Sweet Affection (Truth Book 3) (2 page)

Laurel

James looks down at me like I’ve just made his whole year. I couldn’t have done it without him. He’s been there the whole time, through tears and tantrums and shitty days. He’s wiped my tears, made me laugh, given me words of encouragement and hour long pep talks. He’s offered advice, put me in touch with any contacts that could help and one of the most important things, he drew up a whole new set of design plans for the Manchester store. We went up to the unit last month, took all the measurements he needed, and talked to some potential shop-fitters. It’s all happened so fast, in a good way, and I have him to thank for that. 

I look back when I hear cheers from the table and can’t help laughing when they all get up at the same time and throw their arms around me. That’s five people piling into me and I stumble backwards at the sheer force of it.

Blake ruffles the hair on top of my head, and the girls all kiss my cheek.

“I’m so happy for you.” Cassie says fiercely into my ear, and I pull back and see the tear falling. She’s like a sister to me, and every time she cries, she sets me off too.

“Thanks, chick. For
everything
.” She gets the meaning in my words. When I found out my mum had cancer, she was by my side constantly with unfaltering support and love. When I drowned myself in alcohol during a particular rough patch, she and Jen sobered me up. After Alex’s deception she put her honeymoon on hold to help James refurbish my wrecked store in secret. I owe her big time, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay her.

Ryan pulls me into his arms and kisses my cheek. “Congratulations, Laurel. You deserve it. I’ll get you a bottle of fizz. On me.” He winks as he walks away and I check back to make sure James was okay with that little encounter but he’s wearing the same reverential expression as he was just before. That’s the look I want to keep on his face. Always.

“I know you’re probably all thinking there wasn’t any need for the dramatics but I just wanted everyone here. Truthfully, I’ve missed you all, and I promise from now on I’ll be a better friend. As soon as the opening’s out the way, things should calm a little.”

Everyone makes their way back to their seats and James sits, pulling me onto his lap. His hand strokes a relaxing trail up and down my spine and I grip onto his hand resting on my thigh. 

Blake leans forward, “You’ve done really well, sweetheart. Let me know when you shortlist shop-fitters and I’ll meet with them beforehand if you want?”

I glow under praise like that. It’s not in the slightest bit patronising to me. Blake runs a huge construction company that have their fingers in a whole load of pies. He took over when his dad retired and it’s just kept growing ever since. If there’s anyone’s advice I’ll take, it’s going to be his.

“Thanks, that’d be great.” I smile over at him. His arms are tightly wrapped round my best friend. I love how he treats her. Like she’s the most precious thing in the world.

“So, are you going to be moving to Manchester?” Jen asks quietly. I turn and see Cassie and Jen’s eyes on me more intently. It didn’t even cross my mind that that’s what they’d think.

“No, sorry ladies. You’re not getting rid of me. I’m hiring a store manager. And it’s only a couple of hours away, so I’ll make, maybe, a few trips up there a month. Depending on sales.” I see the relief flood their faces.

“So, who else has got news? I’m sick of talking about myself.” A waitress comes over with a bottle of champagne, and I turn my head to meet Ryan’s eyes and mouth
thank you
. He grins and throws another quick wink in my direction. Ryan and I have had a couple of moments of madness in the past year but he’s such a great friend, I’m happy there’s no awkwardness between us.

“Everything’s pretty quiet on the Richards front, isn’t it baby?” Cassie presses a quick kiss to her husband’s cheek.
They’re so cute.

“Yep. Nothing to report this time.”

“So when we gonna get some babies round here? I want to be super cool Aunt Laurel. Need to show your little girl how to strut her stuff and work what her mamma gave her so those boys come running.” I wiggle my eyebrows at Blake and he growls loudly.

“You do that Matthews, and I’ll teach your son everything I know about how to get laid.” Cassie rolls her eyes, and I throw my head back laughing. He plays dirty. There’s no way I’d allow my son to be a man-whore like he is.
Was.

I take a sip of champagne, and pull James’ arm tighter around me.

“So, I also have a little bit of news.” Em says warily as she leans forward. We all turn our heads and wait for her to carry on. She looks sad, but there’s also a hint of excitement in her eyes.

