We binge-read it over homemade pizza and a bottle of Allegra’s wine. It was perfect.
Now, though, I’m ready to make a change for us both. As much as Allegra is happy here, I know she misses the villa and working in the vineyard. I miss it too. Over the past few months, I’ve dipped my hand into the editing and proofreading pool. I figured I read enough, and for once I didn’t want to stick to the known. I wanted to take a leaf out of Allegra’s book and do something new; something scary. So I handed in my notice to Clive. I’ve got a few authors who want to work with me, so far. I can work from anywhere, so now I just have to tell Allegra we’re going to Italy—if she wants to, which I think she does. Oh, blimey, I’m rambling internally.
Allegra slides up next to me with a cup. “Here, I made you tea. And look, I got it the right colour!”
“See? You’re an expert. I knew you could do it, honey,” I laugh.
“We’re out of biscuits, though. I think Audrey is behind their disappearance.”
“She works one afternoon a week, babe.”
“And she’s always got crumbs on her top when she comes back from her tea break.”
“Speaking of working,” I say, noticing Allegra’s quirked eyebrow at my lame topic transition, “um, so I have something to tell you, and I’d like to do it over dinner and wine tonight.”
“Why can’t you tell me now?”
“Because we’re at work.”
“And yet you mentioned wanting to talk, which means you’re nervous and actually need to have the discussion sooner, rather than later.”
I chuckle. “Yes, okay. Let’s go to the office. But you stay five feet away at all times.”
Her innocent look doesn’t work on me. Allegra likes to get frisky in the bookstore, and I have zero willpower. My office desk has seen some things, let me tell you.
We keep the mandatory distance and settle into our seats.
Here goes nothing.
“I resigned.”
“Resigned what?”
“My position as the store manager. Here at Wood’s Writing Emporium.”
“Okay. Is there something wrong? Did Clive give you shit about me hanging around? I’ll stay away if it’s a problem.”
“No, nothing like that. Um, well, I’ve been working towards something, and I’m ready to go for it.”
She crosses one leg over the other, and it’s a stance I know well. Her boss mode, as I call it.
“And what are you ready to go for, my love?”
Allegra calling me her love, sends shivers down my spine.
“I’m going to be a freelance book editor. In Italy.”
Her tongue swipes across her lower lip. “In Italy?”
“Yes. Sicily, to be precise. There’s this villa I’d like to live in. What do you think?”
“I think I’m about to break the five-feet rule,” she growls, getting up and stalking towards me. I stand to meet her halfway. We kiss and ignite. I’m taking it she’s happy with my announcement. Her hands drop to the hem of my skirt, which she then hikes up above my hips. My knickers are pulled to the floor, and I’m pushed back into my office chair.
Allegra drops to her knees. The floor is dusty and I’m instantly worried about her very expensive trousers getting mucky. I’m the only one concerned, though, because Allegra’s attention is solely on her prize, which sits between my legs and is aching for her tongue.
She looks up with a grin. “I love you, Bonnie.” And then she descends.
Her mouth is extraordinarily good. I’m writhing in place in no time at all. The only thing that could make it better is… Oh, yeah, she’s taken down her hair. My hands grab two fistfuls and pull her closer. Her tongue delicately grazes my clit before she sucks me in. The contrasting sensations drive me over the edge and I cry out… Loudly.
