CHAPTER 31
Leo
I’m almost certain George wouldn’t have organized this for date number three.
I received Gordon’s text just as I was finishing off a call with Rosa. She had called for an update after I texted her:
Leo James:
Rosa . . . I think I just got my first dick pic.
Rosa Riley:
Please tell me it’s George.
Leo James:
Who else would it be?
Rosa Riley:
I said it once (many times) and I’ll say it again.
You’re a lucky bitch.
I’m calling you.
Which she did.
‘Not to sound like Cece, but are you getting any work done out there? Sounds like a dirty weekend.’
‘Hello to you too, Rosa,’ I say sarcastically, although I know she’s only joking. ‘So lovely to hear from you.’
‘Hello, my sweetpea,’ she mocks, her voice sugary before turning serious. ‘Give me the deets.’
‘Rosa,’ I laugh, pretending to be shocked.
‘Don’t act so coy, are we talking big? A grower? Pretty or a bit eurgh?’ I can tell she’s trying not to laugh too.
‘Rosa!’ I pause. ‘Absolutely not eurgh.’ I think of him, hot and hard in my hand, pushing into my mouth. ‘But it’s not the first time I’ve seen it anyway.’ I blush, even though no one is around.
‘Hold up, what else have you been doing out there, missy?’ She laughs now. ‘It really is a dirty weekend!’
‘Shut up!’ She’s right though, I can’t get him out of my head.
I need him. ‘Just, you know, a few liaisons here and there.’ I think of him watching me, telling me what he wanted to see.
‘I haven’t even slept with him yet.’ I shiver at the thought of him above me; a jolt of pleasure rushes to my core. I need to calm down.
‘I don’t understand how. The minute that door shut to the suite on day one, POW! I’d be on that.’ She laughs again. ‘Although, not now of course,’ she teases gently. ‘Now you’re all loved up.’
‘Rosa, don’t.’ I gnaw on my lip. ‘I really do like him. We had the most incredible evening again last night. He slept in my bed and I actually fell asleep being cuddled. I woke up with his arms around me. We didn’t move all night!
’ I pause. ‘I keep waiting for something to go wrong, like it’s all too good to be true. ’
She’s quiet. ‘Leo, please don’t sabotage yourself. You are happy, so please enjoy it. I don’t want you to worry about what it is because you’re scared it will end. Just take it day by day.’
‘I know, you’re right. It’s just, he hasn’t said anything to suggest this is more than a fling. But he also hasn’t treated me like one.’
‘You’re doing it now, Leo,’ she interrupts, her voice soft. ‘Stop overthinking. Take some breaths.’
My phone buzzes in my hand. ‘Wait a sec, I have a text.’
I hear her faintly squeal through the phone, mood instantly changed. ‘Is it him?! Oh my god! Get that sexy ass into some lingerie for when he gets back . . . tonight could be the night!’
Unknown number:
Miss James, it’s Gordon Hampden. I have a request. Dinner for four, tonight, somewhere good, popular. Think L’Avenue.
George will be attending. Please request the best table.
I’d like you to join us.
‘What the fuck? It’s Gordon.’ I’m so confused.
‘Eurgh, he’s so creepy,’ she scoffs. ‘Do you have to go?’
‘I can’t really refuse. I’m here to work.’ Not to be George’s girlfriend. The thought grounds me again.
‘Yeh that sucks really.’ She sighs, before hyping me up. ‘Come on. You can do it, girl. Straight back into work mode. Show ’em who’s boss.’ I really do love Rosa.
‘I’m sure I’ve had far worse dinners.’
——
This is one of the worst dinners I’ve ever had.