He’s marking his skin with my scent. And it’s utterly fucking arousing.
No need to ask who’s babysitting tonight. As if the ‘can’t wait to see you, sexy’ didn't give it away on the phone earlier. I’ve spent ten minutes with the guy, and I already know that line was completely uncharacteristic of him. He must want rid of the ex, badly.
‘Want some lipstick on your collar to go with that?’ It’s a joke but to my surprise his head cocks to the side, giving me access to his neck.
Against my better judgement, I press my lips fleetingly against his flesh. The throbbing of his jugular is in sync with the throbbing in my underwear. Subtle musky notes of his cologne evoke a primal reaction in my core that I haven't felt in forever. His taut skin is soft, it’s an effort to tear myself away. Standing back, I admire my handiwork. The rich deep claret outline of my mouth marks his skin like a tattoo. ‘You owe me one.’
I spin on my heels and stalk away from my already smug, fake boyfriend before he gets a whiff that my attraction is real.
And it has been for a long time.
ChapterSix
CILLIAN
Wednesday 29th November
‘How’s Phoebe?’ Beth, my long-standing PA, strides into my spacious office and perches on the edge of my sleek grey desk. The heavy door swings shut behind her.
Out of all the people I employ at Callaghan and Co, Beth is my favourite. She brings me coffee, strong and black, just the way I like it and fends off my accountant’s inappropriate advances. She even collects my daughter from school when Matilda is unavailable.
‘She’s doing well.’ I rest back on my leather chair, thrumming the desk with my fingers. ‘She was, anyway.’
It’s a rare day where I’m not in court, but like I said to Ava last night, this close to Christmas, most people suck it up for a few more weeks. January is always my busiest month.
‘Was?’ A small frown line indents the space between Beth’s eyebrows.
‘Teagan.’ Her name is an explanation on its own.
‘Oh.’ Beth sucks in a breath. ‘Is she staying at yours?’
‘God, no! Thankfully, I had the insight to change the locks when she ran off the first time, though she still has a fob to get in the gate.’ Which is why she was able to appear half naked on my doorstep last night. My temple twinges at the memory.
‘She’ll get bored, boss. She’ll be out of your life again before you know it.’ Beth’s been around long enough to know the drill. She would have been the perfect ruse to get Teagan off my back, if she wasn’t already happily married to another woman.
‘Which is great for me, but not for Phoebe.’ A photo of my daughter in a gold frame stares back at me from my desk. My heart breaks for her a little bit more.
‘Will Teagan stay for Christmas, do you think?’ Beth flicks imaginary lint from her tailored suit pants.
‘Not if I can help it. I’d love her to play a steady role in Phoebe’s life, but I don’t think she’s capable.’
‘Be careful.’ Beth warns me. ‘You know I like Teagan. It’s impossible not to like her. But she’s troubled.’
‘Don’t worry, I have a plan.’ Ava Jackson’s stunning face pushes itself to the forefront of my mind.
Ava was not what I was expecting, despite having stalked her Instagram in the taxi last night. Technicoloured, heavily filtered pictures did nothing to capture her natural beauty. The woman is an absolute knockout. If she hasn’t got a date for her brother’s wedding, and whatever work function next week, it’s not because shecan’tget one. It’s because she doesn’twantone.
‘Should I be worried?’ Beth’s eyes widen in mock horror.
‘Drastic causes require drastic measures.’ My lips lift into a rare tight smile.
A knock sounds on the door and it inches open. My head snaps up to see Elena, our receptionist hovering in the doorway, wearing an apologetic smile. She knows not to disturb me unless it’s urgent.
‘Mr Callaghan, there’s someone in reception demanding to see you.’ She wrings her fingers nervously.
Beth and I lock eyes. I glance at the paperwork on my desk, photographic evidence of a well-respected judge entering a Thai massage parlour, wearing a seedy smile and unbuttoned suit pants. Has he come to try and buy his way out of his predicament? If so, he’s in for a big disappointment. This is exactly what his long-suffering wife, Dolores, needs to be free of him for good.
‘I’m not expecting anyone.’ The words sound harsher than I intended. I shouldn't be so clipped. It’s not Elena’s fault there’s someone downstairs demanding to see me.
