I pretend to think about it. “You really like Sean, huh?”
“I do,” she says without batting an eyelid.
I smile. I knew they were serious, but to have her admit it so casually is huge.
“You’re keen, right, Brandon?” Ellenor asks.
“I am. But we can’t just quit our jobs,” he points out.
“Why not?” She turns to me with a wicked grin. “We’ll make it impossible to refuse. I’m thinking your red dress and my hot pink bodycon with the cutouts ought to do the trick.”
I laugh. “You want me to seduce Brandon so he’ll quit hisjob? That’s ridiculous.”
“Not so ridiculous,” Brandon mutters under his breath.
Ellenor leans in. “Ten bucks says I can get Sean to wear wizard robes.”
“Aha,” I say sceptically.
“Another ten says you can get Brandon to dress like Snape.”
He frowns.
“That’s definitely not happening,” I scoff, even as a vision appears in my mind of him striding along a castle battlement in billowing black robes. Then again, I don’thatethe idea…
Ellenor’s lips curl. “You’re imagining it, aren’t you?”
“No!” I reply indignantly, taking a quick sip of my too-hot coffee before changing the subject. “Anyway, I’ve had an idea, too. I’d like to throw you a belated birthday party.”
“Ooh!” She brightens. “Like asurprisebelated birthday party?”
“Err, sure.”
“Wonderful. Let me know the time and the date, and I’ll be there, suitably surprised.”
“I was thinking of the weekend, when everyone can come. I thought we could invite Rupert and Barbara too.”
“And Sean?”
“Of course.” I’m surprised she has to ask.
“We should get going soon,” Brandon murmurs. “A coffee to go?”
I join him by the espresso machine as he fills his thermos.
“Is it crazy?” I ask softly, my voice barely steady. “This road trip. Would you really give up your job?”
He glances up, gaze lingering on mine. “If you wore that red dress.”
“Be serious!” I laugh, pushing his arm playfully.
“I am.”
I’m breathless and elated all at once. I shuffle around to hug him from behind, my arms slinking around his waist as he cleans the espresso machine.
“And what would I have to wear to get an extra shot of coffee?” I whisper.
His entire body goes tense, his voice gravelly as he replies, “Very little.” He turns slowly, capturing my when I try to step back, his lips curling, his eyes hooded. “Is this the sort of teasing I’m to expect all the way to London?”
