Page 277 of Now and Forever

STELLA

The next day, Clive surprised me by picking me up from the office and taking me back to his home. Mind you, the man was serious about his baking capabilities. The cupcakes were divine. I had such fun with him that I forgot tomorrow was a working day and I consumed way too much champagne and wine.

I was knackered and beyond ready to call it a night.

“You can stay the night here. I can guarantee that I won’t even cop a feel until you beg me a few times. Then, I’m afraid, I’ll have to give in.” His blue eyes mocked me while I simply rolled my eyes at him.

It was time that I lived a little. It was time to have fun. It wasn’t like I was going to shag him. No, of course not… but I missed being held. A lot. “I need a spare toothbrush and a shirt I can sleep in.”

“You’re quite sure that you’ll be able to resist me all night?” he teased as he helped me to my feet.

“I will be in a coma soon, so you can forget about any of that,” I muttered, yawning.

He led us upstairs while his arm comfortably rested on my hip.

“There are clothes that are new in the next room. You can get whatever you need so you can go straight to work tomorrow.” He pointed towards the room on the left. “I remember you mentioning that you always went to work early so I have to ask what you eat for breakfast? I’ll make sure I have it ready before you’re even awake.”

This was a different side to Clive—the caring, attentive side of him—and, even though I’d barely spent that much time with him, I found myself liking the man.

It might not be on the same scale as Callum, but still, it was progress.

I did get what I wanted, though. I was held all night long. For me to even admit that he acted like a true gentleman, truly surprised me.

Clive didn’t even dare attempt once. That alone placed him in my top list. However, when I woke up the next morning to a full English breakfast and freshly brewed coffee, I was swaying towards him.

His persistence to drive me to work as he acted like the man in my life, really made me think long and hard.

Yeah, I definitely liked Clive Barrington. Now, what did I plan to do about it?

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