22.
Ada
I stood in the bathroom, heart racing as Jonathan went out to meet his sister. I was still in a daze when I peered at myself in the mirror, and a wave of embarrassment swept over me.
My hair was a mess, my cheeks flushed, eyes bright with a lingering sex high. I tried my best to quietly put my appearance back in order but got distracted by the muffled voices speaking in the next room. I perked my ears up to listen, making out Maggie’s gentle cadence.
“I just wanted to check in and see if you’re coming to the wedding,” she said, and I recalled the invite she’d given him a couple weeks ago when I’d joined them for breakfast. Jonathan hadn’t seemed very enthused about going at the time.
“The wedding?” It sounded like he was in a little bit of a daze, too, not entirely comprehending his sister’s question. I didn’t imagine he’d ever had sex in his office bathroom before, or at least I didn’t like to imagine he had. The very notion had jealousy needling at my pores.
“Charli and Rhys’s wedding,” Maggie said to jog his memory. “You haven’t RSVP’d yet, and they’re getting married on December 27.” She laughed gently. “I can’t believe you’ve forgotten.”
“Sorry, I’ve had a lot on my mind.”
“I know. That’s why I came to remind you.” She fell silent, and I heard footsteps as she seemingly walked farther into the room. “Were you having lunch with someone?” Crap, she’d obviously spotted the empty containers on the table, and it was too much food for only one person.
Jonathan cleared his throat, and I tried to think fast. Remembering I still wore the diamond studs he’d bought me, I quickly removed one and emerged from the bathroom just as Jonathan was replying, “Yes, actually, I—”
“Found it!” I exclaimed, holding the earring aloft. Maggie’s eyebrows shot all the way up into her forehead when I appeared, her features etched in surprise before a smile graced her lips.
“Ada?”
Jonathan turned to me, his expression somewhere between amused and perturbed. I couldn’t tell if he would’ve preferred me to stay hidden until Maggie left. We had, after all, agreed to keep our relationship to ourselves for the time being.
His expression morphed into a smirk. “Ah, so you did. Well done.”
“It fell into the narrow space behind the sink,” I explained, pulse thrumming. “Thank you for helping me look.” I shot Jonathan a grateful expression, hoping this would satisfy his sister’s curiosity as to why we’d been shut away in the bathroom together.
“No worries.”
I did my best to continue acting casual. “It’s good to see you again, Maggie. Jonathan and I were just catching up over lunch, but I need to get going now.”
Jonathan’s sister continued to smile at me, and I honestly couldn’t tell if she bought my story or not.
“You, too,” she replied, still giving nothing away. “Those are lovely earrings by the way. I can understand why you wouldn’t want to lose one.”
“Yes,” I said, bobbing my head like a nervous fool. “They, um, belonged to my great-grandmother. A family heirloom.”
Jonathan glowered at me, not impressed with my lie. He had gone to the trouble and expense of buying them for me after all.
“Really?” Maggie sounded surprised. “Wow, they look so new.”
“I had them professionally cleaned recently,” I responded quickly. “So, that’s probably why.”
“Right,” Maggie shot me a funny look before glancing at Jonathan. “I need to get back downstairs, but will you please make your mind up about the wedding? They need the final numbers before the end of the week, and you’ll also have to book a room at the hotel.”
“I will. See you later.”
Maggie turned to me. “Goodbye, Ada.”
“Bye,” I waved awkwardly then winced as soon as she was gone. The door shut behind her, giving us privacy, and Jonathan’s low chuckle rankled me as he came and wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Stop laughing. It’s not funny.”
He pressed his forehead to my temple. “You’re lovely when you’re flustered.”
I worried my lip. “Do you think she bought it?”
“Not in the slightest, but don’t worry, Maggie won’t push for details. She’s more the type to let people reveal things in their own time.”
“But it wasn’t that wild of a story. I definitely could have lost an earring in the bathroom.”
“Yes,” Jonathan purred. “You very well could have. What’s less easy to explain is why your blouse is buttoned so …” he trailed off, a tender smile shaping his lips as he surveyed me then finished, “Unconventionally.”
