Designing Abigail Kilton's Dress - #1 The Wedding Dress

Chapter 2 - The Best Scones

"I can't believe this! What are you doing in London?"

His voice was exactly how Kayleigh remembered it. Smooth and easy, like a good whiskey. It was strange how, even though she hadn't seen him in so long, it felt as though it was only yesterday that he was teasing her about her oversized scarves and uncharacteristic red lipstick.

"I'm... doing an internship for three months," Kayleigh mumbled, her eyes roaming over the people pouring out of Marylebone Station like a restless river. Every single one of them looked rushed, set on their destination, while she hovered uncertainly in the middle of the pavement.

"An internship? In fashion, right? That's great, Kay," she heard Marcus reply. "How's your family? Not Leon, of course. I know how that son of a gun is."

"They're good," Kayleigh answered after a beat, suppressing the sudden wave of jealousy shooting through her stomach. Was Marcus still in touch with her brother?

She knew he was technically Leon's best friend, not hers. But she wasn't exactly an acquaintance either. She'd spent whole summers with them. With him. She felt she too was worthy of the occasional Hey, how are you? at least.

Kayleigh was so deep in her sulking that she didn't realize she was tapping her fingers against the strap of her bag until she felt Marcus's hand wrap around hers. He applied gentle pressure until her fingers quieted.

"Kay, it's me," he said steadily leaning in so she had no choice but to focus on his face. "It's just me."

It worked.

The racket around her slowed down. His low voice blocked out all the noise and Kayleigh closed her eyes as his familiar scent hit her nostrils. She wasn't sure if she wanted to block it out or drown in it. There was something different about it though.

Was he wearing cologne? Did she like it?

It was nice, but it didn't suit him, Kay decided.

It was cool and spicy. Marcus was warm and tangy. She didn't know if it was because they'd spent so many days by the beach, waiting for the sun to come up, but everything about him reminded her of a warm, summer morning. Anything different from that was just not him.

"Look at me," he ordered. But she shut her eyes tighter. So, he took both of her hands in his and said, "Kay Kay."

Her blue eyes shot open and flicked straight to his. No one had called her that in a very long time.

He smiled softly.

"Do you want to get some coffee? Let's catch up."

Kayleigh Moore was dying for coffee, but the thought of sitting down and catching up with Marcus Burrows made her stomach turn. She took in his designer coat and leather briefcase. Hugo Boss. Ralph Lauren.

The Marcus Kayleigh remembered owned one nice pair of Air Jordans. It took him ages to save up for them and he completely lost it when Rosemary Nicholson, the awkward girl from their neighbourhood who later became her best friend, accidentally rode her bicycle over his toes. His feet were unharmed, but the sneakers had a sweet skid mark Kayleigh scrubbed for nearly an hour to remove.

The Marcus in front of her seemed to be very different from that young man. His hazel eyes, however, hadn't changed one bit. They were warm, inviting and mysterious at the same time.

"Weren't you going somewhere?" she asked, her fingers trembling in his hands despite his steady hold on them.

But Marcus merely shrugged and caressed her knuckles with his thumbs absentmindedly. "It can wait. Come on, I'll treat you to a London scone."