to arrive for our meeting. My mind has been wondering what she’s going to be wearing or how she’s going to act because, well, Tilly has been occupying most of my thoughts this past week. At least five times, I picked up my mobile to phone her, but I stopped myself because I don’t want to scare her away. And if I told her everything that’s been rushing through my mind for the past forty-eight hours, she would probably run away faster than I could catch her…even while she dribbles a football.
The truth of the matter is, that dinner Wednesday night was a game changer for me. Maybe it’s her sobriety that’s made her even more stunning, or maybe it’s because she kicked my arse on the pitch just after she opened up her soul to me and left tears on my shirt, but I want her now more than ever before. And the fact that all I did for the past two days was wank off like a fucking teenager is embarrassing to say the least. I’m a thirty-six-year-old man. I should be better than this.
But no woman in my entire life has affected me the way Tilly has. And Christ, it’s only been a week.
This feeling of wanting something I can’t have doesn’t sit well with me. But I have to play it smart with Tilly. This friendship thing is working between us, and I need to let her come to me, or she will put her walls up again like the stunning Scottish fortress I know she can be. So, for now, I just have to be patient for as long as it takes. And hope like fuck it doesn’t take long.
My eyes look left because I can feel her coming before I see her. She looks like a tall, gorgeous business mogul walking the streets of West London like she owns this town. She’s dressed in a crisp, sheer white blouse and black wide-leg trousers with heels. Her long strawberry blond hair is pinned back into a low bun, and her makeup is striking against her fair skin.
Fuck me, if I was on the other end of this business meeting, I’d give this woman anything she wants.
When her eyes connect with mine, she offers me a confident smile like she’s completely unfazed by my presence. Unlike me.
“You’re early,” she says, approaching me at a quick pace and adjusting her handbag on her shoulder. “Have you been waiting long?”
“My previous meeting ended early.” I clear my throat to get my shit together. “Sorry we couldn’t ride together.”
“Oh, it’s fine,” she replies with a wave of her hand as she tucks a stray lock behind her ear.
“Have everything you need?” I glance down at her like I need to double-check, but in all honesty, I just want another glimpse of her body.
“I believe so.” She touches her twitching nose. “I printed off a few copies of the contract.”
“So did I. Plus, I couriered it over to them yesterday, so they should be ready for us.”
“Oh yes, you told me that.” Her eyes lower to my suit, and she inhales sharply. “Shall we do this?”
I gesture towards the door. “I’ll follow you.”
We check in at the front counter and get visitor passes for the twentieth floor. When we step into the lift and end up crammed in behind at least ten other people, we both peer at each other from the corner of our eye. Her knowing smirk hits me right in the gut. The last time we were in a lift together, things got a little heated.
I wanted to fuck her then, even when I was angry with her.
And bloody hell, I want to fuck her now.
Basically, I want to fuck her always.
I truly have lost my mind.
The receptionist ushers us to a traditionally furnished, glassed-off conference room with a long maple table and at least a dozen wheelie chairs. Tilly and I sit at one end and await the executive’s arrival.
“Are you nervous?” I ask, watching her lay out several copies of the contract she most likely won’t need while silently applauding her for being over-prepared.
“Not nervous, just ready to get this finalised.” Her blue eyes flash to mine, and she looks pensive and unsure. “I thought we’d be past this point by now and going over the logistics with the factories. I don’t like that we’re behind schedule.”
I reach out and touch her hand. “They’re going to approve the contract today, I’m sure of it. Just