His hands ran along the buttons, and I glanced down, closing my eyes in mortification when I saw how three buttons were in the wrong holes, causing my blouse to bunch up at an awkward angle.
“Oh God,” I groaned. “I had no idea.”
“It’s fine. Like I said, Maggie won’t spread gossip. She’s not the type.” Almost like it was second nature, he began undoing the buttons, his knuckles trailing tenderly along my skin, his eyes bright with amusement and something else, something intense I couldn’t quite describe. When he finished rebuttoning my blouse, he murmured a quiet, “There,” and my skin heated at his gentle affection.
“I’m sorry,” I peered up at him. “I probably should’ve stayed hidden.”
“Why?” he asked, his hand coming up to tuck my hair back, his thumb softly running along the shell of my ear. “I’m hardly ashamed of you, Ada. This doesn’t have to be some big secret. We can start telling people we’re together if you like?”
I worried my lip again, fretting. “Let’s wait until after my mam visits for Christmas. Then we can go public.” I knew that if Jonathan and I were going to be together, he’d have to interact with my mother at some point, but I’d rather put it off for as long as possible.
“All right,” he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before he withdrew.
He studied me intensely for a moment, and I could tell he was concocting something before he asked, “What are your plans for the day after Christmas?”
“Well, my mam is staying until New Years, so—”
“Will she be okay on her own for a day or two?”
“Possibly, why?”
Jonathan bestowed me with a handsome smile. “Want to be my date to a wedding?”
***
Over the next two weeks, Jonathan and I made the most of our evenings and weekends together. I found myself craving his company whenever he wasn’t around. Being with him was a dizzying high, but it was also troubling. I feared that the more I got to know him, the more I was falling for him, and though I knew he had feelings for me, I wasn’t sure if they matched the intensity of my own.
As Christmas drew near, my anxiety about my mother’s impending visit grew. I just knew she was going to have all these questions about Jonathan and why he was letting me rent his luxury apartment. I tried to put those worries aside as I focused on work and organising the residents’ day trip next month. Jonathan’s acquaintance had come through, and I’d managed to secure a large discount on the coach hire, so I was excited to reveal to everyone that we’d be going to Powerscourt Estate and Gardens for the day. I knew a lot of them had grown bored of the same old haunts.
A few days after my confrontation with Cathal, he’d come to see me—strangely enough to apologise. I had a feeling Hannah had pushed him to do it because every time I saw her, she’d send me these awkward, apologetic smiles as though embarrassed by Cathal’s behaviour. It turned out he’d remortgaged his house to fund their lifestyle over the past couple years, and now, he was in serious debt. He’d been planning to ask me for a loan to help dig him out, which was why he’d been trying to get into my good graces. His shame when he revealed this was clear on his face, and I did feel a little sorry for him in that moment even if he had been planning on using me.
Hannah made him agree to speak to a financial advisor on how they could work on paying off their debt, which I was glad to hear. The most important part was that he wasn’t going to make a report about me to Fabers any longer, and that was a weight off my mind.
I was taking a week off for Christmas, so I was free to go pick Mam up from the airport. Normally, I’d try to get Frances or Glen to do it, but since she was staying with me, it was my responsibility. Not to mention, she was in a mood over the fact that I was leaving her for two days to go to the wedding with Jonathan. She didn’t know who I was going with. I merely told her I was attending as a plus one of a friend from work.
“Wow, very nice,” Mam exclaimed when I pulled into the car park outside the apartment building. She stared up, impressed. “You’ve certainly landed on your feet here, Ada.”
“I’m very lucky Jonathan offered to rent the apartment to me. Oh, and wait until you see the view,” I told her as I helped her with her bags. We headed inside, and I waved hello to Larry at the security desk before showing Mam onto the lift.
As soon as we stepped foot in the apartment, she was besotted, admiring the furnishings and, of course, the view from the balcony.
“It’s a pity we’re not having Christmas dinner here,” she said. “Frances’ house is always so cramped.”
“Frances has spent a lot of time preparing for this year’s dinner. She’s looking forward to hosting us.”
