Page 37 of The Date

“And I believe we’ve already established what nightcap is code for⁠—”

His finger rests against my mouth, cutting me off. “I know exactly what a nightcap is code for, sweetheart. And I’ve never wanted one with anyone as much as I do with you, but I don’t think you’re ready for one just yet.”

I frown. “I’m not?”

His lips twitch. “You’re shaking.”

“That’s because you kissed me senseless.”

“Exactly.”

“So?”

“So I’m not taking advantage of you when you’re this affected by a kiss.”

My eyes widen. “Affected?”

His smile turns wicked. “You’re practically vibrating with need.”

I glare at him. “Polly was right, you are an arsehole.”

This time he laughs. When he calms down, he leans in, places a soft kiss on my temple and steps back. “I’m going to leave now, Rose, but rest assured, when the time is right, I’ll be taking that nightcap.” He gently brushes his thumb over my cheek. “And when I do, I intend to make damn sure it’s worth the wait.”

My back is still pressed against the wall when he turns and stalks towards the door. I stare after him, my heart pounding and my body still humming from his touch, as he leaves without another word.

Damn him. He knows exactly what he’s doing. And the worst part? My brain may be telling me he did the right thing … the sensible thing, but my lady parts are already counting down the minutes until that nightcap.

Chapter 13

Rose

A nervous anticipation hums through me as I make my way down the long corridor towards my desk. I have no idea what I’m going to face when I see Bronson this morning, but apparently, my lady parts are still calling the shots. They insisted I wear sexy lingerie beneath my work clothes today, just in case.

They also decided I’m one elevator ride away from being laid out on my boss’s desk for an all-you-can-eat buffet-style seduction, so they’ve dressed accordingly. My brain, meanwhile, has been left out of the decision making process and is not impressed.

His office door is closed when I pass, and I can’t ignore the pang of disappointment that hits me. Is he having second thoughts already?

When I reach my desk, I get my answer. Two things sit waiting for me that definitely weren’t there when I left last night. A large takeaway coffee, still steaming, from the barista in the downstairs lobby, and a single long-stemmed rose. I stare at them, my heart doing a backflip in my chest.

A smile tugs at my lips as I pick up the coffee, inhaling its rich aroma before taking a sip. That’s when I notice the small card tucked beneath it.

One day soon, you’ll get your nightcap.

Until then, let’s start with coffee.

I set down the takeaway cup and pull out my phone. Since I’m a coward and too afraid to knock on his office door, I resort to sending a text.

Me: Thank you for the coffee and the rose!

Not-Brendan: You’re welcome, sweetheart x

My fingers brush over my lips as I stare at the x at the end of his reply, my thoughts drifting back to last night. It’s sweet, but I’d much rather have the real thing. My lady parts, naturally, are in complete agreement. They’re becoming outrageously opinionated of late.

It’s mid-morning when the sound of approaching voices pulls my attention away from my computer screen. My eyes lock on Bronson as he walks towards me with Callum beside him, and my heart immediately starts racing.

I’ve spent most of the morning glancing at his office door, wondering why he hadn’t even bothered to come out and say good morning, only to realise he hasn’t been in there at all.

Callum’s saying something to him, but Bronson’s gaze finds mine and locks on tight. The heat in his eyes is palpable, and my stomach flips.