Page 114 of Every Silent Lie

A knock sounds, Thomas’s signature knock, and I look up in surprise. He’s sought me out voluntarily? “Come in.”

He pokes his head around the door, obviously nervous. I don’t know whether it’s the Humbugs or the fact we still have things to discuss. “Where did you disappear to in such a hurry on Friday?”

“Humbugs?” I ask, holding up the jar.

His smile is more of a grimace. “Can you carve out an hour for me this afternoon?”

I’ve never seen my boss look so serious. “I can do now.”

“I’ve got a one o’clock with the lawyers.”

The lawyers? “Anything I should kn—” My phone rings, and I forget where I am and what I’m doing for a few moments.

“You take that,” Thomas says, backing out. “Say two?” He doesn’t give me a chance to answer, shutting the door as I scoop up my phone and answer Dec’s call.

“Lunch?” he says.

“Lunch and dinner?”

“I miss you.”

My heart soars as I rise, kicking my heels off and stuffing my feet into my boots. “Normal place?”

“On my way.”

* * *

I can’t walk fast enough across Leicester Square, every inch of me buzzing to see him. Dec rounds the corner as I’m approaching, his shoulders hunched, his hands in his coat pockets and his scarf circled a few times around his neck. The moment he spots me, his face lights up, his eyes sparkling with flecks of silver. It sends my knees weak and my heart fluttering so madly I’m sure I could take flight. Opening his arms, I walk straight into them and snuggle into the shelter and heat of his chest. “You’re freezing,” he mumbles into my hair, his hot breath burning my scalp.

“I don’t feel it.” Anticipation’s kept me warm, and now Dec is. He cups the back of my head and pulls it back, his eyes falling to my lips.

“Will you feel it if I kiss you?”

“Always.”

His lips are on mine in one hitch of my breath, his hot tongue exploring my mouth so softly. I hum, huddled close to him, swallowing his moans and absorbing his body pushed against mine. I would happily stand here in the snow and spend all of my lunch break kissing him. Catching up. He sucks my tongue gently and releases, keeping me close but pulling his head back to look at me. “Hello.”

“Hello,” I reply, smiling.

His eyes fall onto my cheek, checking the mark. “Still sore?” I shake my head and let him tuck me into his side and walk us on. “Tell me about your day,” he says, guiding us across the road toward St. Martin’s Lane.

“I opened my Secret Santa gift,” I tell him, smiling up at him when he peeks down at me in interest. “Humbugs.”

“Charming.”

“I thought so too.”

He points to a small café over the road. “Coffee and a sandwich?”

“Perfect.”

He pushes the door open for me and immediately helps me out of my coat, pulling a chair out for me. “Take a look.” He hands me a menu and goes to hang our coats up, rubbing his hands as he wanders back.

“Tea and the chicken and avocado.” I pass him the menu, but he doesn’t look, instead going to the counter and ordering, returning with the teas and a wooden spoon that has the number nine on it. “This is cute,” I say, taking one of the mini polka dot teapots.

“The wife of a guy who works for me owns it.” Dec offloads the tray onto the table and slips it onto another chair before sitting. “Best sandwiches in town.” He helps himself and pours for both of us. “So what are you cooking for me tonight?”

“It’s a surprise.”