Page 42 of The Blind Date

I also didn’t know Cedric would be on the other side.

“Sorry. I should get changed into something more appropriate," I murmured. I was very aware that my robe wasn't the thickest material in the world, and it ended a little above my knee. Not to mention the fact that I wasn't wearing anything underneath after rushing to escape the cold spray from my attempted shower earlier.

"If you want, sure, but I think you look fine like that," Cedric shrugged and got back to work. "You look comfortable."

"I feel comfortable," I murmured in agreement.

“Don't change because I'm here. This is your apartment, after all, and I'm just here to look at your boiler. I'll be gone shortly."

I hummed and pursed his lips, still undecided.

“Can I make you a cup of tea?” I offered. “Or a coffee, perhaps?”

“Not this late at night, but thank you. Maybe next time.”

Next time? I wasn’t aware there was going to be a next time.

As if Cedric could sense the direction of my thoughts, he laughed. I stuck around for a little longer, trying to get a look at what he was doing over his shoulder, but when yawn after yawn escaped me, I moved back to the sofa to take a seat.

“Someone’s tired,” Cedric hummed, his voice quiet.

“It’s been a long day,” I murmured back, crossing my arms over the back of the sofa to rest my head on. “I was going to take a hot shower and get into bed but look where that’s gotten me.”

“Don’t worry. Tomorrow will be better.” Cedric spoke with so much conviction that I wanted to believe him.

“How can you be so sure of that?” I asked in a sleepy voice.

“Because after a bad day, tomorrow is always better. Especially if you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom.”

Alfie had mentioned that Cedric had gone through a messy divorce a few years ago and that he had recently started opening up to them about it. Could that be the rock bottom he was talking about?

If so, he was certainly qualified to give such advice.

I must have fallen asleep because one moment I was watching Cedric work magic on my boiler, and the next, he was towering over me, a humoured grin on his face as he stared down at me, gently shaking me awake.

“Did I fall asleep?”

“You did.” He nodded, moving to take a seat on the coffee table. “I don’t blame you. Watching someone fix a boiler isn’t very entertaining.”

“You managed to fix it?” I asked, the relief seeping into my voice as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes.

“No, but I've found what the issue is," he grinned triumphantly. "It's old, sure, but it looks like the pressure has just dropped. There’s still some life left in the old boy."

“How do we fix the pressure?” I asked with no idea what I was talking about.

“I can drop by tomorrow after work to fix it. Believe it or not, it looks like I’ve left my screwdriver in my other toolbox. And I don’t suppose you have one?” I shook my head, and he grinned. “Didn’t think so,” he chuckled.

“Thank you so much,” I smiled gratefully at him, moving to sit up. “Are you sure I can’t make you a cup of tea or something before you go?”

Cedric shook his head to the tea.

“I wouldn’t mind a glass of cold water.”

“I can definitely do cold water,” I grinned and headed to the kitchen to fetch him a glass.

The entire time, I could feel his eyes on me, and a warm flush spread over my cheeks. When I returned with the water, he accepted it graciously and purposely brushed his fingers against mine.

I took a seat on the sofa and watched his Adam's apple bob as he drained the glass. A lone drop of water dripped onto his bottom lip, slowly rolling toward the edge. My eyes followed the movement of his tongue as it poked out and sensually licked the drop of water before slipping back into his mouth. I know he was only drinking water, but that was one of the most enchanting things I had ever seen.

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