Page 156 of Pure Recklessness

The smell of freshly ground coffee and buttery pastries flooded my senses.

‘It’s more brunch than breakfast. Would you like some eggs? There’s smoked salmon and avocado too.’

I blinked rapidly, still trying to take it all in.

‘Wow. Your chef’s really spoiling us.’

‘Iris isn’t here today. She has Sundays off.’

‘So you did all this?’

‘I didn’t bake the pastries. And as much as I clearly deserve it, I’m unlikely to win Master Chef for putting a muffin on a plate or chopping a few pieces of fruit.’

He acted like it was no big deal.

But he was wrong.

It was a big deal.

Bringing me this brunch required thought, effort and time.

Blake was busy. Instead of using his precious minutes to reply to important emails, he’d taken time out of his day to bring me brunch in bed instead.

That wasn’t nothing.

That was everything.

‘Thanks. I really appreciate it.’

‘So?’ he said, not acknowledging my gratitude. ‘Eggs? Smoked salmon?’

‘This is more than enough.’

Blake nodded.

‘I’ve got some calls to make, so I’ll be in my office.’

‘No worries! I can put this in some Tupperware if you need me to leave now.’

‘Why?’ He stared at me blankly.

‘You just said you have to work.’

‘No. I said I was going to make some calls. If I wanted you to leave, I’d tell you. In case it’s escaped your attention, I’m direct.’

‘That’s true,’ I said, thinking he wasn’t the kind of person to drop hints. ‘You’re more likely to say “I’m bored of you now, so kindly fuck off”.’ I grinned.

Blake hadn’t been that rude yesterday, but I knew when he said Geoff could take me home, that he’d wanted me to leave.

When we’d first met, I found Blake rude. But now, I liked his directness. At least I always knew where I stood.

‘Precisely.’ Amusement flashed across his face. ‘So kindly eat your brunch at a leisurely pace whilst I make my calls.’

‘Yes, sir!’ I saluted.

‘What are your plans for this afternoon?’

‘No plans.’