“Are you gonna let us in, then?”
“Us?” I peep through the spyhole again, and little Theo is holding the biggest bunch of flowers I’ve ever seen. With trembling fingers, I turn the Yale lock on the door. “Did you not believe I was ill? Are you here to check up on me?”
Nick walks inside my flat. “Don’t be daft. I…” He exhales as he scratches the scruff on his jaw. “I wanted to make sure my star employee was all right.” He takes the flowers from Theo. “These are for you.”
“Nobody’s ever bought me flowers before.” Red roses mix with amaryllis against a backdrop of eucalyptus and pine cones. “This is beautiful. Thank you.”
Theo gives me a toothy grin. “Dad told the flower lady he needed the biggest bunch cos he screwed up.”
“Teddy,” Nick scolds. His green eyes meet mine. A wrinkle forms between his brows, as if trying to tell me how sorry he is with his eyes.
I want to throw my arms around him and tell him the truth. That I want him more than anything—but I can’t seem to say the words. Plus, I’m not sure Nick would appreciate me making a show in front of Theo.
Nick clears his throat. “It was just one big misunderstanding. I wanted to come and clear the air. I guess I was thinking you were just avoiding work because you were avoiding me.” He waves a hand over my pyjamas. “Clearly, I can see you’re not well. So as long as we’re good and I’ll see you on Monday. Or whenever you’re better.”
I nod. “Yes. Let me just pop these in a vase.” I hunt through the cupboards. “Sara must have a vase here somewhere.”
Nick reaches into a glass cupboard and pulls out a large jug. “This will work.”
“Thank you.” I fill the jug with water from the tap. “Is Mr Price better?”
“No. I’ve cancelled the bookings today. Had to look after this one.” He points to Theo.
“Daddy, I need to pee.” Theo crosses his legs, holding himself at the crotch.
“Bathroom’s just there, next to my room.”
Nick takes Theo’s hand, muttering, “I told you to go before we left the office.” He shows Theo into the bathroom and closes the door. “I’ll wait here, Teddy bear.” He waits, facing my room.
It’s then I realise my bedroom door is wide open. His large frame crowds the entrance, but a small gap lets me see what he’s looking at.
Mr Turbo lies in the middle of the bed andBad Bossnestles next to it.
My cheeks heat as I lean against the wall. He turns to face me. He’s about to say something, then Theo opens the bathroom door.
Nick straightens his collar, then takes Theo’s hand. “Right. I’ll let you get back to whatever it was you were doing. Let me know if you need anything. Pain relievers. Lozenges. Batteries.” His lips quirk slightly in the corner as if holding back a smirk, making my pulse quicken.
“I think I’m good.” My entire body itches like it’s covered in hives. If things weren’t bad enough. How can I ever look him in the eye again? I grip my sleeves, pulling the flannel material over my hands, wishing it would cover my face too.
“Great.” Nick nods and strides towards the door. “Hurry and get yourself better. Plenty of ‘elf care?’”
“Bye, Joy.” Theo waves and I give him my biggest fake smile, then traipse towards the bedroom and flop onto my bed. Mr Turbo digs into my stomach and the book digs into my breast. This has to be the most embarrassing moment of my entire life.
When my breathing calms down, I drag myself back into the kitchen to examine the flowers, arranging them properly and inhaling the scent.
His aftershave lingers in the space and I inhale that, too. He must care or why bother with the flowers.
My heart skips a beat. I have to tell him the truth.
13
NICK
Dread churns my stomach as I open up the shop. I desperately want to see Joy again, but knowing she prefers a battery-powered stimulant to the real thing was a kick in the teeth.
I just want to get us back to where we were before, and forget Friday night ever happened. I let out a long breath as I push the button for the shutters. A screech pierces my ears as the shutters rise to let in the morning winter sunlight.
The memory of Joy’s plump lips pops into my head, reminding me I never want to forget Friday. The feel of her soft curves in my hands, my dick cushioned against her pillowy stomach, was all my Christmas wishes come true.