“I suppose,” Mam harrumphed and folded her arms like a moody child. I pressed my lips together to keep from commenting on her immaturity. She’d only just arrived, and already, she was wearing on my nerves. Luckily, I’d become a master at appearing unbothered by her attitude.
“Last year, Leonora and I made dinner. We hosted at her house,” I said, a wave of grief hitting me at the memory, especially since I’d spent two hours last night looking through Dad’s photo albums. Most of them were pictures of Frances and me from childhood, but there were also more recent ones of Dad and Leonora. Those pictures punctuated the empty spot in my life they’d left behind and how much I missed them.
“I had no idea it would be our last Christmas together,” I finished sadly.
Mam shot me a commiserating smile, looking a little uncomfortable at my display of emotion, but she came and comforted me, nonetheless, patting my shoulder.
“That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to visit. Your father’s passing has made me ever more aware that I only have so many Christmases left.”
“Mam, you’re only sixty.”
“And freak accidents happen all the time. Look at your dad and Leonora. They had no idea that holiday would be their last.”
I nodded, my stomach hollowing as I thought of them.
“And that’s why I wish you’d cancel attending this wedding. I want to spend as much quality time with you as possible while I’m here.”
“Mam, I can’t cancel. Besides, you can use the days I’m gone to spend time with the triplets.”
“Hmm,” she said, not seeming very enthused. As I’d said, my mother wasn’t a kid person. I mean, she loved the triplets; she just didn’t love spending an extended amount of time in their company. Her tolerance typically lasted about a half an hour before she grew irritated by their energy and general six-year-old exuberance. I was the opposite. I loved kids and would happily spend hours playing with dolls and other toys to entertain them, even if, admittedly, it was exhausting.
To distract Mam from the fact that I’d be gone for two days during her visit, I made use of the spa voucher Jonathan had gifted me and booked us in for facials followed by full body massages. Mam was in a much better mood by the time we arrived back at the apartment, and I cooked us roast chicken for dinner.
“So,” Mam began after we’d eaten and settled on the couch to watch a festive themed romcom. “Where is this elusive landlord of yours? I thought he’d stop by and say hello by now.”
I bristled at her mention of Jonathan. I missed him, but the plan was to avoid running into each other while Mam was there. I didn’t need her propositioning him again like she had at Dad’s funeral.
“He works very long hours. He’s rarely home, so you probably won’t see him.”
“A pity.”
I frowned, uncomfortable with the level of irritation I felt. I didn’t want to give Mam an opportunity to flirt with Jonathan, even though I knew it would never be reciprocated on his part. I was far too possessive of him. I’d never felt this level of protectiveness over a new relationship. Sure, I’d been hesitant when introducing my mother to my previous partners, but that was only because I knew how she’d behave. With Jonathan, it was different. I feared I’d fallen for him without fully realising it. Or perhaps I just didn’t want to accept how much he’d burrowed his way into my heart.
Later that night, I texted with him for over an hour. He was in his bed right next door, and the urge to go to him had me crawling out of my skin. I’d gotten so used to falling asleep in his arms after at least one or two orgasms. How spoiled I’d been.
By the following night, I missed him so much it was very near unbearable. I knew he was spending Christmas Day with his sister and her husband’s family, which was a relief because I wasn’t sure my heart could handle him spending the day alone. Still, I yearned for him. I suspected the feeling was mutual when my phoned pinged with a text close to midnight.
Jonathan: Is your mam asleep? Want to come over?
As soon as I finished reading his text, I jumped out of bed and pulled on a sweatshirt and some leggings. As I crept by the guest bedroom, I peeked in through a crack in the door and saw Mam was lying in bed, a funky zebra print mask covering her eyes. A little thrill filled my stomach as I silently grabbed my keys and slid on a pair of slippers then hustled across the hall to Jonathan’s place. I knocked lightly on the door, and it swung open. Jonathan tugged me inside and slammed the door behind me then caught my lips in a hungry, desperate kiss.
“Fuck, I’ve missed you,” he grunted as he crowded me into the wall, his erection hard at my belly. I moaned into the kiss, my hands going to his waist to pull him closer. My head fell back on a gasp as he palmed me between my thighs.
