I land at the bottom of the stairs to hear Jesse talking on his phone. I walk into the kitchen and dribble a little. He looks glorious in some worn jeans and a navy polo shirt, collar turned up – Jesse style. He’s shaved and shoved some wax in his hair. He really is unreasonably handsome, as well as unreasonable everything else.
‘I’ll be in tomorrow, is everything okay?’ He turns from his stool, running an eye down my body. ‘Thanks, John. Call me if you need me.’ He places his phone down without looking away from me, folding his arms over his chest. ‘I like your dress.’ His voice is all low and husky.
I look down at my flowing, floral tea dress. It sits on my knee so the length probably meets with his approval. I’m surprised Kate packed it; it’s a bit summery, with its cut out back and lack of sleeves. I smile to myself. He hasn’t seen the back yet. And I’m not showing him either. He’ll make me change. I know it.
I pull on my thin knitted, cream cardigan, then position my suede bag across my body. ‘Ready?’ I ask.
He pushes himself to his feet, approaching me all moodily. I expect a deep kiss, but I don’t get one. Instead, he slips his Wayfarers on, takes my hand and pulls me towards the door. I get to spend the whole day with him and he’s not even going to kiss me?
‘You’re not going to touch me all day, are you?’
He looks down at our joined hands. ‘I’m touching you.’
‘You know what I mean. You’re punishing me.’
‘Why would I do that, Ava?’ He pulls me into the elevator. He knows damn well what my point is.
I look up at him. ‘I want you to touch me.’
‘I know you do.’ He punches in the code.
‘But you won’t?’
‘Give me what I want, and I will.’ He doesn’t look at me.
I don’t believe this. ‘An apology?’
‘I don’t know, Ava. Do you need to apologise?’ He still keeps his focus straight ahead. Even in the reflection of the doors, he still won’t meet my eyes.
‘I’m sorry.’ I practically spit. I can’t believe he’s doing this. And I can’t believe I’m this desperate for the contact.
‘Now, if you’re going to apologise, at least sound sorry.’
‘I’m sorry.’
His eyes meet mine in the mirror. ‘Are you?’
‘Yes, I’m sorry.’
‘You want me to touch you?’
‘Yes.’
He turns into me fast, pushing me up against the mirrored wall and completely blanketing me with his body. I feel instantly better. That wasn’t too hard at all. ‘You’re beginning to understand, aren’t you?’ His lips hover over mine, his hips pushing into my lower stomach.
‘I understand.’ I pant.
He takes my mouth, my hands finding his shoulders, my nails digging straight into his muscles. Yes, that’s much better. I meet his tongue, melting into him completely.
‘Happy?’ he asks, breaking our kiss.
‘Yes.’
‘Me too. Let’s go.’
We pull up in Camden for breakfast after Jesse got his way and drove. It’s a beautiful day, and I’m already too warm in my cardigan, but I’ll suffer for a little longer. There’s still scope for him to take me home in disgrace and make me change.
Jesse collects me from the pavement, leading me across the road to a lovely little quaint café. ‘You’ll love it here. We’ll sit outside.’ He pulls out a large wicker chair for me.
‘Why will I love it?’ I ask as I sit on the polka dot cushion.
‘They do the best Eggs Benedict.’ He smiles brightly at me when he sees my eyes light up.
The waitress approaches on a dribble when she spots Jesse in all his manly Godliness, but he’s completely oblivious.
‘Can we have two of the Eggs Benedict,’ He points at the menu, ‘a strong black coffee and a cappuccino with an extra shot, no chocolate or sugar, please.’ He turns his face up to the waitress, blasting her with one of his smiles, reserved only for women. ‘Thank you.’