Page 26 of Paper Roses

I take a deep breath. I can do this.

Of course, in a few weeks we’ll have to tell everyone we know that we’re separated. Another thing I completely overlooked.

I wonder idly whether this is some sort of midlife crisis. Then I fling open the door. A little too forcefully because it reboundsoff the wall and swings back on me, and I just avoid breaking my nose.

“Gordon fuckingBennett,” Ingrid screeches, half rising from her chair at the reception desk.

I stare at her. “Where on earth did that old saying come from?”

“My grandad says it to stop himself swearing.”

“So, you added fuck to the middle of it?”

She shrugs. “Sometimes you just need to add that word to a sentence.”

“Or a lot of the time if you’re you.”

She grins at me. “Congratulations again. Did you get everything sorted?”

I freeze. “Sorry?” I say in what I hope is a non-incriminating tone.

She flaps her hand at the door I just emerged through in such a spectacular fashion. “Artie said you had some stuff to do in the flat this morning.”

“Oh. Oh yes.” Bless him. He thinks of everything, because I’m damn sure they expected to see us coming in together this morning. Another thing to chalk up on my misdemeanours chart. I left him to come in alone. I’m a stupid, selfish wanker.

Her eyes narrow and I hasten to add, “Yes, just a few things. I need coffee,” I say quickly to forestall her usual questions.

“I bet you do,” she says, dropping me a wink that screamsfnarr fnarr.

I stare at her in horror and then give up. “No,” I say.

Ignoring her snort of laughter, I stride through the office. It’s thankfully quiet, as the planners must be out at their morning meetings.

My steps falter as Artie’s desk comes into view. It’s empty, and I’m aware of my breath catching. The thing I’ve tried hardest not to think about comes roaring into my head. The kiss. It hadbeen meant as a simple touch of lips to appease everyone around us, but I’d got more than I bargained for.

Heat had soared through me at the feel of those full, bee-stung lips under mine. I mark it as something else to apologise for. He’s stepped out of the box I put him in and now I can’t seem to make him go back.

I pause as he comes out of my office. He’s holding a sheaf of papers and wearing grey suit trousers, a white shirt, and a navy-blue tie. They’re simple clothes, but the trousers cling to the swell of his arse, and his shirt is pushed up his forearms, displaying the gold of his skin. I wonder if he’s that colour all over and blanch.Fuck me.

“Hey,” he says, the flush on his sharp cheekbones making his eyes appear paler than usual. He licks those full lips nervously.

When my cock jerks, I race into speech. “Hey,” I reply. “What a nice morning. The sun is shining.” My eyes widen in horror at that inanity.

I can think of something to say in even the direst of social situations, a skill drilled into me as a police officer and that’s been reinforced a thousand times as a wedding planner. But it’s deserted me when I most need it.

His lip twitches as he meets my gaze. I watch breathlessly as he comes towards me, and then gasp as he leans up and kisses my cheek. “Ingrid is watching,” he whispers into my ear, and I shudder at the feel of his breath on my ear.

“Oh.” I pull him into my arms and hug him.

The papers scatter to the floor and they appear to have taken my brain with them. I drop a kiss on his lips. He exhales a startled breath, and his mouth opens. I slide my tongue over that full curve, and he makes a small sound that’s almost a moan. My head swims, everything going black as he kisses me back.

Clapping sounds from behind me. I let go of Artie so quickly he stumbles, and I grab his arm to stabilise him.

“I feel like I should be shouting encore,” Ingrid calls.

“I feel I should be shouting go back to work,” I snap.

She breaks into raucous laughter and vanishes back into reception.

---