“Please,” I mewled, and he shoved his hand down my leggings, finding me wet and ready as he circled my clit.
“Jesus Christ,” he groaned, and feeling adventurous, I broke away from him to kneel on the carpeted floor. We were still in the hallway, hadn’t even made it into the living room yet as I held his gaze while pulling his pants down to free his cock.
“Ada,” he breathed as I bent and took his thick shaft into my mouth.
His hand sank gently into my hair as I took him deep then bobbed my head up and down in a slow, sensual rhythm. My eyes locked on his as I worked him, and satisfaction filled me when he made a rough, throaty sound then rasped, “I’m going to come fast. Even one night without you was too much.”
My thighs clenched, turned on by the effect I had on him, the pleasure I could provide. Jonathan caressed my cheek, his eyelids hooded as he gazed down at me, full of worship. I released him to take a breath, very much ready to continue the blowjob, but in a split second, he lifted me up into his arms and carried me to the bedroom.
I’d become very comfortable in his space, and his bedroom was one of my favourite places to spend time. It wasn’t just because of the mind-blowing sex either. I loved just lying in bed with him under the covers, talking about our lives or watching a movie on the flat screen that was currently hidden inside a wood cabinet on the wall opposite his bed.
Sometimes we’d even share stories about his mother, and though I could tell speaking of her pained him in a way, I also sensed that being able to connect with her through me meant a lot to him.
“I need to have you now,” Jonathan practically growled as he lowered me onto the bed before flipping me over. A rush of adrenaline filled my body when he tugged down my leggings, spread my legs then swiftly buried his cock inside me. I gripped the pillow, crying out as he rammed home, his thrusts fast and desperate. Hungry . It was gratifying to know I wasn’t the only one who’d felt needy during our night apart.
About an hour later, after many kisses and failed attempts to leave, Jonathan reluctantly let me go. I crept back to my apartment and tried not to make any noise that might wake my mother. I stepped inside, lightly placing my keys on the side table near the door when someone cleared their throat. I froze, eyes widening when I saw Mam sitting on the sofa, a cup of herbal tea in her hands as she levelled her suspicious gaze on me.
“Where have you been?”
A rabbit in the headlights had nothing on me as I scrambled for an explanation. “I was … I was just…downstairs in the lobby speaking to Larry.”
“Larry?”
“He works on the security desk.”
“And why did you need to speak with him?”
“Um, well, I couldn’t sleep, so I was out on the balcony looking at the stars. They’re very pretty when it’s late, and there’s less light pollution.” Now I was rambling. “Then I noticed two men down in the car park trying the doors on several cars, so I went down to let Larry know.”
Mam arched an eyebrow and sipped some tea. “You were gone for quite a while.”
“That’s because I wanted to wait until after he checked everything out.” I paused, hating how reticent I was to tell my own mother that I was seeing someone. It wasn’t fair. I wished I could just be open with her without fearing how she might behave.
“We also fell into talking about his Christmas plans, and time got away from me. Anyway, I’m going to bed. Better get some sleep before tomorrow.”
“I’m just going to finish my tea, and then I’ll turn in myself.”
“Okay, goodnight, Mam.”
“’Night, Ada.”
Relief washed over me because it seemed like she bought the story. At least that was what I thought until the next day when we were on our way to my sister’s house for dinner.
“It didn’t look like any cars got broken into last night,” Mam commented on the drive, and my stomach gave a nervous twist.
“No, they must’ve seen Larry patrolling the area and fled,” I replied, casting her a quick side glance and noticing how she pressed her lips together in thinly veiled annoyance. So, maybe my story wasn’t as believable as I’d hoped. I was on the cusp of simply blurting out the truth and letting the consequences be what they may. But if I told Mam about Jonathan she’d insist that we all have dinner before she flew back to Spain so she could get to know him better, and I just didn’t have the bandwidth for that. Not after the year I’d had losing Dad and Leonora.
We arrived at Frances’ house and sat in the living room to give the triplets their gifts. I’d gotten them cute little matching dresses that I knew would look adorable on them, and Mam brought them Barbie dolls as well as pretty charm bracelets from Spain that they lost their minds over. A little while later, we sat down to dinner, the conversation easy and relaxed until Mam decided she just couldn’t let last night drop.
