“I’m starting the report for you. The final results are just coming in. We’re not going to get it done before Christmas, I’m sorry.”

“That was your deadline, not mine,” she says. “I think we can give you a few days off over the festive season.”

I turn as I hear someone in the doorway, and see Jamie there, leaning against the post, holding a drink. “I’ve got to go,” I say to Elizabeth. “See you tomorrow.”

“Kia kaha,” she says. Stay strong.

I end the call. “Hey,” I say to Jamie.

“I wondered where you’d gotten to. You should come out. Join in the fun.”

“I don’t do fun.”

He chuckles and brings the drink over. “Now I know that’s not true.”

I take the whiskey from him. “Thanks. Don’t let me have any more though. I don’t want to arrive drunk tonight.”

“Fair enough. Are you staying here until seven?”

“No. Let’s leave around six. I’d like to shower and change.”

“Okay.” He looks at the drawing board and points at my doodle of a face with curly hair. “Is that part of the research?”

“Very funny. Portraits were never my strong point.”

“Doodling her on your drawing board? Man, you’ve got it bad.”

“Fuck off,” I say mildly, and he laughs.

“I’ll be back at six. Enjoy yourself, you sad creature.” He goes out, leaving the door open so I can hear the music.

I chuckle and get to my feet as my phone buzzes in my pocket. It’s a text from Sidnie. Smiling, I take the phone over to the table by the window, sit next to where Gus is stretched out, and sip my whiskey as I read it.

Not long to go, she says.Looking forward to tonight.

I reply with:Me too. Can’t wait. x

About thirty seconds later, she replies.I keep thinking about last night. The good bits. In bed.

My smile spreads. She wants a little dirty talk, hmm? I’m more than happy to comply.

Me:Which bit did you enjoy most?

Her:All of it! The kissing…

Her:The touching…

Her:Your lips on me…

Her:Your tongue inside me…

I blow out a breath. The minx is determined to get me sexed up for tonight.

Me:Oh, so we’re progressing to intermediate, are we?

Her:Normally I’d recommend waiting until after the first time. But it’s difficult not to go dirtier with you. LOL.

Me:Steady on or I’ll have to indulge in a little DIY before tonight.