Page 23 of Mayfair Madame (Mayfair Heights #1)

Chapter Twenty One

Ellie

T o say I was worn out was an understatement. I’d stayed for two days and two nights and longed for my bed. Or Naomi’s. I wasn’t fussy at this point.

True to her word, she’d purchased another first-class ticket, and Iwasn’t going to lie, it was worth every single penny, even though it was a short journey.

I’d promised to pay her back, although she’d told me not to, but train tickets weren’t cheap. Okay, she could probably afford it, but I wasn’t a charity case and normally could pay my way.

The trip home gave me time to ponder the few days I’d spent with my sister. We’d spoken more about Naomi. I’d confessed the strength of my attraction to her. How she made me feel, how she thought I was beautiful, even though I couldn’t see it.

Lucy told me to stop being so fucking stupid and listen to the woman. I’d tried to describe Naomi, but my words didn’t do her justice. I promised Lucy I’d take a picture and send it to her, or else she’d come down to London and see for herself!

As for Mum, I’d visited her twice. Lucy deserved a medal for putting up with her. She was rude and dismissive with the nurses to the point of racism, and we’d cringed as she’d talked about the staff as if they weren’t standing right there next to her.

I was trying to put it all out of my mind. How would she react when she learned I was dating a black woman?

We’d apologised profusely, but the nurses laughed, telling us they were used to it, that the oldies were usually the worst. Didn’t make it right, but a lot of it was a generational issue.

When they were growing up, political correctness wasn’t a thing.

Thankfully, times had changed, although some thought it was still acceptable.

But Mum was embarrassing, and we couldn’t wait to get out of there.

The doctor had visited and told us she’d be out in a few days.

They wanted to keep her in a little longer to make sure she was all right.

She’d voiced her displeasure, of course, but eventually agreed that that was the best course of action.

“I’m going to die here. I just know I am. I’ll definitely not see another Christmas.”

“Of course you will, Mum.” I’d patted her hand. “You’ve plenty more years left in you.”

Lucy had been muttering under her breath, and I could imagine what she was thinking. We loved our mother—we really did—but sometimes she wore both of us down. I’d promised to call more, if not Mum, then Lucy. If I couldn’t be there, I’d support from afar.

The great idea I’d had to move closer soon disappeared. My visit had cemented the fact that I wasn’t cut out to do what Lucy did every week. I made a mental note to buy her an expensive gift for her birthday and Christmas,maybe even a quick break.

The steady rhythm of the train lulled me to sleep, but I awoke the moment we pulled into the station.

It was Sunday, and if I thought the station would be quiet, I was mistaken. But there was no mistaking Naomi standing out amongst the crowd.

With her cropped blonde hair, tight leather trousers, and high heels, she cut an impressive figure in a sea of ordinary people.

Many stared, especially men, but the moment she saw me, her face lit up like the Fourth of July.

“Ellie! Over here!” She waved enthusiastically.

As if I could miss her beautiful face.

Before I could get to her, she hurried toward me and threw her arms around me.

“God, I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve only been gone for two days.”

“Two days too long. Here, let me look at you.” She held me at arm’s length and looked me up and down. Not that she could see much through the jeans and hoodie I wore.

“You look amazing,” I said dreamily as if I were seeing her for the first time.

“And you look tired. Come on, let’s get back to my place so you can rest. How is your mum?

“She’s doing well. Rude as usual. She should be out in a day or so, and then the fun begins. Well, for Lucy anyway.”

“And your sister? She’s okay?”

“She knows how to handle her better than I can, but I feel guilty leaving her to it. If I weren’t going back to work tomorrow, I’d have stayed longer.”

“You’re what now? Didn’t the doctors tell you to stay off for at least a week?”

“Well, yes, but I get bored doing nothing.”

“Then we’ll find you something to do. Now, give me that bag. You look dead on your feet.”

“I do feel a bit tired. My nieces are up at the arse crack of dawn every morning, and Lucy kept me up talking into the early hours. A comfy bed sounds good right about now.”

“You’re more than welcome to use mine unless you want to go back to your place.” She couldn’t hide the hidden plea in her voice.

Could I take advantage of her again? Would it be fair of me to do that? Technically speaking, I could probably manage on my own. The burning question was, did I want to?

“Would it be an imposition? Would you mind?” I bit my lip, not wanting to be a bother. When had I become a people pleaser?

“Fuck, no, Ellie. You know you can stay at my place any time you want to. I could even give you a key.”

“You don’t need to do that, but thank you for the offer. Maybe a couple more days?”

“As long as you like, Ellie Sharpe. As long as you like.” She smiled and took my hand.

By now we were outside Euston Station, about fifteen minutes from Naomi’s place.

She hailed a taxi, and we settled into the back. I rested my head on her shoulder, content for the first time in a few days.

“I’ll cook us a lovely roast dinner when we’re home. It is Sunday after all. Maybe I’ll bake an apple pie too. Custard or ice cream?”

I hummed in response, unwilling and too tired to decide.

She smelled so nice, all sunshine and roses, and I drifted into a dreamless sleep, exhausted by my travels.

Moments later, I was woken by a gentle shake. “Ellie, we’re here.”

“Okay,” I mumbled and snuggled closer, not wanting to leave her warmth.

“Ellie, baby, wake up. Let’s get you to bed.”

