Page 62 of Just a Number

“That sounds like a good idea. I don’t think I’ll be able to go out in public anytime soon though. I must look like a disaster.”

“You’re beautiful. Stop fishing for compliments.” He lays a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” He leads me upstairs and into my ensuite, nudging me to sit on the closed toilet seat. He wets a flannel, wringing it out before stepping in front of me. “Tell me if I rub too hard, okay?”

He doesn’t. His touch is gentle and I sit quietly, gazing at the concentration on his face as he cleans mine.

“Do you have some cream we can put on?”

“Over there in the top drawer.” He opens the drawer and appears baffled by the spread of skincare items laid out. “The purple one, please.” He passes the moisturiser over andI unscrew the lid before dabbing some on my cheeks and forehead, massaging it into my skin.

“I’m not working tonight,” he tells me as he crouches at my feet, brushing some loose hair from my face. “How about we find one of those crime shows you like and order in some dinner?”

“I don’t think I’ll be much company tonight, Alex. I’m sorry.”

“Baby, you don’t need to entertain me. I just want to stay with you, so you’re not alone when you’re sad. Is that okay?”

“I don’t think I’m in the mood for sex,” I warn.

He quirks his head to the side and bites the inside of his cheek. “That’s not why I’m here. Let me take care of you, Mel.”

“Okay,” I agree with a nod as warmth spreads through my chest.I like having someone to take care of me.

“If you’re not in the mood for crime, you can help me pick a new book to read if you like?” he suggests, standing and tugging me up. With all the drama of Zack discovering us, I’d forgotten he’s been sneaking my books out.

“You’ll have to show me which ones you’ve read so far, and then I’ll recommend some.”

“Do you know, I hadn’t read books for years, but I’ve fallen down a rabbit hole with all that smut on your shelves?” The grimace he pulls makes me chuckle.

“Seriously, you’ve not been winding me up? You really have been reading my romance novels?”

“Uh-huh. I read one with a guy with tattoos the other day. He was in the mafia and snuck into her house to escape the police.”

“I love that one. She’s one of my favourite authors.”

“Well, come on, tell me which ones I should read next.”

Chapter twenty-four

Alex

I’m just arriving at the studio ready for the open house event when I see Mel. She’s had a few wobbles the last couple of days since Zack left, but she’s also been busy with the last-minute organisation of this event. I think it helped take her mind off it.

She’s standing in the middle of the big, airy entrance hall commanding the space around her. She’s dressed in one of those killer tailored skirts that skims her hips and makes me want to get on my knees and crawl over there to worship at her feet. She’s talking to a small group and they all look as rapt as I do. One of them gives her a nod and jogs away, and she turns her attention to the next person.

I don’t want to interrupt, but it’s fascinating to see her in a work setting, running the creative awards event. Each of the units is opening before the awards for guests to look around and see what we do. It’s the first time it's been held and everyone's been super excited about it.

There are a few people I know up for awards, but I didn’t get a ticket to the ceremony itself. Hopefully, I’ll still be able to snaffle some canapes. Brenda called me in to help out as she is attending the awards. I’ll be spending most of my time demonstrating on the wheel.

I tear my gaze away from Mel to head into the studio and start prepping for the demonstration.

I’m busy wedging balls of clay ready to go when someone makes their way in. I look up to see Mel chatting intently with another woman as they approach. I don’t know how to play this.Are they colleagues? Should I greet Mel like I know her?The decision is taken out of my clay covered hands when Mel gasps my name in surprise.

“Alex.” Her mouth gapes before she squares her shoulders and gathers her composure. “I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight.”

“Hey, Mel.” I raise my eyebrows, giving her the smirk that seems to fire her up. “I got called in to do some demonstrations.”

“Oh, wow.” She seems to forget herself and where she is, her gaze locked on my hands as I continue to knead the clay to make sure all the air is out of it.

“So what do you want us to do about the drinks, Mel?” the woman beside her asks. Satisfaction eases into my bones when she has to tear her gaze away, her bottom lip caught between her teeth and asks her colleague to repeat the question.

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