“Did you know that Ada’s been lying to me?” she addressed my sister.
Frances frowned. “What are you talking about?”
I narrowed my gaze, my tone irritated. “ Mam .”
She glanced my way, her expression accusing. “I know you weren’t downstairs talking to the security guard last night because I saw him this morning and asked him myself. He had no idea what I was talking about. I don’t understand why you’re refusing to tell me where you were.”
I stiffened in place, and Frances shot me a wide-eyed, questioning look. I hadn’t told her I was sleeping with Jonathan. Not because I feared her reaction. I just hadn’t the opportunity to confide in her since I’d been so busy with work. Not to mention, all my spare time had been taken up by Jonathan. It might be prudent to start scaling back, but I just couldn’t seem to keep away from him.
I stuck my fork into a slice of turkey and lifted it to my mouth, doing my best to act nonchalant. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”
“I’m not going to sit here eating while you continue to keep secrets.”
“I’m not keeping secrets,” I blurted. “I’ve simply made a decision not to tell you something. I will tell you when I’m ready.”
Mam dropped her cutlery onto her plate and emitted an outraged huff. “This is unbelievable. There shouldn’t be anything you feel the need to keep from me.”
“Granny,” Dahlia interrupted. “Why are you upset?”
“I’m upset because your Aunty Ada is a liar.”
All three girls gasped. In their six-year-old minds, being a liar was one of the worst things a person could be accused of.
“Mam!” Frances exclaimed. “Not in front of the girls, please. Whatever this is, you and Ada can discuss it later in private.”
“If I have to wait until later, then I’m not eating,” Mam declared, and I rolled my eyes.
“Very mature.”
“Don’t you dare criticise me. I’m not the one lying to her own mother,” she challenged, and something in her tone had my temper rising.
“Fine,” I said sharply. “If you really want to know where I was, I’ll tell you. I was next door with Jonathan. We’ve been seeing each other.”
My sister cast me a surprised look while my mother’s expression morphed into triumph. “I knew it! I knew there had to be a reason he was putting you up in the lap of luxury. Well, now it all makes perfect sense.”
“You’ve been seeing him?” Frances asked while Glen sat back and blew out a breath. I felt bad that Mam’s and my drama was ruining his Christmas dinner. He cast his attention to the triplets.
“Who wants to finish eating in the living room? I’ll put on The Lion King ?”
“ The Lion King ! Yes!” Dakota beamed since it was her favourite movie of the moment.
Glen hustled his kids into the next room, leaving Mam, Frances and me sitting at the table, tension filling the air.
“Yes, I’ve been seeing him,” I answered my sister at last.
“But the apartment—”
“Will be fine. I’ve signed a year’s lease, so even if it doesn’t work out, I’ll still have a place to live.”
“Okay, well, that does sound a little better. You really like him, then?”
I nodded, my cheeks flushing.
“I just don’t understand why you didn’t tell me from the beginning?” Mam grumped, and her persistent irritation inflamed my anger. I wasn’t sure what it was. Perhaps all the past times she’d acted inappropriately with my boyfriends over the years had finally come to a boiling point.
“Oh, you don’t, do you? Well, shall I jog your memory, then? You came onto him at the pub after Dad’s funeral, and considering how you typically behave when you meet my new boyfriends, it shouldn’t come as a particular surprise that I’d want to avoid that .”
Frances’ mouth fell open, her blue eyes flaring in shock that I actually just said that to our mother. I was in a little bit of shock myself. I certainly hadn’t planned to say all that, but I just couldn’t keep it in anymore. It actually felt relieving to get it out. Even if I’d made Mam mad by telling the truth. She needed to hear it.
“Well, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. I did not come onto him after the funeral. I was merely trying to pay my condolences since his mother had just passed away. Honestly, Ada, this is crazy talk.”
“It’s not entirely crazy, Mam,” Frances interjected quietly.
Her eyes flashed to my sister. “Pardon me?”
“Oh, come on. You know you’re a flirt. Sure, you were almost sitting in Glen’s lap the first time you met him.”
