This Man (This Man 1)

‘I know you do. ’ He punches in the code.

‘But you won’t?’

‘Give me what I want, and I will. ’ He doesn’t look at me.

I don’t believe this. ‘An apology?’

‘I don’t know, Ava. Do you need to apologise?’ He still keeps his focus straight ahead. Even in the reflection of the doors, he still won’t meet my eyes.

‘I’m sorry. ’ I practically spit. I can’t believe he’s doing this. And I can’t believe I’m this desperate for the contact.

‘Now, if you’re going to apologise, at least sound sorry. ’

‘I’m sorry. ’

His eyes meet mine in the mirror. ‘Are you?’

‘Yes, I’m sorry. ’

‘You want me to touch you?’

‘Yes. ’

He turns into me fast, pushing me up against the mirrored wall and completely blanketing me with his body. I feel instantly better. That wasn’t too hard at all. ‘You’re beginning to understand, aren’t you?’ His lips hover over mine, his hips pushing into my lower stomach.

‘I understand. ’ I pant.

He takes my mouth, my hands finding his shoulders, my nails digging straight into his muscles. Yes, that’s much better. I meet his tongue, melting into him completely.

‘Happy?’ he asks, breaking our kiss.

‘Yes. ’

‘Me too. Let’s go. ’

We pull up in Camden for breakfast after Jesse got his way and drove. It’s a beautiful day, and I’m already too warm in my cardigan, but I’ll suffer for a little longer. There’s still scope for him to take me home in disgrace and make me change.

Jesse collects me from the pavement, leading me ac

ross the road to a lovely little quaint café. ‘You’ll love it here. We’ll sit outside. ’ He pulls out a large wicker chair for me.

‘Why will I love it?’ I ask as I sit on the polka dot cushion.

‘They do the best Eggs Benedict. ’ He smiles brightly at me when he sees my eyes light up.

The waitress approaches on a dribble when she spots Jesse in all his manly Godliness, but he’s completely oblivious.

‘Can we have two of the Eggs Benedict,’ He points at the menu, ‘a strong black coffee and a cappuccino with an extra shot, no chocolate or sugar, please. ’ He turns his face up to the waitress, blasting her with one of his smiles, reserved only for women. ‘Thank you. ’

She appears to stagger slightly. I laugh to myself. Yes, he had that exact same affect on me.

She eventually finds her voice. ‘Would you like ham or salmon with your eggs?’

He hands her the menu, taking off his Wayfarers so she gets the full impact of his stunning face. ‘Salmon, please. ’

I shake my head in dismay and check my phone, while the waitress makes a meal of writing out our basic order. I wonder how Victoria and Drew got on. I’m not so bothered about Tom – he’s undoubtedly in love again with the latest soul mate.

‘White or granary?’