Also, no way he’s rented his five-million-pound home out through Airbnb.
‘What are you smiling at?’
‘Me? Nothing.’ Nothing at all, apart from the fact that tonight, I think I will indulge in a spot of acting. I slide my both hands back into my pockets this time, rocking back on my heels.
‘And why are you here?’ she asks annoyed.
‘You told me to come in,’ I answer evenly.
‘I was talking to the dog. Anyway, how do you know his name?’ Her gaze hardens. ‘I don’t remember saying it at the door.’
‘True, but you did yell it before you opened the door. You’ve a rare set of lungs on you.’
‘Oh.’ Her expression clouds as she processes what may or may not be true.Who can recall?Then her gaze rises again. ‘Well, you can go now. Please. If you wouldn’t mind.’
‘But I do mind.’
‘What?’
‘I do mind. I’ve been booked to meet your every whim tonight.’Act or overact? It must be the setting.
‘Oh, but . . .’
I shoot her a cheeky grin—all the girls love cheeky Will. And sure enough, heat hits her cheeks immediately. I wonder how deep the blush grows. I don’t mean in colour but rather area space. Along with how long it’ll take me to find out tonight.
‘Do you think I dress like this for a trip to Waitrose?’
‘I’m sorry, where?’ she asks.
‘The supermarket, love. You know, grocery shopping? I’m all decked out, and I’m raring to go.’ Literally. Gagging for a go.
‘Yes, well, I’m sorry, butI’mnot. That is, I’m not going out tonight.’ I take a step forward when she holds up her hand. ‘I-I’ve just changed my mind.’
‘Looks like we’re staying in then,’ I say, beginning to slide my jacket from my shoulders.
‘What? No!We’renot staying in. I am, alone.’
‘Look, if I don’t deliver the hours allotted to our... appointment, my agency will hold back my fee.’ The cogs begin to spin as I warm to my ridiculous theme. ‘I could’ve had other bookings tonight. I’m in high demand, you know. Women to wine, dine, and make feel fine all over the city.’
‘I’m sorry, mister...’
Honestly, I catch myself right before saying, “Baby, my name’s whatever you want it to be.” Yeah, like a total cock.
‘Will works just fine,’ I say instead.
‘I’m sorry, Will, but I just can’t—’
‘Can I say, just for the record, you could just about do anything in that dress.’ She ducks her head, shy for a moment. But as I step closer, her head comes up fast. ‘Seriously, if world peace is on your agenda tonight, in that dress? It’s a done deal.’
‘It did cost me an awful lot of money,’ she murmurs, self-consciously threading a lock of artfully curled hair behind her ear.
‘Worth every penny,’ I reply. I bite my tongue against the notion of offering to buy it from her, delivery to take place right here and right now. One thing’s for sure, a dress that fine doesn’t allow for undergarments of any kind. Not a bra. Not even a thong.How perfect is that?
We’re almost toe to toe when I gently move her fingers away from her ear, pulling the ringlet back in place. ‘I’m happy to curl up on the sofa this evening,’ I add softly. ‘Maybe watch a film?’ My thumb brushes her cheek, my expression sincere, though contradicting the tightening of my pants. ‘I give a mean foot massage.’ This, at least, is true. It’s part of a little game I like to play called “parting a girl from her knickers”.
Not that I’m certain she’s wearing any as my hand ghosts her hip.
‘You really are too beautiful.’
