“Sure did, Tiger. All alone in that big ol’ bed of yours.” He walks towards me with a slight smile on his lips.
“Some of us have to work for a living. I had business to attend to and thought I’d have a run on the treadmill while I made some calls.” He leans in without touching me with anything but his lips and kisses me softly. “You’ve used my toothbrush again.”
“I have. Is that a problem?”
“Fuck no. I like that you want my… belongings in your mouth.”
Ohhhh, God.
“Eat some breakfast while I shower. Morning, Marian. Louise, why are you here? We didn’t have a meeting planned.”
“I thought you might like to catch up, after being away, sir.” He stops and looks at her for a few seconds. She blushes. She’s affected by him, most women probably are, but he’s obviously her boss and I don’t like that she fancies him. Our relationship is already complicated enough with the Tamara situation, I don’t want to be worrying about Ms Max Factor throwing herself at him, too.
“I’ve emailed you what I need doing this week. I won’t be back in the office for the next few days. You can reach me on my mobile if there’s anything urgent.” He looks briefly at me then back to her. “Make sure all the staff have their ID with them. There’s some extra security I’ve set in place that will be in operation from this morning. I’ve emailed every one, but I’m just giving you the heads up before you get to the office.” He looks at his watch as if to let her know that it’s time for her to go.
He turns and heads up the stairs as Louise says, “Yes, sir, I’ll get right onto that as soon as I get in.” He keeps walking and doesn’t answer.
Marian puts a plate in front of me with two slices of toast and a huge pile of scrambled eggs on it and I say, “Thank you,” as I watch Louise pack her stuff away.
“Bye, Marian, nice to see you again.” Was that to let me know she’s been here before I wonder? She turns and totally ignores me as she heads towards the door.
“Bye, Louise, lovely meeting you,” I call out, but get no reply.
Marian leans on the breakfast bar in front of me and says, “Well, that’ll put the cat amongst the pigeons and it would’ve put her nose right out of joint as well.”
“Why’s that?” I ask innocently.
“Well, she’s bound to go back to the office and tell everyone you were here. Cameron never has anyone stay over, apart from his mates and family, never,” she shakes her head and looks me over. “Never any young ladies. That one, she’s had her sights set on him for ages. Not that it’s got her anywhere, mind.”
I smile at Marian. I think I’m going to like her and I hope that I’ve found a friend and hopefully an ally too. I have a feeling I’m going to need one around here.
Cam comes padding down the stairs. His hair is wet and pushed off his face. He’s wearing joggers and a T-shirt and his feet are bare. I smell him before he reaches me and it makes my eyes close.
“Your eggs are bloody cold now, Cameron. You took longer than you said you’d be.” I smile slightly as I wait for Cam’s response for being told off and I’m amazed when it comes.
“Sorry. I had a lot to sort out. Just put my eggs in the microwave for a few seconds. They’ll be fine.” He looks at me; my mouth must be open. I’ve never heard anyone rebuke Cam before and he just took it. It makes me wonder what the relationship is between him and Marian.
“Kitten, look, there’s stories and pictures all over the papers about us this morning, and some of it’s not very nice. I’ve spoken with Lennon and Bailey. Lennon’s doing what he can from a PR point of view. Bailey just wants to know you’re okay. I’ve organised some security for you, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you how you wanna handle this.” He starts eating the reheated eggs that are placed in front of him. “We can make a statement or we can just let them get on with printing whatever they’re gonna print.” He reaches out and takes my hand. “I don’t want you reading any of that shit. I don’t want you getting upset by any of this, but I don’t think they’re gonna leave you alone until we confirm or deny that we’re together at least.”
I let out a long breath and put my fork down, my appetite has gone now. I just feel hot and anxious. I don’t understand this. I really don’t understand what the interest is in me. I’m not famous. I’ve never been famous. I was married to someone who was but why are people so interested in me and my life now that my husband’s dead. Why can’t they just leave me the fuck alone?