CHAPTER 10
George
Cece has been prattling on for the past ten minutes while we wait for his assistant to bring our coffees, and Leo, the annoying guy, is nowhere to be seen. I’m really trying my best to be polite to Cece after apparently ignoring him last year. But it’s so hard.
He finally stops talking, excusing himself to check on the status of our drinks, and I stand too, moving to the window at the side to stretch out my legs after the car journey this morning.
Gordon comes over, speaking quietly. ‘George. I know it’s a bore, but can you try to look interested? We’ll meet this Leo chap, hash out a plan, take their photo, and be out soon.’
I murmur back something that sounds like agreement and turn to look out the window, just as Cece returns.
‘Leonora, I’m delighted to introduce our guests . . .’
Cece clears his throat and I look over to see the girl from last night standing in the doorway, frozen.
Jack’s friend is his assistant? My eyes widen slightly in surprise, but I give nothing away, despite feeling my heart suddenly race faster.
‘. . . George and Gordon Hampden. Boys, please meet Leonora James!’
She seems to spring back into action at the mention of her name and walks over. I notice she barely comes up to my shoulder as she sticks her hand out to shake, so small and delicate compared to mine, which is calloused and rough from years of holding a racket.
She looks up through dark lashes and I’m almost thrown off guard by her piercing green eyes. Finally, she speaks, her voice soft but calm, confident. ‘Please, call me Leo, Leo James. Your member assistant.’
——
Neither of us has spoken much since our initial introduction, letting Gordon and Cece lead the conversation, providing a yes or no when needed. I’m still reeling from the fact that Leo, the ‘guy’ I’ve been ignoring, is her.
She looks different today in professional mode; a smart black blazer sharpens her image, but it’s softened by the silky top underneath, tucked into a pair of dark blue jeans.
She’s fresh-faced with glowing, creamy skin.
It’s pretty when she blushes, which she seems to, frequently.
I like it. Her dark hair is down, pulled off her face and tucked tight behind her ears, which are adorned with tiny pearl studs.
I thought she looked good from afar last night, but up close, she’s breathtaking.
And those eyes – she hasn’t looked directly at me since introducing herself, but I find myself wishing she would.
A movement catches my eye and I look over to see her take a small tube from her pocket, applying something shiny to her lips. I bite down on my own as an image of those lips wrapped around my cock flashes through my mind.
I cough, surprised at myself. Where did that come from?
‘George?’ Gordon questions as I shift uncomfortably in my seat, reaching for some water.
I clear my throat. ‘All good.’
Gordon gives me a confused look, before carrying on. ‘So you really think someone on the ground will help things run smoothly?’
‘Oh absolutely!’ Cece nods enthusiastically. ‘I’d come myself, but we can’t all be on a jolly! Some of us have work to do!’ He winks at me and asks, ‘Where have you booked?’
‘The team have sorted the Ritz, I believe.’
‘Expensive taste, eh, George my boy?’ He laughs.
I frown before I can stop myself. I don’t appreciate the insinuation. ‘I just do whatever the team want. I’m there to play. As long as I can sleep comfortably, I’m happy.’
‘How thoughtful of you,’ Leo suddenly interjects, but her tone is off. It’s almost sarcastic. Why?
Cece carries on, oblivious. ‘Slightly out of our budget sadly, but Leonora won’t be far away should you need anything.’
‘Call me, or text – sorry – as you prefer. I’ll be right here ready to help.’ She smiles but it’s sickly sweet and doesn’t reach her eyes. In fact, they look angry.
Cece turns to her. ‘Haven’t you been listening, Leonora? You’re going to Paris. That’s what having someone on the ground means.’
She’s clearly been distracted too, judging by the look of surprise on her face. ‘But . . .’
Cece interrupts, shaking his head. ‘Sorry, Gordon, George. I promise you she’s usually very good.’
Gordon takes her in, eyes narrowing as he smirks. ‘I have no doubt she is.’
She blushes again and a wave of protectiveness rushes through me. I didn’t like that look. ‘We’re heading to Paris tomorrow morning; will you have time to prepare, Leo? Pretty short notice, Cece . . .’
She glares at me, opening her mouth to respond, but Cece stops her. ‘Of course, it’s our job to worry, not yours. She’ll be there.’
She doesn’t say anything for the rest of the meeting as Cece and Gordon take over, mainly gossiping about mutual acquaintances until I can’t take much more and make excuses to leave.
——
I’m about to follow Gordon into a black cab when Cece calls out, ‘Oh, George, the photo please! The social team won’t be too happy if you escape without it!’
I take a breath and walk back to him and Leo. ‘Of course, here OK?’ I position myself in front of the main door and look for a camera.
‘I’ll get the team, bear with!’ He rushes inside. ‘Felicity! Where’s Arianna? He’s waiting!’
Leo and I are left in an awkward silence, broken a few moments later when an excitable girl with a big camera comes out behind Cece. He gestures for Leo to move.
‘No,’ Arianna pipes up, ‘she should stand alongside him, adds more personality to our brand to see the real team.’
Leo comes back, standing about a foot away from me, hands by her sides.
‘That’s too wooden.’ The girl continues to direct. ‘Mr Hampden, perhaps an arm around her?’
I do as I’m told, happy for an excuse to get closer, although I’m pretty sure she hates me.
Why? I don’t know. This reaction seems far too strong, I only ignored her messages.
She steps closer and I catch a hint of her perfume as I move in.
It’s spicy but sweet, floral. It makes me want to lean in and bury my nose in her neck.
I shake the thought from my head as I place my hand on her waist, fingers flexing as I stop myself from running them up and down. What the fuck is wrong with me?
I have to bend slightly to accommodate our height difference; I look down at her but she’s purposely avoiding my gaze. I want her to look at me.
I try to think of something to say. My mouth goes dry.
‘So Paris?’ I clear my throat. ‘You’re coming then?’
‘It appears so.’
‘Do you want to?’
‘I don’t think I have much of a choice, do I?’
OK, she definitely hates me. I like that she doesn’t care about filtering herself, doesn’t pander to me. I decide to tease her a little.
‘Are you always this rude to your members?’
She looks then, her vibrant eyes fiery as she scans my face. ‘No. Just you.’
‘Turn to me, please!’ Arianna shouts. ‘Big smiles!’