The elevator ride up to the tenth floor is tense, to say the least. I don’t know about Blake, but I feel like a live wire, keyed up with adrenaline and energy, liable to blow into a shower of sparks any minute now.
My skin feels tight beneath my skirt and blouse, the contained air around us stiflingly hot. The laminated sign declaring the aircon broke, doesn’t help matters.
When Blake glances down at his phone again, thumbs moving rapidly against the screen, I take the opportunity to surreptitiously unbutton the top button of my shirt, in an attempt to dispel the thin layer of sweat coating the base of my neck.
I inhale raggedly as we step out, my usual hollowclick clacksound of my heels muffled against the carpeted hallway.
Stopping outside of apartment number 311, I slide the key into the lock and gesture for Blake to enter before me, just as I would any other client.
I notice the large puddles of golden sunlight streaming from the back wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, poolingacross the beautiful natural wood flooring – sure selling points – as soon as I shut the door behind myself.
Glancing down quickly at the bundle of papers tucked into the crook of my elbow, I begin to reel off the square meters of the apartment, the amount of rent required to be paid on the first of each month and how long the landlord is willing to extend the lease for.
“If you choose to put in an application for this apartment, we will need proof of employment, Mr M,” I continue, fixing my gaze on the back of Blake’s head as he stares out of the windows. “References from three different individuals who are willing to vouch for you and a statement from your most recent landlord.”
Without looking at me, Blake simply nods.
“Good. Both Clapham Common and Clapham South Underground stations are close by, as is the park and a wide variety of pubs and bars to frequent, if that’s your jam. Do you have any questions so far?”
A shake of his head.
I grit my teeth in annoyance.God, this man…
“Look, we don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.” I don’t mean for my words to slip out covered in acid, but it’s impossible for me to take them back, and quite honestly, client or not, Blake is working my last nerve.
Turning on his heel, Blake finally raises his gaze to meet mine.“Who said I didn’t want to?”
“Well…” I huff. “You’re being a bit of a dick if I’m honest.”
I don’t know what I expect, but it isn’t for Blake to break out in a grin, perfectly formed dimples framing his plump lips. “Tell it like it is, why don’t you.”
“Did you expect anything less?”
“Not with you, Calla. Look—” He takes a step forward,his hip brushing up against mine. “I’m sorry. Can we start again? I don’t want this to be awkward between us.”
I crook a brow. “Why would it be awkward?”
It’s Blake’s turn to look at me like I’m the crazy one. “Because we’ve slept together?”
“Right.” I nod. “Well, it’s happened now. Nothing we can do about that.”
Blake green eyes wordlessly search my face. It’s as if he’s trying to strip my protective layer of flesh to see right inside my soul, into my heart, and my god is it working. My skin flushes cold, goosebumps erupting over my arms and chest. My heart pitter patters a strange, slow rhythm in my ribcage, as if trying to hide. I feel skittish, right down to the centre of my bones, an unfamiliar sense of vulnerability flowing through me.
Licking my dry lips, I do what I do best, slipping, with ease, my professional mask back into place. “Maybe we should get back to the task at hand. If you’d like to just follow me, Mr M. We—”
“Blake,” he utters softly, giving me a small glimpse of the man I’d met all those weeks ago. “Just call me Blake, Calla.”
Blinking back the whiplash Blake so easily stirs in me, I bob my head. How is it possible for someone to go from stranger to lover, back to stranger and now to acquaintance in a matter of months? I wobble unsteadily in my heels, mind spinning from simply trying to wrap my head around it.
I’ve never given fate a second thought before, but now…
“It’s one bedroom, one bathroom,” I explain, pushing my thoughts away with a harsh shove. “Unfurnished, but the landlord has offered up a spare bedframe and a second-hand sofa if you’re interested.”
Leading Blake down the hallway, I gesture to the fairlysized bedroom and matching en-suite. “Combi bath and shower, free standing sink, working plumbing.”
“Looks good.”
I grin. “Glad you think so.”
