by Mills, L. C.
“May I remind you raised voices do travel and you do have a guest Cameron?” His Welsh accent was tinged with a warning. I wondered if he had somehow seen me. I started to back away slowly.
“I am aware of that! Please escort Leopold from the premises and have the service lift codes changed again!” He sounded pissed off.
I turned and walked quickly into the kitchen making myself busy pulling open the fridge looking for bread.
“It's in the bread bin darling!” Cameron's voice made me jump I had expected him to go to the bedroom first, but he had clearly guessed I would make my way in here.
“Oh, thanks!” I turned and smiled at him. He looked tense. “Are you okay?!” I walked over to him abandoning the toast for now. I wrapped my arms around his middle. He was wearing a smart pair of black trousers with a crisp white shirt, with a maroon silk tie.
His arms wrapped around me, holding me to his chest. “I am now my unwanted guest has gone! I like the combination of blue and black looks good on you!” He let me go from the hug.
I grinned shyly at the compliment. “Want some toast?!” I ran my right hand over his tie and admired the darker red that made up the Paisley pattern it was slightly raised.
“Yes, please, you like the tie?!” He raised a brow at my fondling of his tie.
I let it go and patted it flat. “I do! It feels nice.” I stepped away and walked over to the wooden bread bin and pulled out the bag of bread. “How do you like your toast?! I go for a golden brown personally!”
“That’ll do perfectly for me too! I have peanut butter and such in the fridge.” He sat down at the counter and watched me with amusement.
I made myself busy getting all the items I would need to make coffee and noticed the fresh pot of coffee brewing on the unit.
“Jones knows I'm not a fully functioning human until I've had at least two cups of coffee in the morning!” He got up from the counter and walked around to the coffee pot. “Would you like one?!” He grabbed two mugs down from the shelf.
“Oh yes please! I'll get the milk out! I'm still teaching myself how to drink coffee without milk or sugar!” I put the bread in the toaster that sat on the corner. It was a four slice toaster so at least we could eat at the same time.
“I still have milk, I mean really it's not good for you in huge amounts!” He poured out the coffee without spilling a drop.
“Pro coffee pouring skills you got there!” I smirked as I handed him the milk.
“Years of practice and wearing a crisp white shirt doesn't look as good with coffee spots on it!” He smirked as he poured the milk and added two teaspoons of sugar to his own and paused, waiting for me to tell him how much I wanted.
“Oh same for me too!” I turned back to the toaster and got two plates out and pulled the lid off the butter he had in his fridge. I couldn't see any alternative so I assumed he only used butter and not a low fat alternative. It didn't bother me too much. I made myself busy spreading the butter onto the toast and then cut the slices from corner to corner so they'd be in giant triangles then I cut them again. “Always looks fancier cut this way!” I grinned as I handed him a plate.
“Why thank you.” He handed me a coffee with a grin.
“You're welcome!” I took the mug and walked back to the counter and pulled myself up to sit in the stall next to his. I placed my plate down and held the mug up to my nose to smell it. It smelt rich. I took a mouth full. It was just the right temperature. “Wow, this is good coffee.” It tasted good. Normally it tasted bitter. I wondered what blend it was.
“It's a Columbian roast, 7% something or another I can't recall now! Jones knows all about it, he makes his own blends sometimes.” He stated matter of fact as he sank half a mug before picking up a triangle of toast and stuffing it into his mouth.
I laughed at his explanation. “If we were in L.A right about now and you said something was Columbian and was 7% I'd be thinking you were talking about like cocaine or something! I had no idea you blend all different coffee beans and make one roast, interesting!” I laughed as I eat my own toast.
“Yes, well we're not in LA darling, we're in London!” There was something in his tone that I wasn't sure of so I fell silent and eat my toast. He'd not even reacted to me talking about drugs. Anyone else might have found that odd. I guessed in his line of business it wasn't as if he didn't know bands used drugs, recreational mostly but some bands really did have problems.
“So I was thinking I'm gonna head back home for a bit, I wanna dig out some old band shirts for the gig tonight!” I traced the pattern on the mug with my fingers.
“Jones will drive you, I've got meetings here all morning so you could come back for lunch!” He drained the last of his coffee.
“I can get the tube, I don't mind.” I reached over to where my jeans still sat from last night and picked up my phone.
“I would feel a lot better if you let Jones drive you! We aren't that near a tube station here so makes sense!” He studied me.
“Oh, I didn't know, I suppose it does make sense! I do have parking after all.” I unlocked the phone and found a missed call from my dad. “Why does he always call when I'm asleep?!” I sighed. He just never thought about the time difference. I sighed. I'd not spoken to him for a week or so now.
Cameron rubbed my right shoulder. “You're disappointed you missed his call! Maybe he just didn't think! Did he leave a voice mail or anything?!”
I smiled at him. “I'm okay, but I wanted to tell him about us! I'll listen to the voice mail later, he never makes any sense of them! It's always him just saying he hates these damn things!” I giggled.
“What do you think he'll say when you tell him about us?!” He let a breath go and studied me.