At that very moment, Glen returned to the kitchen carrying the triplets’ empty dinner plates. Hearing what Frances said, his eyes almost popped out of their sockets, his cheeks flaming as he turned around and walked straight back out of the kitchen. If I weren’t so incensed at Mam playing dumb about her behaviour, I might’ve laughed.
“I was not sitting in his lap,” she argued.
“You flirt with all our boyfriends, Mam. It’s just something you’ve always done.”
Mam’s face turned bright red, and she looked lost for words. I almost felt bad for her, but it was her own fault for continuing to push me for information when it was obvious I didn’t want to talk about Jonathan.
“If that’s how it’s come across to you both, then I’m sorry. It’s just my personality. I like talking to men, but I would never dream of trying to get that kind of attention from my daughters’ own partners.”
I was highly sceptical of that, but the crazy thing was, it could be true. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of her flirting was all subconscious, and she didn’t even realise she was doing it. Either way, I really didn’t want to fight with her about it. Especially not on Christmas Day.
“Look,” I relented. “I’m sorry for lying about last night. I guess I’m just a little protective over this new relationship. I really like Jonathan.”
“Oh, Ada,” Frances said, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “That’s wonderful.”
“I want things to work out.”
“And they will,” Mam put in, seeming to have calmed down a little. “The man was smitten with you even back at the funeral. I could tell by how he looked at you. I even mentioned it when I spoke to him at the bar. I promise I would never try to jeopardise your relationship.” She fell quiet and sniffed, staring down at her hands and seeming a little embarrassed. “And now that I’ve been informed how my behaviour comes across, I’ll try to adjust it going forward.” She glanced between the two of us. “I’m really sorry.”
“Hey, it’s not your fault you’re more gorgeous than your own daughters,” Frances said in a clear effort to soothe her tender feelings. It worked because a small smile shaped Mam’s lips. “It’s no wonder we’ve felt threatened by you over the years, eh?”
“Well, I guess beauty really can be a curse sometimes,” she said with a small grin, and I had to resist the intense urge to roll my eyes again. Frances was over egging the omelette a little because I personally never felt threatened by Mam, just irritated and embarrassed, but if it helped cheer her up to imagine it, then what harm could it do?
A small quiet ensued, and then Glen reappeared with the plates. “Is it safe to come in now? Have you all made up?”
I chuckled, and Frances smiled at her husband. “Yes, darling. It’s safe to come in.”
***
That night, I packed a small suitcase in preparation for Jonathan’s and my trip to Cork in the morning. My stomach was full of butterflies and excitement to be spending time away with him, just the two of us. I was also excited to attend the wedding, even though I hadn’t met the couple yet. I’d only been to a handful of weddings over the years, but I’d always been a sucker for the misty-eyed look on the groom’s face when he saw his bride walking up the aisle for the first time.
One good thing about Mam now being aware of Jonathan’s and my relationship was that I didn’t have to wait until she fell asleep to sneak over to his place. He’d found the entire dinner table confrontation hilarious when I’d recounted it for him, but I was still nervous about him running into Mam. She’d promised to adjust her behaviour going forward, but her version of adjustment might not match mine.
I ended up spending the night at Jonathan’s, and I only returned to my apartment the next day to shower and get ready for the road trip. Mam was sitting on the couch when there was a light knock on the door. I opened it to find Jonathan wearing his casual slacks and jumper ensemble, paired with a wool jacket, his typical outfit on non-workdays. I honestly couldn’t tell if he were sexier in a suit or in casual wear. I was partial to both, to be honest.
“Almost ready to go?” he asked, his voice low and husky, soliciting memories of last night and all the ways he’d made me scream and grip his headboard for dear life.
“Yes, just about,” I replied, pressing my lips briefly to his before there was a not very discreet clearing of a throat from behind me. I subtly shook my head and turned around. “Mam, would you like to come and say hello to Jonathan before we leave?”
She was up off the couch in less than a second, striding toward Jonathan and wearing her friendliest smile. “Jonathan, so nice to see you again.” She shook his hand while casting me a look as if to say, See? I can be friendly without being flirty.
