AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Neil squeezed my shoulders. “We can still have holidays. Romantic getaways.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“Be my guest.”
An unbidden smile burst onto my lips as I discarded my coat and scarf. “Fancy a cup of hot chocolate?” I asked, moving towards an area for preparing drinks.
“Sounds… indulgent.” Neil shrugged free of his suit jacket and tossed it over the arm of a couch.
“I’ll take that as a yes. Don’t worry, it’s bittersweet.” I filled the electric kettle with water and switched it on. “So, how’s Veronica getting on as the new leader of Zelthia?” I asked as I rummaged through the wooden case of complimentary drink sachets and tea bags.
Neil removed his shoes before sitting on the couch. “She’s taking it in her stride. Her first order of business has been to dissolve the partnership with Magnium Oil. Even that has been a challenge. It’s lucky Natasha’s so supportive of her career and stays home and looks after Benjamin.”
“And the Luxmore handover?”
“As smooth as I could hope for. Petra has returned to the admin department with a promotion, Winston is driving for the new CEO, and James is… well, carrying on as usual. Christine is also looking to get back to work. She’ll do great wherever she ends up.”
“So, you’re officially unemployed now?”
“As unemployed as you are.”
“And Daniel Ling.”
“Yes. His first trial was cut and dry. He’s languishing in a prison cell as we speak.”
“Will the police restart the investigation into Alex Patterson’s death now that Daniel is a confirmed criminal?”
Neil shook his head. “His family doesn’t want to, and I don’t blame them. Why reopen old wounds? It won’t change anything.”
“I agree.”
“I stand by my original conclusion that Alex was scared of Daniel, and that played a prominent factor in his death. The file I put together backed this theory. It helped build the case against Daniel when we submitted all our evidence.”
“I suppose that’s a worthwhile outcome.”
“Yes. I think so.”
The kettle came to a boil. I warmed a small pitcher of milk in hot water, then poured the contents of two hot chocolate sachets into mugs. I brought our drinks over to the couch, the rich, comforting aroma of cocoa wafting in the air. Neil accepted a mug, letting the whorls of steam kiss his face.
I sank into this moment, the two of us together, all the worries and dangers of the past behind us, with nothing but the promise of our future ahead. Watching Neil, I thought I saw the same sentiment reflected back at me.
“What?” Neil asked, smile widening.
I shook my head, unable to wipe the matching grin off my face. “Nothing. I’m just… happy.”
He draped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me snug against his side. I laid my head against his collarbone.
“Me too,” he said. “More than you could possibly know.”
He lifted his cup to his lips before taking a reverent sip. I followed suit, closing my eyes as the decadent beverage warmed a trail down my throat.
Neil let out a murmur of contentment. “Almost as delicious as you.”
I cocked an eyebrow. “But not quite?”
“Not quite.”
His eyes darkened with a molten intensity that made my stomach swoop. I set my drink down before he leaned in to claim my parted lips in a deep, luscious kiss. I flung my arms around his neck, my fingers tangling in his hair, as I met his ardent passion with my own. His mouth was warm and sweet. His tongue, imploring and insistent.
