“It wasn’t my dress,” I admit. Why I told him that, I have no idea. I wanted to fill the sexually charged silence with words.
“No? Did you hire it? It fitted you perfectly. In all areas.” My stomach clenches while my heart skips at the compliment.He noticed my areas.I bite down the giggle threatening to betray me.
“It was my sister’s.” He stills for a moment. I can tell he doesn’t know what to say to that. “We’re twins, not identical, but very alike.” He already knows this, but saying it aloud feels like keeping her alive a little longer.
“I’m sorry you lost her,” he replies, his words sincere and honest.
“Life has a funny way of turning out sometimes,” I tell him, and he nods. Wanting to divert the subject from Bex, I ask, “Were you working today?” and signal to his clothing with my hand.
“Only a few meetings, tying up some loose ends on a property I’ve purchased.”
“Do you normally work Sundays?”
“I work whenever I need to. Unfortunately, business never stops. Sometimes I wish it would take a sabbatical.”
He runs his hand through his dark hair. He looks tired, and his eyes are heavy. The movement loosens his collar, and for a split second, I see the man beneath the polish.
“Any refreshments available?” he asks, grinning. “I was going to invite you out for a few drinks, but I see you’re settled for the evening.”
I flush, embarrassed by my attire. Warmth creeps up my neck as I tug the sleeve of my pajama top lower.
“I have some wine in the fridge, but I’m not sure it would be up to your standard,” I say, lifting my eyebrows.
“As long as the company is decent, I’ll cope.” His gaze drifts over me, slow and deliberate. “And so far, it’s looking pretty good.”
“I’ll go get drinks,” I manage, my throat tight. “You take a seat.” I signal to one of the sofas. “I’ll only be a moment.” Still unsure as to the purpose of this visit, I scurry off in the direction of the kitchen.
As I glance over my shoulder, he’s removing his suit jacket and laying it over the back of a chair. Then he takes a seat as instructed. The dogs swarm around his feet looking for treats, and he ruffles each one’s ears in turn.
“You must be grateful to have them here,” he calls.
“Who?”
“These two. The mutts at my feet.”
“Yes, they’re good company on dark nights. I’ve never lived on my own, and with Katie, my flatmate, now in the U.S. permanently, I’m glad the dogs are here,” I say as I wander back into the living room holding two wine glasses by the stems and a bottle of wine. “They’re Katie’s really, but I’ve inherited them now. I’ve told her, even if she returns, she’s not getting them back.”
“I’ve always wanted a dog,” he says, his gaze fixed on his new four-legged friends. “But with work and no one else at home, it never seemed possible or fair.”
“These two are low maintenance, and they have each other. I don’t feel so bad when I leave them, but with not working just now, it isn’t an issue.”
“Companionship is an important quality of life,” he says. His gaze meets mine, and he smiles gently. “It’s something I’ve never truly had.”
I blink, not knowing what to say, stunned by his admission. His throat works as if swallowing the confession back down, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously.
“Anyway,” he mumbles, “what are your plans for work moving forward?”
I place the two glasses on the coffee table and fill each to the brim with white wine. “I’m not sure,” I respond. “The gym’s gone, and I’m back to square one.” Once I grab my glass, I sink into the seat beside him. He leans forward to collect his, and we both take a sip.
“Not bad,” he says with a nod. “I’ve had worse.”
“Three bottles for a tenner at the liquor store,” I admit, and he chuckles.
“Would you consider taking a role in one of my gyms?” he asks. “I’ve seen you teach and the results in your clients. I know a good gym instructor when I see one. You could be placed in one of our private establishments with a few key clients. The pay is good, and the workload is relatively low. It would give you plenty of time to focus on your own training, too.”
“Really?” I reply, surprised. “Would that not be inappropriate with our fake relationship?”
“We’ll never see each other in the workplace. I only visit irregularly, and that’s to meet with the manager. Is that what this is — a fake relationship?”
