Page 119 of Brighter Together

Little minx.

I narrow my eyes at her.

She walks out before I can answer.

My attention follows her through the doorway.

When I look back, Alex is watching me.

He settles into the chair opposite my desk.

“So, you did make a move.”

I pick up my pen. “What are you doing here?”

“That wasn’t an answer.”

“It was the only one you’re getting.”

Alex folds his arms and waits.

That is worse than questions.

He has always been able to sit in complete silence for an irritatingly long time when he wants somebody else to crack first. He missed his calling. MI5 would have loved him.

I make it perhaps ten seconds before putting the pen back down.

“What?”

“I’m waiting for an answer to my question.”

“You’re sitting there waiting for me to confess.”

“Seems to be working.”

“Fuck off.”

He laughs.

“You watched her leave like you’d forgotten I was here, Tommy. And unless you’ve developed a sudden enthusiasm for being called sir, I’m guessing something happened.”

I should deny it.

Instead I find myself fighting a smile, which rather ruins any chance I had.

“You came here for a reason. Can we discuss that?”

“We can.”

Alex makes no attempt to continue.

Bloody MI5 skills.

Before I can tell him to get on with it, Ella returns carrying a tray.

She puts Alex’s mug down first.

“Tea.”