Page 23 of Take My Breath Away
I close my eyes, telling myself I’m not hearing the faint edge of disappointment in his voice.
“That’s not what I’m doing.” I’m not sure if that’s true. “Look, it’s just that circumstances have cropped up that I’ve had to respond to. I’ll be in touch.” The words feel hollow in my chest.
A moment’s silence, before he answers.
“Okay, sure. Maybe speak in a few days’ time?”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
We end the call and I let go of a long breath. I like Aiden and we have, or had, I’m not really sure which it is as I slump against the wall, an arrangement that works for both of us. But the whole tone felt off, in a way I can’t quite put my finger on.
I switch my phone off and shove it in my pocket. I don’t want any more calls. Work can bugger off too; if they really need me, there are other ways of getting hold of me. I make my way back to the kitchen where I find Perry pouring coffee and opening a box of chocolate mints.
“I thought, to round off the meal…”
“Perfect.” That’s exactly what it is, and all thought of Aiden disappears like a puff of smoke. “And I’ve got a very good brandy we can have after as a nightcap. Feet up and a film?”
Perry answers me with a wide smile which makes me forget about everything that exists outside the walls of my home as, with a tug deep in my chest, I know that there’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be.
Chapter Twelve
PERRY
By six o’clock everybody’s left not just for the day, but for the weekend. It’s been a busy week, more so than normal, and I’m wondering what to cook for dinner. James and I haven’t shared many meals together, mostly because of his work commitments, but when his eyes light up and he gives me an appreciative smile, I can’t help the warmth that uncoils in my stomach.
Like last night.
Chatting in the kitchen, James back early for once, it felt homely, domestic, and settled. It’s a side of James I didn’t know before. It’s a lot more serious and caring, so different to the flirty and coolly arrogant man who visited Elliot. I liked that man, I liked himverymuch, but I like this version of James more.
I lean back in my chair, turning it from side to side as I look out over the empty outer office.
I’d surprised myself that I told him something about my idea for the patisserie and cake business, which I’m only just sorting out in my own head. It still feels like such a fragile idea, but James is so easy to talk to that telling him seemed to be the natural thing to do. He makes me feel safe and secure but then he would, I suppose, because after all he rescued me. I huff and shake my head. Twenty-five year old men really shouldn’t need saving.
Safe and secure are the last things I should be getting used to. Leaving my good job with Elliot to set up a business is a risky venture. But, it’s not just a business I’m planning, but a whole change of life, because I want to do all this down in Brighton on the South coast.
I didn’t tell him that last part, and I’m not exactly sure why.
“Perry? Are you all right?” Elliot’s standing in the doorway to his office, a slight frown on his face as he peers at me.
“Erm, yes, I’m fine. Just thinking about things I need to do this weekend.”
“Then you should go off and do them. There’s nothing pressing that needs you to be here at this time on a Friday,” Elliot says, shrugging into his coat.
He’s smiling at me yet I recognise an order when I hear one. Elliot’s orders are always cloaked in soft velvet.
“Nothing urgent, like you say.” I switch off my computer and stand up. A ringing phone cuts through the silent office and I look to see where it’s coming from, so I can dash to answer, but Elliot’s already pulling his mobile from his pocket, a big smile on his face. I know who it is.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
Elliot throws a quick glance at me. He’s gone a little red and his mouth curls up in a sheepish smile, as he turns aside and talks to Freddie, his fiancé. Elliot’s voice is low, but I can’t help but catch the talk about drinks and dinner out somewhere as I get ready to leave. A date night. Drinks and dinner, Elliot and Freddie wrapped up in each other. It’s lovely, I’m happy for these two good and decent people, but Elliot’s voice, soft as he speaks to Freddie, leaves me feeling emptier than I have in a long, long time.
Ending his call, Elliot’s bidding me good night, and he’s gone, leaving me alone in the office. I’m about to leave when the phone on my desk rings, and I pick it up without thinking.
“Elliot Hendrick’s office,” I say, as my hand automatically reaches out to restart my computer.
“I was right, you are still at work.” The voice, the deep purr of a classic car, sends shivers across my skin. Down the telephone line, James chuckles. “If Elliot’s going to have you working at gone six on a Friday, you need to put in for a pay rise.”
“He told me to go, so I’m just leaving.”
