The Deal (London Suits 0.50)

She looked at me, her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open. “Wow. I wasn’t expecting that. Are you sure about this?”

“Yes.”

I sighed. “Look, I want to apologise. Firstly, for the way I’ve acted towards you ever since we slept together, and secondly, for not even entertaining the thought that something real could happen between us.” I pulled her closer, kissing her forehead, and she relaxed against me. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

She pulled back a little. “Honestly? I like you; I really do. I’m just not sure if it would work out between us. It’s obvious that there’s an attraction between us, but…” Her voice trailed off, and she twisted her hands together, agitation on her face as she stared down at the floor.

“But what?” I tipped up her chin, forcing her to look at me.

She bit her lip, hesitating, and I had to use considerable restraint to stop myself from kissing her. Or more. I bit back a groan. Focus.

“Please tell me.”

“I’m worried that I’m going to end up annoying you. You know, I’m kind of messy.”

“You think?” I said dryly, raising a brow at her.

“Ha. I’m not finished. I’m nothing like the other women you date. The complete opposite, in fact. Also, do you even have time for a relationship?” she finished in a rush.

“Listen. I’ll be honest with you. Those are all thoughts I’ve struggled with. Well, not struggled with. Okay, I’ve struggled with the time issue. Being away from you, though, made me realise that the other things aren’t important. Maybe I need a bit of mess in my life?” I grinned at her, and she laughed. “You make life fun. Being around you, I feel more relaxed. I feel…free.”

“Really?” She beamed at me.

“Yes. And none of those other women I’ve been with have ever made me feel that way. Not to mention…” I kissed her softly, then trailed my lips across her jawline, up to her ear, where I placed another kiss. She shuddered as I whispered in her ear, “…the best sex of my life.”

“I think the word you used was ‘extraordinary.’” She giggled, then turned her head to capture my lips with hers before she pulled back, her expression turning serious. “What about making time for a relationship, though? Is this really going to work?”

“I don’t have the answers for you, Avery. I want to try. You might have to bear with me. Barrett London is my life, and I know I’m too wrapped up in it. But I want you in my life. As soon as I saw you in that red dress, I think I knew. I was just denying it to myself.”

“Okay. I want to try, too. On one condition.” A mischievous smile spread across her lips.

“What? I can already tell I’m not going to like it, based on that look.”

“Oh, it’s nothing much,” she said, waving a hand airily. “I’d like you to come to a show with me. A musical, to be precise.”

I groaned. Loudly. “Must I?”

“You must.”

“If it’ll make you happy, I’ll torture myself. Book the tickets.”

Saturday evening, I stepped into the foyer of Her Majesty’s Theatre and there she was. So beautiful, and she was mine.

She watched me walk towards her with a small smile on her face. Reaching her, I bent down to kiss her cheek.

“What are you trying to do to me, Miss Jenkins? You know what I think about you in that red dress.” I kissed the soft shell of her ear, and she shivered.

“Maybe I’m hoping to get lucky later, Mr. Barrett.” Her voice came out breathy, and I loved knowing she was as affected by me, as I was by her.

“With you looking like that, you’re guaranteed to get lucky,” I murmured. “How long does this show last? I’m not sure how long I can keep my hands to myself.”

“Um…it’s probably best that you don’t know.” She bit her lip. “Let’s just go to the bar and get a drink.” She put her hand on my arm, and I followed her through the foyer and up the stairs to the bar area.

“Avery. How long does the show last?”

“Two and a half hours, not including the interval. Now, about that drink.” She raced away to the bar, leaving me standing in the bar entrance. I strode over to her.

“Two. And. A. Half. Hours.”