Page 75 of Mayfair Madame
“Well, yes, but I get bored doing nothing.”
“Then we’ll find you something to do. Now, give me that bag. You look dead on your feet.”
“I do feel a bit tired. My nieces are up at the arse crack of dawn every morning, and Lucy kept me up talking into the early hours. A comfy bed sounds good right about now.”
“You’re more than welcome to use mine unless you want to go back to your place.” She couldn’t hide the hidden plea in her voice.
Could I take advantage of her again? Would it be fair of me to do that? Technically speaking, I could probably manage on my own. The burning question was, did I want to?
“Would it be an imposition? Would you mind?” I bit my lip, not wanting to be a bother. When had I become a people pleaser?
“Fuck, no, Ellie. You know you can stay at my place any time you want to. I could even give you a key.”
“You don’t need to do that, but thank you for the offer. Maybe a couple more days?”
“As long as you like, Ellie Sharpe. As long as you like.” She smiled and took my hand.
By now we were outside Euston Station, about fifteen minutes from Naomi’s place.
She hailed a taxi, and we settled into the back. I rested my head on her shoulder, content for the first time in a few days.
“I’ll cook us a lovely roast dinner when we’re home. It is Sunday after all. Maybe I’ll bake an apple pie too. Custard or ice cream?”
I hummed in response, unwilling and too tired to decide.
She smelled so nice, all sunshine and roses, and I drifted into a dreamless sleep, exhausted by my travels.
Moments later, I was woken by a gentle shake. “Ellie, we’re here.”
“Okay,” I mumbled and snuggled closer, not wanting to leave her warmth.
“Ellie, baby, wake up. Let’s get you to bed.”
I walked into the apartment block in a daze, Naomi’s firm hand on my back. I could barely keep my eyes open, but she steered me into the lift and then into her apartment.
“Here we are. Home again.” Naomi took me to her bedroom.
I’d spent more time in here these past two weeks than I had at my own and knew it like the back of my hand.
I shed my clothes and climbed beneath the soft covers. “Join me, please.” I patted the bed and closed my eyes. The bed dipped beside me.
I snuggled down and leant into her hand as it stroked my cheek. She kissed my forehead, her lips hot against my cool skin.
“Get some sleep. You need it, baby.”
And with that, she was gone.
I didn’t know how long I slept, but I woke in darkness.
The smell of delicious food filtered into the room, and my mouth watered. I’d eaten little other than a slice of toast at Lucy’s house before leaving. What had Naomi said about a roast dinner?
I opened the bedroom door and crept into the kitchen. Music played, Naomi’s sinuous hips swayed to the music, her melodic voice singing quietly. She still wore the trousers but had lost the heels, dancing in her bare feet.
Hidden from view, I watched her, falling deeper under her spell, and for a moment, I could hardly breathe. Did I love her,or was it infatuation? In all the time I’d been with Kate, not once had I felt this way,as if my world started and ended with Naomi.
She was my first and final thought every day. Only time would tell, but if someone asked me where I saw myself in a year’s time, it’d be right here, watching her.
Feeling brave, I walked towards her, my footsteps quiet on the tiled floor. I made sure she had nothing in her hands and slipped my arms around her waist, pressing my face into her back.
