Chapter 35
Rosie
Tabi climbs into my lap, and I cradle her close. “It’s okay, nugget. Mummy’s here.”
She sniffs, wiping her nose on my cheap hoodie.
“How’s she doing?” Sasha asks from the doorway.
“She’s okay. It’s a twenty-four-hour vomiting thing, and we’re over the worst of it. Although, as per preschool rules, I’ll stay home with her for two days before she can go in.”
“Trust me, it’s for the best. If you think one vomiting preschooler is hard work, you should see twenty of them,” Sasha says, grabbing her bag from the edge of the room. “Was she crying an hour ago from stomach pain?”
“No. Today was Graham Day, which means neither of us get to see Graham.”
“Can you ask one of your parents to babysit Tabi so you can help Niki settle him in?”
I shake my head as Tabi grumbles while dozing.
I press a kiss to her hair, and she slides her thumb in her mouth and sucks it.
Every part of my body screams in exhaustion, but I wouldn’t change any of the moments where I get to hold her like this.
Soon she’ll be a ratty eight-year-old demanding a phone.
“Rosie? You drifted off there. Are you daydreaming about your gorgeous boss who kisses you like he’s addicted to you?”
Fuck off, I mouth with a scowl to stop Tabi from hearing.
I clear my throat. “I left Niki a voicemail in the night. He won’t want me around in case I have germs. I don’t want to risk his health.
He’s making great progress, and from the messages he sent in Miami, he’s coping better with people and travel. I’m proud of him.”
“Has he mentioned the kiss that made your toes curl and—”
I cut her off. “Briefly. We’ll remain professional, which is for the best. He has things going on, and he used to date models, and one day he’ll be that guy again.”
The doorbell silences me.
“Did you order anything?” Sasha asks.
I shake my head.
As Sasha runs out the door, my phone vibrates, and I jiggle Tabi to reach for it.
“How are you doing?” Niki asks as I answer it.
At his steady, gentle voice, my shoulders ease.
“Okay. Tabi’s better. She’s sleeping in my arms.”
“But how are you?”
“Exhausted. It was a long night. I’m sorry I can’t be there for Graham Day or to cut your hair.”
Sasha screams with glee from the bottom of the stairs. I’ll worry about that in a minute.
“That’s okay. Look after yourself and Tabi. I’ll keep it under my cap for a little longer, including at the Emilia race in Italy next week. If it’s okay with you, and in the nicest way, please don’t come into the office for a week.”
“I’ll do whatever you need.” I didn’t mean for my voice to be extra throaty when I said that.
Sasha runs up and down the stairs.
“In the meantime, I’ve left some things at your door,” Niki says.
“Seriously?”
“Can you hold Tabi and come to the window?” he asks softly.
“I used to be a rugby player. I can fight off fourteen women single-handedly while running down a pitch with a ball.”
“Damn, woman,” he growls.
I chuckle as I walk to the window. He waves from my street. He’s wearing his trademark cap, grey joggers, and hoodie. He’s so fucking edible.
“Sorry, I look a mess.”
“You look per—you look great for a woman who’s caring for a sickly child.” He slams his palm into his forehead before glancing up suddenly, cringing like he’s realised I can see him, unlike on most calls.
“Anyway,” he says, drawing out the word, “Sasha’s squealing because I picked up some things for you after your message last night.
I wanted you and Tabi to experience Graham Day, even if you couldn’t be there in person.
I wasn’t sure what your electronics situation was, so I’ve got you a massive tablet and a holder so you can be hands-free.
I’ve also ordered healthy and unhealthy takeaway to be delivered to you every four hours.
Whatever you don’t want, give it back to them, and they’re to take it to a food shelter. ”
“For real?”
“Yeah.” His broad smile makes me melt. “I wanted you to be okay. I’ll be well enough to care for you one day…as a boss, I mean.”
“Of course.” I grin.
“Is there anything else you need? I’ve included an e-reader with a selection of books preloaded.
I picked a mixture of genres. One may have slipped in that inspired me,” he says with a cheeky smile.
“There’s also fresh clothes, because I expect you haven’t had time to wash anything, and a cuddly toy for Tabi resembling Graham.
I can’t give you sleep, but whatever you need, I’m here for you. ”
My heart pounds, and I place Tabi safely on the sofa. I need to regroup. This man reaches places I didn’t know existed. My soul wants to link to his and never leave.
“Are you still there?” He lets out a breath. “It’s too much. I’m too much.”
“No,” I say softly as I return to the window. “You’re perfect. I don’t know how to thank you for this. I can’t repay you.”
“You don’t need to. Keep being you. You’re all I need.”
We’re saying big words for two people who can’t be more than what we are.
Sasha appears from behind me, doing a silent dance so as not to wake Tabi but still making enough noise to distract me from the chiselled, beaming king of sex, sweetness, and tattoos standing outside.
“I’ll leave you to your day. I’ll call you on the tablet when I get home from collecting Graham. Rest up, baby.”
I grip the phone tighter. He called me baby, and even though I’ve had no sleep and look like shit, I lick my lips and wave at him.
He tips his head and hangs up.
If not for my dancing housemate and the sad sleeping child around me, I’d be diving into my room and using my favourite vibrator to the memory of his words.