Page 125 of Brighter Together

Ella breaks the kiss.

“Tommy.”

“What?”

“Not here.”

The reprimand would be more convincing if her breathing wasn’t uneven.

I glance down at the skirt.

“I warned you about those.”

She follows my gaze.

“I thought we established this was a you problem.”

“It continues to be a serious one.”

She laughs and stands.

I reluctantly let her go.

Ella cups my face and gives me one long kiss.

“That has to last until later.”

“It won’t.”

“It will have to.”

I grumble.

She smiles, then deliberately raises her voice.

“Well, sir, it is five o’clock, so I’m heading home.”

“Very subtle.”

“I have no idea what you mean.”

She opens the door.

Sheila is standing outside.

“Night, Sheila,” Ella says.

“Night, Ella.”

Ella grabs her bag and coat and disappears from her office into the corridor, but Sheila stays.

“What can I do for you Sheila?”

She steps into the office holding several sheets of paper.

“Rotas.”

“Thanks.”