Any other time, she might’ve pulled him into a hug, making sure to press her bosom to his chest, so a handshake was definitely an improvement.
“And you,” Jonathan responded before letting go of her hand. “I hope you’ve had a nice stay so far.”
“Oh yes, the apartment is just wonderful!” she exclaimed a little too profusely then seemed to realise she was going overboard as she amended, “I mean, it’s been nice. Thank you for asking.”
It was almost heartwarming to see her make such an effort, though I still wasn’t keen to prolong the encounter. “Well, we’d better get going. Mam, I’ve left my car keys on the side table in case you need to drive anywhere.”
“Perfect, have a lovely time.”
She retreated back into the apartment as I slid on my coat while Jonathan grabbed my suitcase. “Well, that wasn’t too awkward at least,” I said once we were out and walking towards the elevator.
Jonathan cast me a tender smile, and I noticed a set of keys in his hand I hadn’t seen before. I lifted an eyebrow in question. “What are those for?”
His smile turned to one of excitement. “Come on. I want to introduce you to my baby.”
Curious, I followed him onto the elevator, and he hit the button for the basement level. I’d never been to the basement before. Shooting him a cynical look, I asked, “I thought I was your ba—” Before I could finish, the elevator doors slid open, and Jonathan took my hand, leading me into a parking garage where a silvery black sports car was parked front and centre. He clicked a button, and the lights flashed on. Ah, now it made sense. The sports car was his baby. It was a good thing I didn’t get jealous of inanimate objects.
“We’re driving to Cork in a Bugatti?” I asked as I ran my hand over the sleek exterior.
Jonathan nodded, gazing at the car like it was his pride and joy. “Yes. You should be honoured. There are only a couple hundred of these in the entire world.”
“Well, that is rather impressive. Quick question.”
“Yes?” he arched an eyebrow as I stepped around the car to stand before him. “Will I be sleeping with you in our hotel room tonight, or should I resign myself to the cot while you make sweet, sweet love to your Bugatti in our bed?”
His lips twitched. “Very funny, smart arse.”
“What? I had no idea we were venturing into throuple territory.”
“Ada,” he said, voice low as his hand went to my bottom to give it a light spank, his mouth hovering above my ear. “Get in the car now before I bend you over the bonnet and—”
“Mr Oaks,” Larry appeared, having come through a separate doorway. “I hope you find the detailing to your liking. The company came highly recommended from several other residents.”
“The detailing is perfect. Thank you, Larry.”
“All right. Have fun on your road trip.”
“Will do,” Jonathan said and then rounded the car to pull open the passenger side door. “In you go,” he ordered, his expression still amused from my teasing. I tried to steady my breathing and pondered the end of the threat he’d been delivering just before Larry arrived.
Bend me over the bonnet and what, Jonathan?
Once I was seated, he closed the door then strode around to the other side. Settling into the driver’s seat, he turned on the engine, and the car purred to life. Okay, I could kind of see what all the fuss was about. Then my attention fell on Jonathan as he glanced over his shoulder, hands deftly turning the steering wheel as he reversed out of the spot, and I had trouble focusing because this was my first time seeing him drive.
Let’s just say I was affected .
“Okay, now I get why you hired Ben,” I said as he manoeuvred the car out of its spot.
“Ben?”
“You obviously need a driver since the sight of you behind the wheel would send women into fainting fits and spontaneous orgasms all across the country. The hospitals would be overrun.” His loud answering chuckle had my heart pounding away in my chest. I loved the sound of his laughter, especially when I was the one to solicit it. I was pretty much obsessed with everything about him. So much so that I felt myself falling deeper into whatever intense, stomach whirling feelings I’d developed for him. It was only as we got on the road and headed out of the city that the realisation fully dawned on me.
I was in love with Jonathan. Completely and totally. We’d only been sleeping together for a couple weeks, and I’d gone and fallen head over heels in love. Now I just had to figure out if it was better to keep this news to myself until I had an idea of how he felt in return or simply tell him and try not to fixate too much on the possible outcome.
Well, we’d be spending the next two days together, so there was no rush to decide.