The One Addicted(33)
Unexpected but fabulous - rather like him.
The knock at the back door interrupts my daydream, as the kettle jiggles, reaching boiling point.; steam filling the room. All I want to do is have a hot shower and fall into bed. Reluctantly I open the door - who’d be here now?
“Chris! What are you doing here?”
He cocks his head to one side, leaning against the doorframe, messy hair and slightly over thought out. “Is that cuppa still on offer?”
I watch his sky blue eyes, assessing, skimming over me and step back with a welcoming arm gesture. What could I do here - he’d asked to come for a cuppa weeks ago?
“Of course. Come in. You must have heard the kettle boiling.” Just please don’t be long.
“How’s things, Lu?”
“Great thanks.” I grab two red and white striped mugs and hold one up. “Tea or Coffee?”
“Coffee Ta - black.” He takes a seat on one of the high backed stools at the island. “Listen, I just wanted to have a chat.”
I hand him his coffee before leaning back against the sink area - distance between us is more comforting. Taking a sip of my own brew I answer nonchalantly “Oh?”
“Yeah - I feel like we haven’t ironed things out since Seb’s house party, you know with Toni and then Hey Hey Ray.”
WTF?
Hey Hey Ray?
“We don’t need to talk about things Chris - Seb and I are fine. But thanks.”
Maybe he’s not so bad after all. He’s just a bloke who thinks with his dick.
“No, seriously I felt pretty bad. I knew nothing about Ray coming over - she was always a bit of a hanger on; nothing compared to you Lucia.” His brow jumps in agreement.
And there he is… the creep is back.
“Toni, I admit we’ve had an on off thing for months but I had nothing to do with her lies and fantasies - well maybe some of the latter. To be honest I was getting pretty fed up of her always asking about Sebastian.”
Me too.
“Chris, Chris, seriously its OK. But I appreciate your apology.”
“So you and I - we’re good? I’d hate to fall out and I know you and Seb are on, for now, but one of these days I’d still like to take you out. We have so much in common!”
Oh Crap. What is this guy on?
“I mean its not like Seb will settle down - its not his thing but I’ll be there for you when you need a shoulder to cry on.”
Ignore him. Don’t rise to it.
“All is going great at The Ashton - with my project management know-how and your design eye, you and I could go far. I can feel a beautiful business relationship forming here Lu and maybe…”
I know what’s coming and it’s certainly not going to be ‘more’. Quick - change the subject back to business again. But it’s too late as he continues, “Maybe you and I could set up together in business and pleasure?”
I choose to ignore the comment. To be honest I wouldn’t know how to broach it anyway. “The Ashton is going to plan, yes. I’m so pleased with how it’s all working out Chris. You’ll be dealing with my assistant Colin whilst I’m away in Dubai but you’ll be in very safe hands.” I smile into my cup and try to wipe away the image of Colin mauling Chris in the honeymoon suite. Revenge is a sweet gay man making a straight, neanderthal man uncomfortable.
“Oh, are you going to Dubai with Seb - didn’t think he’d be taking a bird with him?”
“Hmm mmm.” I smile back at him genuinely. I can’t wait and I’m not going to let Chris spoil it.
“Well… I’m not sure if I might be…hmmm… going too. It’s not nailed on yet but I know Sebastian will want me there.”
“Oh great. Nathan and Abby are going too.” Last thing we need is Chris goose-berrying.
His expression grows more serious, his pale icy- blue orbs, narrowing and I watch as he drains his coffee in a last gulp. “Right - well I better be off. I’ll see you this week at The Ashton?”
“Yep.” Not if I can help it.
“Ok, Lu. Well… I’ll see you then. Call me- anytime.”
“See you later, Chris.” I follow him over to the door, encouraging him to exit and manage to duck as he moves to drop a kiss on my face, narrowly missing my lips and grazing my cheek with rather painful stubble. That was uncomfortable and I know that if Sebastian had seen it he’d have been pissed!
“You’re very easy to talk to, Lucia. Thanks for the coffee.”
“No probs. Night, Chris.” I’m about to push the door closed on his retreating form before he can change his mind, when he does just that and lunges forward “If I don’t go to Dubai I’d be happy to keep an eye on your place for you whilst you’re not here - just give me a spare key.”