“I’ve been approached by an inner city school in London, that’s failing miserably to provide the support the kids need. They’ve offered me a job.” She takes in a breath and smiles shyly. “And I’ve accepted it.” She watches us as we take that in. She’ll have to leave Stamford to work Monday to Friday in London.

“Before you all say anything I only found out a couple of days ago.”

Jen puts her arm round her shoulder and hugs her to her side. “That’s amazing news.” She kisses her cheek. “And we would never judge you for keeping it quiet until you’re sure. It’s a big step. But you’ll be able to do some real good for the kids there. They’re gonna love you.
Hot teacher
.”

“Congratulations, Em. When do you leave?”

“They want to get me settled in as soon as possible. So I’ll see out this term, which ends next week. Then move over the holidays and start fresh next term. It’s happening pretty quick.”

I pout my lip and feel the tears pricking the backs of my eyes, but she doesn’t need to feel sad, it should be a happy time for her, so I blink the feeling away.

“Well tonight will be a double celebration then. Your leaving party!” I fill everyone’s glasses up again and a Beyoncé song comes bursting though the speakers.

“Come on ladies, it’s our jam. We have to go.” I scramble out of James’ lap and kiss his cheek. “Meet me on the dance floor, next song.”

We rush off and start shaking our hips to the music. I raise my hands in the air then wiggle my butt to the beat, throwing my arm around Jen who looks a little stiff. She’s the most self-conscious out of all of us. But I don’t get why. She’s beautiful. She relaxes against my side and starts to twist and gyrate more fluidly. We sing along to the music forgetting everyone else around us on the dance floor and after a few more seconds I look around to find three guys have appeared, moving behind us and watching our asses; so annoying.

I shoot them a look to say back off but that doesn’t faze them. The one that’s looking directly at me lets his eyes wander way too low for my liking and smirks, the creep.

Where’s my man when I need him?

I look over to our table and see Ryan sitting with James and Blake. They’re chatting and laughing, then all raise their heads in our direction. When James’ eyes find mine, I forget about the guy near me and do my best to throw him a seductive smile and move my hips, dangerously slow, but he doesn’t smile back. A hand clamps onto my waist but before I’ve even had time to throw it off, it gets ripped off me.

“What the fuck are you doing?” James’ cold voice cuts through the music to my ears. His intimidating eyes are burning into the guy who now has his arms folded in front of his chest. He adjust his cap to the side, so his face can be seen properly. He’s got blond hair peeking out the edges and that arrogance hasn’t left his face. The guys that were with him are still towering over us girls, obviously not wanting to walk away from their friend in case James starts something.

“No ring on her finger.” He shrugs.

“She’s taken. Get the fuck out of here.” He snaps out, and pulls me back behind him while he steps forward. There are people still dancing but they’ve widened their circle around us and have not so subtly shifted their attention to us. In a flash, Blake appears at James’ side and stands up tall, puffing his chest out.

“Have we got a problem here?” He directs at the guy in front of him.

“Actually yeah, we’ve got a problem. We’re trying to dance with these hotties and he’s cock-blocking us. Need to keep him in check, dude.”

Stupid dick.

Movement to the side jerks my eyes to Cassie. The asshole behind her has moved in closer, and his hands lay on her shoulders.

“Hey, get off.” She tries to knock his hands away but they squeeze harder. Blake stiffens, and when the other guy smiles slowly, Blake lunges towards him and I reach over to drag Cassie away before she gets hurt.

He knocks him to the ground, and his fist connects with his jaw with a hard, punishing crack. I wince, then shake my head.

Don’t feel sorry for him, you big baby. He put his hands on your friend without her permission.

Blood pours from the guy’s lip and his hands claw at Blake to try and chuck him off but it doesn’t work. Blake lands another hit before the guys’ friends try to break it up. Ryan comes jogging over and with James’ help, they pull him off. His friends help him up and drag him still lashing out towards the exit.

“Stay the fuck away from them, assholes.” Blake shouts over the music.

Ryan glares at James. “Could you not have stopped him yourself?”

