Page 12 of The Man Upstairs

Of course. Yes. Rosie was matchmaking.

My smile soon dropped.

“I appreciate that, and I’m sure it would be lovely, but unfortunately, I meant it, too. I have meals lined up already, and I’m always very busy with office paperwork.”

“I see,” she said, and she did. She could read the meaning behind my words.

“It’s nothing against your mother in the slightest,” I told her. “I’m sure she’s a wonderful woman. She seems very nice.”

“She is. She’s brilliant! She’s so funny, and she loves being social, and she’s a great dancer. She’s probably out dancing right now.”

The poor girl sounded like she was presenting a dating site profile.

“I’m sure she is all of those things,” I said. “But I am very busy this month, and you really must have to go to work now.”

I walked along and opened the door, trying to coax her out, but she dithered, walking slowly. She paused when she got up next to me, and I caught her coconut scent again. She was so close it made my mouth water. I imagined licking her face. Christ, she needed to go before I did something stupid.

“The thing is–” she began, and this time I opted for honesty. I had to.

“I’m sorry that I have to make things this plain, but I’m not interested in dating your mother. I apologise for that, but I don’t want to waste anyone’s time. Neither mine, nor hers.”

Rosie’s eyes widened. I thought she might be about to cry.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “It’s no reflection on her, I assure you.”

The sweet little angel before me looked so disappointed that it stabbed me in the heart. I expected her to accept defeat and leave it at that, but she did neither. She stood in position in my doorway and looked me straight in the eye.

“I know Mum didn’t seem brilliant last night, being so upset from Scottie, but really, she’s great. Please give her a chance. At least one little chance to get to know you.”

She could have had her hands in the prayer position from her tone. It was terrible to have to tear the faith from her, but my silence spoke louder than words. I stayed quiet but solid, imagining her dropping to her knees and begging for more while I waited, but still, she didn’t let it go. Her efforts on her mother’s behalf were respect worthy.

“Please,” she said again. “She’s so happy you were so nice to her, and she’ll show it. She really wants to get to know you, and you’ll like her. Definitely. And if you don’t, that’s cool, just give her a chance.”

I wished I could have responded with a yes, but I couldn’t. I’d only be feeding her lies.

“Julian,” she carried on, and her use of my name was so meek, so endearing, that it stoked a further flame in me. “Really, I need to tell you that Mum likes you, because she does. That’s why she was going out tonight. She wanted to see you.”

I had to put out the fire and stomp it dead, so I lowered my voice.

“I don’t want your mother. She really isn’t my type.”

That startled her, which was no surprise, since her mother was an attractive woman.

“I know she might seem a little young for you,” she said, “but don’t let that put you off. Age doesn’t matter.”

I almost laughed at those words. If only she knew.

“Oh, it does,” I said. “Listen, please, because I’m going to be honest with you. I have absolutely no interest in your mother, and big age gaps don’t turn me off, in fact. They turn me on. Which is exactly why I’m warning you now.” I paused. “Go to work, and forget we had this conversation. And please, unless in an emergency, stay away from me.”

Her pretty blue eyes went so wide behind her glasses.

“Stay away from you? Why?”

I folded my arms, the temptation to reach out and grab her almost too much to bear.

“Because my restraint is poor at best, and this could be a difficult situation. It wouldn’t end well for anyone.”

She looked at me blankly, seemingly unable to fathom what I was saying, so Christ alive, I had to spell it out more clearly. I couldn’t help myself.