I walked into the apartment block in a daze, Naomi’s firm hand on my back. I could barely keep my eyes open, but she steered me into the lift and then into her apartment.

“Here we are. Home again.” Naomi took me to her bedroom.

I’d spent more time in here these past two weeks than I had at my own and knew it like the back of my hand.

I shed my clothes and climbed beneath the soft covers. “Join me, please.” I patted the bed and closed my eyes. The bed dipped beside me.

I snuggled down and leant into her hand as it stroked my cheek. She kissed my forehead, her lips hot against my cool skin.

“Get some sleep. You need it, baby.”

And with that, she was gone.

I didn’t know how long I slept, but I woke in darkness.

The smell of delicious food filtered into the room, and my mouth watered. I’d eaten little other than a slice of toast at Lucy’s house before leaving. What had Naomi said about a roast dinner?

I opened the bedroom door and crept into the kitchen. Music played, Naomi’s sinuous hips swayed to the music, her melodic voice singing quietly. She still wore the trousers but had lost the heels, dancing in her bare feet.

Hidden from view, I watched her, falling deeper under her spell, and for a moment, I could hardly breathe. Did I love her, or was it infatuation? In all the time I’d been with Kate, not once had I felt this way,as if my world started and ended with Naomi.

She was my first and final thought every day. Only time would tell, but if someone asked me where I saw myself in a year’s time, it’d be right here, watching her.

Feeling brave, I walked towards her, my footsteps quiet on the tiled floor. I made sure she had nothing in her hands and slipped my arms around her waist, pressing my face into her back.

“Jesus, Ellie. You scared me to death.” But she continued to move from side to side, her hands now clasped around mine.

“Has it only been three weeks since we met?” I wasn’t even sure it had been that long.

“I feel I’ve known you a lifetime, Ellie Sharpe, but my life before you was nothing compared to now.” She turned towards me and stroked a stray lock of hair from my face. “I can’t imagine never knowing you. You see me for who I am, not who I was.”

“Because we’re here in the present, and who you were made the person you are today. The person who looks past my insecurities and sees the beauty I struggle to see myself.”

“It’s not what you look like but the person you are inside. You have a good, kind heart. You’re not false or dishonest. You’re selfless and a damn fine girlfriend.”

My heart fluttered as her lips met mine. If I were poetic, I’d probably talk of choirs of angels singing hallelujah, but I sank into her embrace, knowing that all roads led here. All the shame I’d felt dissolved with her kiss.

She was my home. With Naomi, I could be the person I should have been, live the life I wanted to live.

She wouldn’t try to dictate or make demands as Kate had done, because she’d suffered too and knew that the road to a happy life wasn’t filled with arguments and disagreements but with love and honesty.

I broke the kiss and gazed into her warm brown eyes, so full of what I hoped was love.

“Is it too soon to love you? Is this infatuation or lust? Why do I want to spend every waking moment with you?”

“Sometimes, people are meant to be. Rupert knew the moment he met Walter that he was the one. The moment I saw you, I knew you were someone special. So no, I don’t think it’s too soon at all.”

A buzzer broke the bubble we were in.

“Shit, that’ll be the pie ready. You can help me dish up, and we’ll talk more over dinner. There’s wine chilling in the fridge. Could you open it for me?”

I watched with amusement as she donned an apron and went into domestic mode. I was sure she’d told me she couldn’t cook, but it all looked good to me.

“Don’t just stand there.” She threw oven gloves at me and gestured to the oven. “Get moving, detective.”

Like dancers on a stage, we moved in tandem. Naomi carved the meat left to rest on the worktop. I plated up the rest of the food, my stomach gnawing at my insides, reminding me how hungry I was.

I followed her to the dining table, where an intimate setting for two was laid out. Candlelight danced on the walls from the many flickering candles dotted around the room.

It was the perfect setting, and I almost wished I’d waited with my declaration of love.

With the food served, we sat opposite each other.

“I hope you like it. I rarely cook because I actually can’t.

Well, I can, but only a roast dinner. It was the one thing drilled into me in my final foster home.

Mainly so they didn’t have to cook. That’s probably why I don’t do it these days. Too many poor memories.”

“But you cooked for me. Thank you.”

She shrugged. “It was worth reliving them to see a smile on your face. Now, let’s eat and drink.”

The food was good, the wine even better, and don’t get me started on the perfect company. I’d not been happier in a long time.

“So, tell me more about the weekend. What’s next for your mum?”

“Lucy thinks we should put her in a home. I tend to agree, but she’s so fucking independent, she’d hate it.

I can’t help feeling guilty,though. It puts so much pressure on Lucy.

I had thought about moving back, but I’m not her.

I have no patience and would end up arguing or putting my foot init as usual.

I’m better staying out of it and supporting her when I can. ”

“I don’t think you should move back, but that’s purely selfish reasons on my part. I’ve only just found you.”

I smiled as she reached across the table and took my hand.

“I can’t imagine being anywhere else but here with you. I don’t know what the fuck is going on, Naomi. My head is in a spin, and I get butterflies when I see you. I’m like a teenager with a crush.”

“I’m so glad to hear you say that. It’s not too soon, is it? When something feels this right, it has to be a good thing.”

I brought her hand to my lips and kissed it. “Do you think that pie will keep?”

“Absolutely.”