelain skin, totally pure.
    Walking into the hotel’s sumptuous foyer, Lucy looked around at the place, the opulence and glitz. She’d heard of Reid’s, had read about the weddings that were hosted here, and she recognized the pictures she’d seen in the glossy magazines she read. Her father had always said he’d pay for a “decent” wedding for his only daughter, but it would never be at anywhere as glamorous as this.
    Large leather sofas surrounded low tables with huge arrangements of flowers in ginger jar vases. Copies of Tatler , Vogue and The Lady lay in neat piles, restacked by the front house team as soon as they were slightly out of line. A team of discrete cleaners and waiting staff swooped to clear away debris and discarded glasses, cups and saucers the moment they were abandoned. The place was beyond pristine.
    Together they found James sitting at a table tucked away in a corner, a black coffee in front of him and an older lady sitting by his side, dressed in a pale pink blouse and what looked, from where Benito and Lucy stood, like pale grey trousers. Her long blonde hair was tied into a loose chignon. She wore large blue sapphires in her ears, her make-up perfectly applied, but minimal. This woman, who sat next to James, looked so very kind and caring, her soft features making her look very approachable, the sort of person who would sit and listen.
    As James saw Benito and Lucy approach he stood, “Benito, Lucy, this is Maggie Smythe.”
    Maggie looked up, first towards Lucy, “Hello dear. Sit down, please,” incredibly well spoken, her voice was soft and gentle. She placed her hand on top of Lucy’s. “Did you have a good night?” she whispered to Lucy, smiling. “He’s a bit of a dish isn’t he?” she winked and nodded towards Benito. “Very nice.” She looked him up and down, “ Very nice indeed.” Her voice purred as she continued to take in the handsome young Italian.
    Looking down, Lucy smiled, ignoring her question about having a good night. “He is lovely isn’t he?”
    “He is...well, I think so!” Maggie laughed watching Benito talk to James as they had moved away from the table. Turning her attention towards Lucy, Maggie watched her flicking through the menu. “Order whatever you want dear,” Maggie said as she picked up her own coffee.
    Looking up from the extensive list of delightful sounding food, Lucy asked “What’s good?” She liked Maggie, smiling at the woman who seemed so approachable and easy to talk to.
    “Well, it’s all good. You have whatever you want. James’ will sort it for you. I have to go, I’ve plane to catch. It was lovely to meet you Lucy.” Maggie looked at Benito again before turning back to Lucy, “Hang on to him! He’s a catch!” she laughed.
    Maggie stood, collected her bag and walked over to James and Benito. Looking at James, “I’m going, back in a few weeks—you’re doing a grand job James, carry on as you are. Any problems, you’ve got my mobile number, call me. But I expect you’ll be able to deal with anything this place can throw at you.” She reached up on tip toes and kissed his cheek lightly. “Lord knows why you’ve not settled down. Who was that girl leaving at six this morning?” A raised eyebrow and a laugh assured James that Maggie knew exactly what went on last night. Of course, she was cool with it.
    She turned towards Benito, looking the fine Italian up and down, “And you, young man, whoever you are!”
    “Benito Abelli,” he answered looking down at the petite Maggie.
    “Oh no! Not Franco’s son?” Maggie gasped, her soft features hardening slightly.
    Frowning, Benito answered, “That’s me. Do you know my Dad?”
    Maggie’s mouth drew into a hard line, “Know him, of course. Like him—well that’s another story! If you speak