“Could have. But that was more fun.” James grins, and Ryan shakes his head, then uses his walkie talkie to let security know to watch out for them at the front door and keep them out.

Cassie rushes to Blake’s side and fusses over the little cut on his forehead. He wraps his arm round her and kisses her fiercely on the mouth. I smirk and mouth
caveman
to him as he pulls away.

“Damn right.” He chuckles. “Excuse us, guys. I’ve got to take my wife home and spank her ass for wearing such a short skirt tonight.” He rests his hand on the small of her back and edges her forward and I watch them until they’re swallowed up by the crowd of people.

“It all started because one of them put his hands on you. Maybe I should spank your ass too.” James looks down at me with a wiggle of his eyebrows and I have to clench my thighs together tightly to relieve the ache his words have created.

Ryan clear his throat. “Okay, my cue to leave. No more fights please. Later, guys.” I’m glad he didn’t wait for a response because words get stuck when James’ eyes pin me with that look of pure hunger. It heats me down to my core. But tonight, I’m staying at home. Mum wanted us to spend the day together tomorrow. She’s got a check-up to make sure she’s stayed in remission and talk about any worries she still has.

“Come on, let’s go before I actually let you spank my ass in front of everyone. Em, I’m so happy for you. We’ll come and wave you off, just let us know what day you’re leaving.” I hug her, squeezing tight and pull away with a tear rolling down my cheek.

“Thanks Laurel.”

James kisses her cheek and we say goodbye to Jen before leaving the bar, hitting the cold air as we walk outside. I plaster myself right up against James’ side as we head to the car, to try and share some of his warmth, but he peels his jacket off and lays it around my shoulders. I smile up at him gratefully, and he plants a sweet kiss on my lips. It’s always so easy between us. He opens the passenger door, and bows playfully before I climb in and blast the heat up high. I’m so sleepy by the time he pulls up to my house, I get out wishing my mum will be asleep so I don’t have to think about making conversation.

I just want my bed.

The bed that will be extra cold tonight without James.

Ugh, surely I can survive one night without him?

He moves a lock of hair away from my face and I sway, my cheek moving to follow his hand and rub itself against it.

Since when did I purr like a cat, too?

“Tell me why I have to sleep without a beautiful woman in my bed, again?”

I put my arms around his neck and stand on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

“My mother needs some bonding time. She’s gone from seeing me every day to seeing me a couple of times a week, and that’s only in passing. I feel like I’m just using her house, my home, like a hotel these days.”

“Yeah I get it.” He sighs, “Pick you up tomorrow night?”

“You bet. We’ll be back by six, so give me an hour to get ready.”

“Nope.” He grins. “You get half an hour. I’ll be here at half six.”

I roll my eyes and pout out a
fine
before kissing him again and walking inside; there’s no use arguing.

The house is dark, and when I shut the door, I hear him pull away. I’ve still got his jacket so I get ready for bed then pull it into the bed with me, resting my hand on it. I duck my nose and sniff and let his scent wrap round me in a warm and comforting embrace.

Just as I’m drifting off, my phone beeps. The light from the screen directs me to it in the dark.

My beds cold without u. Don’t like this arrangement. U need to move in wit me. x

I grin and burrow into the pillow as I type out my reply. He’s mentioned moving in together a few times before. I keep saying no, but it’s more to do with my mum than not wanting to. I guess I’ll find out how she’s getting on tomorrow.

No. Again! But my bed’s cold too. I have your jacket wrapped round me. x

Was that just a bit too creepy to mention?
Oops.
The reply comes quickly.

Never been more jealous of a damn coat! And I’m not giving up. You’ll succumb to my charm eventually ;-)

We’ll see. Night baby. X

Sweet dreams, beautiful x

Chapter Two

James

Waking up to an empty house for the third day in a row gets my morning off to an irritatingly crappy start and knowing my girl isn’t even in the same county now makes it even worse. She’s gone up to Manchester to meet with the shop-fitters again. But today I’ve got a meeting with a well-known architect, Seb Burrows. I’ve worked with him plenty of times before and consider him a good friend, so hopefully that will pull me out of the stupid funk I’m in.