My Stallion Heart (The Stallions Book 7) by Deborah Fletcher Mello Page A

Frenchie had been the first person Natalie had met when she’d first arrived in London. Just a few years older, the expat had been working as a graphic designer for a small clothing firm, creating the designs for the fashion house’s seasonal look books. The two women had bumped into each other as Natalie had stood outside a corner bakery, counting the last of her change in hopes she’d be able to buy herself a croissant. Recognizing the hunger in her eyes, Frenchie had taken Natalie under her wing, giving her a blanket and her living-room couch to rest her head on and enough food to squash the pangs of hunger that rippled through her abdomen. Frenchie had been her first connection to the fashion industry, pointing her in all the right directions. The rest was history and both knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they would remain friends forever.
    “I’m serious. Something’s changed,” Frenchie persisted.
    “Well, I’m definitely not pregnant,” Natalie said.
    The two women sat in a corner booth at one of their favorite eateries, Seven Park Place at the St. James’s hotel. Frenchie’s dark eyes narrowed with suspicion.
    “Then it has to be a man!” she suddenly exclaimed, excitement billowing with her words. “A rich man!”
    “Why does he have to be rich?”
    Frenchie tossed her a look. “He doesn’t have to be,” she said, her facial expression contradicting her comment. “But it would be nice.”
    Natalie laughed, shaking her head.
    “I’m just saying,” Frenchie quipped. “You disappear for two weeks for your mama’s funeral and come back like you just won the lottery. Something’s amiss, my friend.”
    Natalie’s eyes rolled a second time. She took a deep breath. “My brother Noah says the mourning will probably hit me in a few weeks.” She shrugged. “Right now, though, I just feel...I don’t know...relieved? It’s like going home took a heavy burden off my shoulders.”
    “You reconnected with your family. And family that you didn’t even know you had. That was a nice reminder that you’re not alone.”
    Natalie nodded.
    “But that still doesn’t explain that gleam in your eyes,” Frenchie said.
    “I did meet someone and I think he’s a really nice guy,” Natalie said.
    Frenchie snapped her fingers. She bounced up and down in her seat. “I knew it! Girl, a good man will do it to you every time!”
    “He’s a designer and he currently lives in London, but is moving to Paris.”
    “You could live in Paris. I could see that.”
    Natalie took a deep breath. “Our two families are actually connected in the United States. His sister is married to my cousin.”
    “So he comes with trustworthy references. When do I get to meet him?”
    “He’s flying back tonight. Hopefully I’ll be able to see him tomorrow, or maybe the day after. I don’t know when you’ll meet him!”
    “Girl, you better meet that man at the airport! We can go together. Welcome him home proper!”
    “I can’t just show up at the airport.”
    “Why not?”
    “I’d look desperate and I don’t want to seem overly eager,” she stated.
    Frenchie laughed. “But you are desperate.”
    Natalie laughed with her. “Maybe I am but he doesn’t need to know that.”
    “What have I told you about playing games with men?”
    “I’m not playing games
    “Keep telling yourself that.”
    “I’m not playing games, but I do intend to keep him on his toes.”
    “So what’s his name?”
    “Tinjin. Tinjin Braddy.”
    Frenchie’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Interesting.”
    Natalie smiled. “It’s different.”
    “So what about Jean-Paul?” Frenchie suddenly questioned. Curiosity furrowed her brow.
    Natalie met her friend’s deep stare. She hadn’t given the notorious Jean-Paul Vivier a single thought in weeks. The billionaire playboy was someone she’d dated briefly, his interest in her far more serious than hers had ever been. He’d wined and dined her, had lavished her with gifts and had been