Chapter 23
His lips were soft and warm on hers. Emma closed her eyes as desire washed over her, then with a determined effort, pulled back to face him.
‘Felix, I think it’s time we talked,’ she stated.
‘It is,’ he nodded in agreement. He took her hand and led her back into the drawing room.
It was a perfect setting, with its dim lights giving a cosy glow and the open fire gently crackling. Felix sat them both down on the chesterfield sofa.
‘Emma, you must know how I feel about you,’ he started, staring into her eyes, watching as the firelight reflected in them.
‘That’s just it, Felix, I don’t,’ she replied, a note of desperation entering her voice.
He gave a frown, clearly confused by her reaction.
She continued, explaining herself. ‘I’m here as your housekeeper—’
‘Have I ever made you feel inferior?’ he interrupted.
‘No, but that’s why I need some clarity. You’venevermade me feel like I’m the hired help.’
‘Well then,’ he said, as though she shouldn’t have any difficulty with the situation.
‘But Iamthe hired help, Felix.’ She looked squarely at him. ‘I’m here as your housekeeper.’
He stilled. Thoughts of her running away, jacking in her job to fulfil her ambition with the band flashed through his mind again. He took a deep breath and decided to face it head on.
‘Do you still want to be here?’ he asked.
‘Yes, of course,’ she replied with a touch of impatience, ‘but under what terms? As the hired help, or as—’
‘My partner,’ he cut in firmly.
She stalled, not quite knowing what to say. Felix took advantage and swiftly continued.
‘I want you here, with me, in a relationship.’ There, could he be any clearer? He watched her eyes widen momentarily. ‘Say something, Emma.’
‘But…’ she stammered, a million thoughts dashing through her head.
‘But what?’ he asked, bewildered.
‘You’re a famous actor and I…’ All her previous reservations came flooding back.
‘You’re a beautiful, talented woman.’ He kissed her lips once more, then leant back to survey her. ‘As I’ve told you before.’
‘What… will everyone think?’ Emma asked hesitantly.
‘That I’m a lucky bastard?’ he half laughed.
Emma couldn’t help but grin. He really was the most charming, handsome… Oh God, was this really happening? He moved forward again and this time she flung her arms round his neck and met him head on. After a long and passionate kiss, they eyed each other and burst into happy giggles.
‘I’ve been waiting to do that for days,’ Felix said, pulling her onto his chest and wrapping his arms tightly round her.
‘Me too,’ sighed Emma dreamily. But Emma, being Emma, still needed to know exactly how it was all going to pan out. ‘Fe-lix,’ she said quietly.
‘Hmm?’
She tilted her head to look up at him.
