‘I’m dressed.’ He laughs, straightening his tie. ‘As is my beautiful wife.’
I roll my eyes, but I don’t feel embarrassed at all. She’s seen it all before, and Coral’s visit has taken the edge off any mortification. ‘Can I go to work now?’
He pulls his collar down and rubs his three days’ worth of stubble. Two minutes didn’t give him time to shave. ‘Have you taken your folic acid?’
‘Yes,’ I groan.
‘Have you had your breakfast?’
I tap the side of my bag.
‘You better eat that.’ he warns, taking my hand. ‘Say goodbye to Cathy.’
‘Bye, Cathy!’
‘Bye, dear. Bye, my boy!’
I’m a little wary when we leave the penthouse, and even more wary when we step out of the elevator, into the foyer of Lusso, but she’s nowhere to be seen. I wince when I see Clive at the concierge desk, knowing he’s about to cop it in a big way.
‘Morning, Ava. Mr Ward.’ The old boy’s cheerfulness is going to be short lived once Jesse lets loose.
‘Clive,’ Jesse begins. ‘How the hell did a woman make it past you and up to the penthouse?’
The confusion on Clive’s face is clear. ‘Mr Ward, I’ve just come on shift.’
‘Just?’
‘Yes, I relieved the new boy…’ he glances down at his watch. ‘only ten minutes ago.’
I cringe further. It’s Casey who’ll be copping it. My sympathy for the new concierge increases. Chancing a peek at my man, I note a look of pure irritation. Casey might do well never to return. ‘When’s he back on shift?’ Jesse asks shortly.
‘I finish at four.’ Clive confirms. ‘Did he do something wrong, Mr Ward? I have advised him of protocol.’
I’m pulled towards the sunlight outside. ‘For what f**king use it’s done.’ Jesse mutters. ‘John’s taking you to work.’ he tells me as we emerge.
‘When do I get my Mini back?’ I ask, spotting the big guy across the car park, leaning up against the driver’s door.
‘You’re not. It’s a write off.’
‘Oh,’ I say quietly. I love my Mini. ‘Well when do I get to drive myself to work, then?’
Jesse opens the passenger door of John’s Range Rover and lifts me in. ‘When I find out who stole my car.’
‘Why aren’t you taking me to work?’
He pulls my seatbelt across and secures me before dropping a kiss on my forehead. ‘I have a few meetings at The Manor.’
‘Then why did you make me wait for you?’ I ask on a scowl.
‘So I could put you in John’s car and remind you to speak with Patrick.’
I know I audibly groan. ‘You’re impossible.’
‘You’re beautiful. Have a good day.’ He kisses me once more and shuts me in, giving John a brief nod before making his way to the DBS. I’m suspicious of that nod and when John climbs in next to me, I make sure I direct my suspiciousness at him.
‘What’s up, Girl?’
‘Him.’
‘Nothing’s changed then,’ he laughs that deep, rumbling laugh.
‘No, nothing has changed.’ I grumble.
Chapter 31
I’m a whole hour late for work, but I’m not going to get away with it today. Patrick is here, and he’s standing over my desk when I finally burst through the door.
‘Flower?’ His round face is questioning, and the last thing I need today. I’m late, and now I’m going to shock him into a heart attack with my announcement. He looks up at the office clock. ‘What time do you call this?’
It’s one of the only times I’ve seen a displeased look on my boss’s face. I’ve always been so dedicated to my career, but personal stuff is getting in the way and my job has been side lined. I’m really pushing my luck, and I have been since Jesse trampled into my life. ‘I’m sorry, Patrick.’ I can’t lie and feed him any rubbish on a client appointment, so I leave it at just an apology.
‘Ava, I know your life has been moving pretty quickly lately—congratulations, by the way, but I need dedication.’ He takes his comb from his inside pocket and sweeps it through his silver mop.
I’m a little shocked. Congratulations, by the way? That was hardly sincere. ‘I’m sorry.’ I repeat because I’m stumped for anything else to say. By the way? I’m a little insulted, but my slighted state isn’t drawing any further inspiration to voice it, and Patrick doesn’t give me the chance to, anyway. He goes back to his office, shutting the door behind him. I turn my confusion onto my three colleagues, who are all sitting quietly with their heads down. Has he had a pop at them, too? I collapse in my chair and decide, wisely or not, given my boss’s annoyance, to call Kate. A friendly voice. That’s what I need to hear right now.
She grunts down the phone in greeting.
‘Are you still in bed?’ I ask, firing up my computer.
‘Yep.’ is the one word, swift reply that shoots down the phone.