‘Cillian, you tell them. I just can’t get the words out.’ I nudge him with my elbow.
‘I thought those questionnaires were confidential?’ If looks could kill, I’d be writhing around on the lino floor in agony, exhaling my last breath.
‘Oh, in case you didn't notice, you don’t need to be shy in this house, pumpkin.’ I shoot him a sickly-sweet smile before taking a huge mouthful of wine.
‘Still, I’d rather not elaborate. Not until we’ve brought that special date to life.’ His chin tilts defiantly, a sarcastic smirk stretching his plump inviting lips.
‘Well, I’m pretty sure that fantasy could have become a reality on Friday night.’ What am I playing at? My parents’ over-sharing openness must be contagious.
Frank and Penny watch on with glee. All they’re missing is a bucket of popcorn.
Cillian’s eyes darken. ‘I wanted to wait until you were sober, so we could both enjoy the experience.’ Touché. An image of myself on my knees behind Cillian’s desk springs to mind and it’s my turn to squirm.
‘Really?’ I clink my wine glass against his. ‘Should I switch to water?’
His tongue darts out to wet his lower lip and he pauses for a beat. Is he conjuring the same image as me? Wondering if this fake thing between us could have a few perks? ‘Another day.’
‘I’ll hold you to that.’ I pat his arm again, for no other reason than I can’t help myself. Heat pulses between us and the air sizzles.
‘More likeI’llhold you to that.’
‘Oh, Frank. Check out the chemistry!’ My mother shrieks. ‘This place is about to blow.’
She has no idea how close to the truth she is.
ChapterTwelve
CILLIAN
Ava’s mother is a wonderful cook. Roast lamb with all the trimmings is my death row meal. Still, I’m not convinced it’s worth the mortification Ava is subjecting me to.
I take another forkful of melt-in-the-mouth meat, savouring the succulent flavour.
‘I take it you’re going to the HeartSync anniversary party next week?’ Penny asks from her position to my right.
‘Of course.’ It was one of the stipulations of our agreement. Blow jobs, however, were not. But with Ava teasing me like she did, all I can think about is her sensuous mouth wrapped around me. If her parents had any idea I’m sporting a full erection beneath their dinner table, they’d be horrified.
Scratch that, they’d probably be delighted. I’ve never met another couple like them.
‘I’ve emailed Beth the details. She has it scheduled in your diary.’ I bet she has. Beth has been insufferable since Ava turned up at the office on Wednesday. Even though I explained our relationship isn't real, Beth’s got this daft notion that we’re going to blossom into the next ‘big thing.’
‘Where is it again?’ I drop my hand beneath the table and skim over Ava’s thigh. I could say it’s to support the farce we’re putting on, but the truth is, it’s because I want to touch her.
Did she mean what she said earlier?She’ll hold me to it.
And if she did, is that a line we should cross?
This is supposed to be a business agreement. We want different things out of life. Well – that’s not strictly true – I should say, we believe life will offer us different things.
Would I like to find a partner? Someone to share my day with, to share the rest of my life with, to take to bed every night until death do us part?
Yes. I would. Absolutely.
Do I believe that could ever be a reality?
No. I don’t. Absolutely not. Which is why I’ve never hoped for it, let alone looked for it.
Ava freezes for a second, registering my palm on her leg. Goosebumps raise beneath her sheer silky tights. Or are they stockings?
