CHAPTER 60
Rosie
“You okay?” Senna asks, catching me stretching my shoulders. “Is it the formal outfit?”
I pull at the hem of my dress under the desk and shake my head. We’ve all dressed smart today because Niki and Senna had an important meeting with investors.
“I’m tired because Tabi’s not sleeping. She’s worried about a cinema party this weekend,” I explain. The knock-on effect is that Niki and I haven’t managed more than an awkward fumble under a blanket or a few sessions of rushed car sex.
And falling asleep after whispered phone sex, where I pulled a muscle in my neck when I came hard with the phone tucked against my shoulder. I’m such an amateur.
I glance at Niki’s office as he opens the door. Heat grows between my thighs, and my body aches with need. I rue our professional relationship because his desk is perfect for getting slammed on. He gives me a fiery stare that nearly knocks me off my chair.
His desire for me is in every message he’s sent, but it’s not easy dating me.
Senna looks at her brother, whose arms bracket thedoorway as he stares at me. I shouldn’t have sent him a photo of me in my underwear with his ring on the chain around my neck this morning.
We haven’t touched in days, and the weight of desire won’t rest.
“After the cinema party, my parents would love to babysit Tabi. You and Niki could have a date night or do whatever else you two need to do,” Senna says as Niki walks towards us. His feet thump the floor as he gazes at me.
“That would be lovely, but I’m sure they don’t want to babysit. I wouldn’t like to impose.” I stumble over my words because Niki’s eyes twinkle as he slowly licks his lips.
“Niki, stop staring at her like she’s the last cupcake in the shop,” Senna grumbles.
Niki blinks and jerks back. “I didn’t know I was doing it. I came to ask what my next meeting was.”
Senna rolls her eyes.
“I like the idea of Mum and Dad sitting Tabi. Do you think they would?”
“They want grandkids more than they want us two. It will be a trial run for when they have grandchildren, which you have to provide, Niki. Connor and I aren’t having kids.”
Niki looks at me, but I can’t decipher the meaning in his gaze. Niki used to be a player, and with every week that passes, he’s getting better and, I suspect, more like the old him. Is Niki the settling down and having children type, or will he return to his old self? I want to believe his promises, but I’ve witnessed his desperation to race again. Jacs said nothing else mattered when he drove. He might not be able to control what it turns him into.
I break eye contact and glance at Niki’s next calendar appointment while stifling a yawn.
“I’m sure my parents could babysit Tabi. I’llprobably be asleep before the date night starts,” I say. “Niki, you haven’t got anything in your diary until lunch with Jacs in an hour.”
I hear Jacs nattering from around the corner. Heels clip against the floor, and an unfamiliar giggle accompanies them.
“Clara’s visiting?” Senna whispers as Jacs and Clara round the corner. “How come?”
Niki shrugs, but his eyes dart to me, and I pretend to type.
“Niki, babe,” Clara shouts as she rushes towards him. He holds out his hand for a handshake before she grabs him. “Still no kisses?”
Clara pouts at Niki, who looks at me while I’m pretending to work, although I’ve only typed,Why is she so pretty? She must have made a deal with the devil.
Senna eventually cuts the silence, hugging Clara. “Lovely to see you. Are you meeting Niki?”
Clara’s laugh wobbles, although her gentle smile covers some discomfort. “If he’s got time for me. Jacs bumped into me at reception, and I told her I wanted to say hello to my favourite man. I’m in the area for a shoot. Do you have time?”
“Sure.”
I grit my teeth so I don’t repeat“my favourite man.”
“What’s the shoot for?” Jacs asks. This gathering doesn’t need to be next to my desk.
