Page 53 of Mayfair Madame
“You will be the death of me.” And wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to go, wrapped in her arms or, even better, between her legs?
She continued to eat, every once in a while looking my way and smiling. What was going on in that head of hers? Yesterday, she’d been so unsure of herself, but today, a totally different person had emerged, and while I liked shy and reserved Ellie, self-assured Ellie was interesting. A riddle wrapped up in an enigma.
With a couple of slices left, she finally pushed away the pizza box. “I’m stuffed. I couldn’t possibly eat another slice.”
She’d done better than I thought she would, but said nothing, not wishing to bring any attention to her eating.
“I’m done too.” I sat back in my chair and rested my hands on my stomach. I had enough left for breakfast tomorrow.
“I should go.” She checked her watch and stretched. “I have work tomorrow.”
“You could stay.”
“Thank you, but if I don’t go now, I’ll not want to leave.”
“Is that so bad? You could take a sick day. I mean, you risked your life today.”
“True, but maybe another night? I really should go.”
I found her some clothes: a T-shirt, sweatpants, and a pair of sandals. Who knew we had the same size feet? Well, close enough anyway.
“I’ll call you in the week.” Reluctantly, I pulled away from the soft lips pressed to mine. “Call me when you get home.”
“I will.” With her red Converse dangling from her hand, she walked away, but I felt happier than I had last night.
Despite what had happened, today had been a good day. I closed the door and leant against it, a smile on my face.
Maybe things were finally looking up. I sincerely hoped so.
Chapter Fifteen
Ellie
When I walked into the office the following day, I didn’t expect the standing ovation or the pats on the back as I made my way to my desk.
“Here she is. Our little hero.” Josh beamed and vigorously shook my hand.
“Fuck off with the little,” I muttered, embarrassed by the attention. I’d only been doing my job.
“News travels quickly, and when one of our own performs an act of heroism, we’re going to celebrate it.”
“Please say there’s no cake.” I groaned.
“Nah, we’re not that organised, but you did good yesterday, Ellie. I’m proud of you.”
“I was only doing my job.” I uttered the same words I’d told everyone yesterday, including Naomi.
“Eh, maybe, but you saved a man’s life. That’s something to be proud of.”
“Can we, you know, just get on with today and forget that even happened?” I loathed attention of any type, especially since I was just doing my job. How many times did I have to say?
“Okay, okay. How was your weekend other than that? How was the date with Naomi?”
“Can we not? I’m tired and just want to get on. Maybe later.”
I’d barely slept the night before. I’d arrived home, showered, and gone to bed, hoping to sleep, but my brain had other ideas.
Flashbacks of the weekend invaded my thoughts—Naomi, Saturday night, my eating habits, and of course, my unexpected dip into the cool water of the Serpentine.
