I push up onto the desk and take a seat. Max never takes his eyes off me as he sits on the seat I vacated not five minutes ago.
“People are going to start talking when they realise I’m getting breakfast on arrival.”
“Let them. I don’t care what people say. I’m the boss. A good, kind, lenient boss at that, but cross me and I can be your worst enemy. Let them test my patience.”
I shudder at the words leaving Max’s mouth. “Remind me to never get on your bad side.”
I pull the paper bag over and peek inside. My tastebuds are tingling, saliva is pooling in my mouth; the scent of sugar and chocolate is a heady combination. I pull out a chocolate croissant and take a bite. I moan in delight as the pastry melts on my tongue. I thank the Lord that I can still taste and smell right now.
“If you don’t stop moaning over that croissant like that, I may just forget about being a gentleman and fuck you right here in this office.”
“Been there, done that. You need to up your game and keep the spice alive.”
Max’s phone rings, and he growls out his displeasure at the disturbance. He holds up his finger to me. “Hold that thought. Hello.”
I can hear the cogs turning in his brain already. What have I done? I’ve poked the beast.
“Okay. I’ll be right there.”
He stands up, kisses the side of my mouth, and licks his lips. “That tastes even better from your mouth. I’ve got to go. There’s a problem in the kitchen. Brendan is getting his knickers in a twist. And, about keeping the spice alive, baby. You have no idea what I have up my sleeve. I’m the master of all things spice and we’re just getting started.”
He leans in again and kisses me with a little more power, but still nowhere near as ferocious as he has previously. I hate that I’m sick, but I like that he cares enough not to push me too hard today.
“Don’t work too hard. That’s why you have employees. They’re there to take the weight off when you need them, and right now you need them, Lex.”
I jump down off the desk and push Max towards the door. “I hear you. Now get out of here.”
He opens the door and leaves my office without a backwards glance. I’m mighty glad about that, because I’m not sure if it’s because I feel unwell or if it’s because Max is so far under my skin, but I feel like a needy bitch. I’ve never needed anyone before, even when I was a kid, and this feeling is alien to me.
All I’ve got to do is get through today in one piece.
***
I don’t know what time it is, all I know is that we are officially complete and ready to open the doors to the guests on Saturday for the family and friends gathering, and then on Monday for the actual paying customers.
I walk down the stairs slowly, leaning against the golden banister. I don’t want to touch it because I’ve polished it to within an inch of its life today. It’s like a mirror.
As I approach the bottom of the stairs, Max appears with Paul and Brendan. I don’t know what he sees when he looks at me, but he rushes to my side and makes me sit down on the stairs.
“Lex, you look terrible. Why did you not go home?”
I shrug off his concern. “I’m fine. Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t fix.”
“The boss man’s right, sweetheart. You need a lot of TLC,” says Paul.
“You’re not going home in this state. You can stay here tonight,” says Max.
I try to protest, but he leans down and picks me up off the step, cradling me into his body. I know I should put my foot down and tell him to stop, but I like the feel of Max’s arms wrapped around me. I lean my head into his chest and close my eyes. I don’t even care where he’s taking me as long as he’s coming too. I’ve no fight left in me tonight.
After what feels like moments in Max’s arms, I feel myself being lowered onto a soft surface. I open my eyes and look around the grand bedroom. This isn’t one I’ve seen before.
“Where are we? I’ve not cleaned in here,” I say sleepily.
“This is my private suite for when I need to crash here. It has been easier than going home lately.”
I want to ask so many questions about where home is, about this suite and why we don’t clean it, but I’m exhausted.
“Hold on. I’ll get you some meds and cold water to take. You need to keep hydrated.”
