“Yeap. I also need you to get me that surveillance bloke on the phone. What was his name?”
I thought for a few seconds, mentally checking through all Thomas’ contacts. “Roman Black?”
He banged his hand on the desk, looking almost relieved. “That’s him.”
“And do you want me to tell him what you want to speak to him about?”
“Just tell him I have something urgent I need him to do today and I’m happy to pay through the nose for it. That should pique his interest.”
I lowered my voice and leaned forward. “Thomas, why do I sense I’m not going to like what you’re doing?”
He sucked in a deep breath as he stood, walking around to his office door, opening it as an obvious signal for me to leave. Confused and slightly alarmed by this entire conversation, I took the hint and made my way out. As I passed him, he leaned in close, whispering, “You’re not, but whatever happens, I need you to remember who I am.”
“Helen?”
“Sorry, what?” I looked to Lizzy, who was sitting across from me in the booth in the American-style diner where we’d come after work.
I was still distracted by Thomas’ weird behaviour that had got worse as the day went on when he agreed to take a seat in coach as that was the only one available on the flight and then he cancelled an afternoon of important meetings while he disappeared off to meet with Roman Black.
“I said that I’ve got tickets for the opening of this posh club next month. Shall we go?”
I went to tell her I was well past my clubbing days, but I didn’t want to be that person anymore. I liked my newfound confidence, and clubbing with my friends might be fun. “That sounds great. Text me the date and count me in.”
Her mouth fell open in mock surprise. “Who are you, woman? All that non-sex you’re having with your lodger must be affecting your brain.”
“What’s this?” Becks cried.
“I’m not talking about this. Nothing is going on.”
“You know we can tell when you’re lying. You might have the world’s best poker face, but we can see right through it.”
Just then, my phone buzzed on the table, and I lifted it to read the message so no one else could get a sneaky peek.
Jax: I’m glad you’re mine because now I can tell you all the things I’m going to do to you when you get home.
“You’re blushing and your eyes have gone all weird.” Vee laughed as I read the next message that included a picture of the bullet vibrator I’d still not used successfully and what he was planning to do with it.
I looked between my friends, knowing that I couldn’t lie to them. “Fine, I found some ‘relief’.”
The three of them squealed and clapped their hands.
“Which one did you prefer?” Becks asked.
I glanced around and leaned in close. “The one attached to the fireman.”
Their mouths dropped, stunned into silence.
“You’re sleeping with him?” Vee hissed.
“I think I’m having a relationship with him.” I shook my head, as it still sounded ridiculous. “I know, it’s too soon. I’m being silly, caught up in the mind-blowing sex… let me hear it all.”
I waited for my friends to give it to me straight, but none of them spoke.
“What?” I asked, confused.
“You hooked up with the hot fireman, had mind-blowing sex, and made him fall for you,” Becks whispered.
I tutted. “He’s not fallen for me.”
