Clearly my sleep deprivation’s making me delusional as well as drained.
Thoughts of him perpetually spill into my brain. He’s the one habit I can’t even begin to contemplate kicking, but with only four tour dates left in the diary, eventually I’m going to have to go cold turkey.
Ruby perches on the edge of her desk, her voice dropping to barely more than a whisper. ‘I suppose I don’t have to ask where Jayden’s staying?’
I might be tired and confused, but the prospect of scoring my next fix sets my tummy tingling. My lips part in a grin, despite myself.
‘He has a room booked at the Burj.’ I shoot a knowing glance at my friend, ‘But he won’t be using it.’
Ruby rolls her eyes skywards. ‘Such a waste.’
‘Trust me, it’s not. Not when you know what I’ve got planned for him.’
Handcuffs aren’t easy to source in the Middle East, so I plan on securing Jayden to my bed with my dressing gown tie instead. Just as soon as I get Sasha’s customary dinner over with.
It’s torture sitting through hours of small talk after a week apart. How Sasha and Ryan haven’t spotted the energy thrumming between us is a miracle. It swirls so thickly, weighted with a promise that blurs my ability to focus on anything else.
‘I’m green with envy. Brad and I are off again.’ Ruby’s head drops and she gnaws on her lower lip.
I pat the back of her hand affectionately. ‘I don’t know why you bother, Rubes. If he won’t commit, what’s the point?’
Neat black eyebrows arch skywards. ‘Hello? Pot? Kettle?’
A blush heats my cheeks. She’s right. Of course she’s right. But for the first time in a long time, I might actually consider committing. It’s just a shame Jayden doesn’t feel the same.
‘You’re right, sorry. What do I know? Why don’t you use the room at the Burj for the weekend? Order room service. Use the spa. Pamper yourself.’
‘Oh, Chloe, I couldn’t.’
‘Why not? It’s paid for, anyway. Use it, please.’
‘Seriously? You’re the best boss ever.’ Ruby squeezes my shoulder before returning to her desk, thankfully happier than when she left it.
Jayden’s flight from LA arrives six hours before Sasha and Ryan’s touches down from Dublin. I wait at the airport, pushing away all thoughts of what might happen when this is over, determined to make the most of our last few weekends together.
Wearing a cream tailored dress, a sultry smile, and new La Perla lingerie, I answer a couple of last-minute calls about tomorrow night’s concert, and one from my doctor’s surgery reminding me my contraceptive shot is due.
I don’t need to look up to know when Jayden enters the arrivals hall. Every single cell of my body instinctively zings to life. He shoots me his signature smirk as he stalks across the room, leaving a trail of gawping women in his wake.
For the first time, he substitutes his French double peck greeting for a full on panty-melting French kiss. And when his tongue slips inside my mouth, dangerously, I feel like I’ve come home.
‘Excuse me.’ An airport security guard interrupts us, frowning and pointing towards the exit.
I might not have been able to source handcuffs for the bedroom, but I don’t intend to be restrained in real ones.
‘Sorry.’ Jayden apologises for both of us, ushering me out of the door.
‘Are you wearing any knickers under that dress, Sexton?’ he murmurs in my ear. Any awkwardness from Vegas has evaporated, thankfully.
‘Play your cards right and you might just find out.’ We step out into the humidity, but nothing makes me as hot as Jayden’s filthy mouth.
I unlock the car and he places his small case in the boot.
‘Want me to drive?’ he offers, but there’s no smugness in his tone this time.
I shrug and throw him the keys.
I think Jayden Cooper might have shagged me into submission. Surprisingly, it feels pretty good to hand over the reins, even if it is only for a short while longer.
