Desired: Love in London Series 3: New Adult Romance Read Online Free Page A

fact, I don’t even know if he told Nico anything and I didn’t think it was my place to ask.”
    “That’s awful. Poor, Gino.”
    Mia nodded and took a sip of her water, whilst the girls considered the information. “Yes… so, that’s what I know of Gino.” Mia got up and walked to the window, looking down onto the street below. The November weather had the few people walking below bundled up in their coats and scarves, heads bent at the blustery wind as they went along their way.
    Beth brought back her attention. “Mia, you know what? I don’t get why Gino says he can’t be with you?”
    “I don’t know either, Beth. Well, any hope of that is ruined now that he’s getting married.”
    “If he is really getting married.”
    Mia spun around, looking back and forth at both the girls as Beth continued, “I mean, did he confirm it to you?”
    Mia took a deep breath. The thought of Gino marrying someone else was physically hurting her chest. “He didn’t, Beth…but he didn’t deny it either.” She spoke softly.
    “Okay, but I think Beth’s right. You need to hear him out.” Amber’s concern was etched across her pretty features.
    Mia nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll call him tomorrow.”

    T he girls spent the remainder of the day relaxing and catching up on the events of the week. Mia tried her best to raise her spirits and to focus on Beth’s impending wedding. Locating her folder, she pulled out her sketchbook. Beth’s eyes lit up in anticipation as she watched her thumb through the pages.
    “Oh wow — are those the sketches for my dress?”
    “Yes, but bear in mind, these are just preliminary ideas. We can adjust or change anything you don’t like.”
    “Fantastic, oh, thank you for doing this, Mia. I completely trust your judgement.” She grinned, clapping her hands gleefully. “Anyway, I’ve already had the pleasure of wearing one of your evening gowns, which fitted me like a glove. I’ve no doubt my wedding dress will be sublime.”
    Mia smiled, remembering the collection she had sent over to Beth’s stylist in Barcelona, over the summer. “Yes, I remember the green dress well.” She laughed. “How could I not? It became one of my most requested designs after you wore it so well and the photos were released.”
    Beth smiled, lowering her eyes and blushing at the compliment, thrilled to hear that she helped in some way with Mia’s new collection.
    Mia pointed to a couple of designs, her eyes critically scanning the drawings. “So, I’m thinking that either this trumpet or mermaid style would be perfect for your slender, yet hourglass figure. What do you think of this one?”
    The girls spent the next couple of hours deciding on the shape and fabric for the dress. In the end they all agreed on the trumpet style and then moved onto the Maid of Honour dress for Amber.
    Amber was her single bridesmaid as their other best friend, Jess, was unfortunately going to be out of the country over the New Year. She had insisted that she would change her travel plans, but Beth had pleaded with her to carry on for she had booked her trip months in advance, before Beth had even met Theo. With the wedding taking place on New Year’s Eve, Amber was also pleased that she wouldn’t be showing too much on the big day.

    I t was towards early evening when Beth and Amber left Mia’s flat. They hugged each other goodbye at the door.
    “Thank you so much for coming today. You both made me feel so much better. And stronger.”
    “You’re welcome, Mia. Anything for you. Just promise us you’ll call him tomorrow?” Amber hugged her again, holding her tightly.
    The last few hours had provided a welcome distraction, but the thought of calling Gino caused another lump to form in her throat. She nodded through her reply at Amber, smiling as she gently pulled away and blinked rapidly to stop the tears forming once again.
    Once the girls had left, Mia flopped onto the sofa, flicking through the television