I clap my hands as the song comes to an end, and she jumps out of her skin. She spins around to give me a half-arsed snarl before laughing at herself.
“I could get used to this view, Sugar.” I tease, but don’t make any move to go into the kitchen.
If I go in there, I can’t promise I won’t bend her over the worktops, and I really need to have this chat with her first.
“You'd better get used to it,” she smirks and turns back to the bacon.
“I’ll be back in five,” I tell her before going upstairs.
I jump in the shower and dress quickly, and by the time I make it back down, she has food and coffee ready and waiting at the table.
“Where did you go on your run?” She asks, between mouthfuls of food.
“Along the river and back. It's beautiful first thing in the morning.”
“I’ll come with you next time, if you don’t mind? I haven’t been for a proper outdoor run in a long time.”
“I’d love that.” I smile.
I’m waiting for the opportunity to bring up all the shit inside my brain, but she beats me to it.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice wobbles slightly.
“What for, Sugarplum?”
“Lying, avoiding, sneaking. All of it. I never meant to make it such a big deal; it just escalated.” She stares down at her now forgotten food.
“Well, why don’t you start from the beginning. How did you end up with the job?” I ask, beyond pleased at how this is going so far. At the same time as shitting myself of what she could say.
“I ran out of money, and Sara had mentioned it in front of Riley. He offered me a job there and then, but I was too scared to do anything about it. I mean, I knew he owned clubs and in my head, I thought I’d have to do a lap dance or something.” She looks horrified at the thought. “My agency also got me an audition for Moulin Rouge with her, but we had just started whatever this is, and I didn’t want to wreck a good thing.” She shrugs it off, but it is written all over her face how hard it was to admit it to me.
“Baby, I would never begrudge you going for something like that. It would be such a good opportunity.”
“I know, but I didn’t want to leave you.” She says, unable to meet my eyes. My heart thaws at that. “Anyway, I was in a bit of a pickle. So, I went along to Riley’s bar and kind of fell into the whole hoop act. Now I’m making a fortune and doing something I enjoy.”
“I get all of that, I really do. But why didn’t you tell me you were struggling for money?” My heart is in my throat at what she could say. She must know I’m not exactly strapped for cash.
“Honestly, because it’s weird. You’re not my brother offering a handout, Max. We’re still so new to all of this, whatever we are. I didn’t want you to feel obligated to help, but also didn’t want you to think I was using you.”
Holy shit. This is possibly the most fucked up thing that has ever happened with us. But also, I kind of get it, even if it’s a load of bullshit.
Standing, I make my way over to her and pull her up so she’s standing before me.
“Lucy. You and me? We’re a team.Girlfriendis the world's worst term for what you are to me. But seeing as I haven’t got a ring on that pretty little finger of yours yet, it will have to do. And as mygirlfriend, what is mine is also yours. You want to work at the club? Do it. If you don’t, then don’t. Either way, money isn’t an issue for you.”
Her cheeks heat at my words. Her eyes are brimming with emotion. Who knew I had such a way with words? Not me, that’s for sure.
“Promise me. From this moment on, no lies. Complete transparency between us, yeah?”
“Yes, Max. I promise.”
“Oh, and also. You need to call work.”
“What, why?” She asks, looking at me incredulously.
“You need some time off. We leave for Menorca in the morning.”