I chewed my lip. “I have no idea! He's kinda judgy, but aside from Sean, he's had no practice at having a daughter that dates guys so...” I shrugged.
He laughed softly. “Well, I guess I can understand that, but I'm sure if he knows you're happy and safe with me then maybe he won't mind so much!” He eat the rest of his toast and drained the last of his coffee.
I very much doubted my father would be remotely at peace with the idea I was dating a guy older than me and one that had a reputation like Cameron did but I liked that he was thinking positively.
“Yeah, maybe! Hey, so about tonight are we letting Georgia go to the front alone, or are we gonna be with her?! I wasn't sure what the drill was!” I leant on the counter and studied him.
He smirked “Well, normally she's got a little friend with her so I loiter at the bar, but I guess she'll be excited that you're with us so we can just see how it works out!” He adjusted his tie with an annoyed look on his face, making it completely off center.
“Stop! You're making it all wonky!” I slapped his hand lightly away and turned in my seat so I could adjust it.
“Yes, ma’am!” He raised a brow at me as I undid the tie and retied it correctly.
“Hmm, yes much better! You tied it wrong cause you were in a hurry earlier!” I smiled as I patted it.
He raised a brow. “I could get used to having you around! Do you know how to tie bow ties?!”
I laughed. “I do as it happens! That knot won't be going anywhere out of place now!” I leant forward and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.
He blinked. “Thank you.”
“You're welcome! I can't have people saying I send you off to work untidy! I have a reputation to uphold, you know!” I laughed.
He pulled me towards him so he was almost between my legs. “Hmm, yes but I can't go to work unless I've kissed you properly or I will be inclined to be distracted with thoughts of you.” He placed his hand on my lower back as his lips brushed mine softly.
“Can't have that now can we!” I grinned as I kissed him back until we both pulled away from the kiss.
“I need to go and sort my meeting out! Jones will take you back to your apartment and wait for you, he will then bri
ng you back here where we will have lunch and then later we will go fetch my sister!” He got down from the stall and picked up the two plates and mugs and put them in the sink.
I frowned, it wasn't that I minded being driven around it was more that I felt there was more to it, like he didn't want me using public transport. Was it because I was dating him now and it made him look bad or it was it just innocent?! “Okay, good luck with your meeting! Do you want me to stop anywhere and get food?! There is a good bagel place I found not far from mine, they do really nice food!” I got up from the stall and walked towards the door with him.
He pulled a face. “Oh yes, okay, surprise me with the fillings! I will be thinking about you until I see you next Evan.” He smiled softly, his eyes searching mine.
I smiled lopsidedly, my heart melted each time he gave me that unsure look.
“I will think of you too Cameron! I will return victorious with food so until then.” I stepped towards him and tiptoed to kiss him gently on the cheek. “Now get your ass to work Mr. Ballard!” I smirked.
He arched his head back and moaned. “Yes, Miss Watson! I shall look forward to your return!” He blew me a kiss, then turned around and headed for the city wing his shoes tapping as he went.
I caught the air kiss and held it to my heart. I had it bad for him and I loved the feeling I had somewhere in my chest, that was slowly expanding with joy. “I love you.” I said it under my breath as he disappeared down the hall.
“I love you too!” Cameron's voice floated back to me, he must have heard me.
I laughed as I made my way back to his room. I really did love him and I knew he loved me too. It felt good.
I went back to Cameron's room and headed for the closet to fetch my bag. I studied the line of shoes that were on the shelf, I didn’t dare look at the labels because I knew they’d all be high end. I still wasn’t 100% comfortable with him buying me things. I choose a pair of black leather chunky cleated soled boots, as I pulled the laces from the first few eyelets so I could get them on I felt something snag my hand. “Ouch! Damn that!” I pulled my hand out to find two little dots of blood forming where the metal from the eyelets had cut my hand just below my thumb of my right hand. It wasn't a bad cut, but it was deep enough to make it bleed. I stuck my hand to my mouth and sucked it before rummaging around in my bag for a plaster. I didn't have one so I just sucked it up and put the boots on and did the laces up as best I could without touching my palm. I liked theses boots, I was at least 3 inches taller with them on. They were kinda gothic. I shouldered my bag and went back out into the apartment and found Jones sat in the kitchen. I held my hand up to show him my cut which considering it was such a small cut was continuing to bleed. “So I kinda cut my hand, putting on the boots, one of the eyelets was raised slightly! Do you know where the plasters are kept?!”
He narrowed his eyes and hopped down from the stall looking concerned. “Let’s wash it before you cover it!”
I let him lead me over to the sink, I didn't really expect all this fuss from one tiny cut.
“It's okay, I can wash my own hand, it's just a tiny cut!” I used the antibacterial hand wash and then dried it on the paper towel.
He smiled. “It's just first aid basics! Wash it first to get rid of any foreign bodies Miss Watson! Now plasters are here, put some of this cream on it before, and keeps it clean!” He slid a small jar of antibacterial cream to me, the lid already off. “Wow, I never get this fuss any other time! My leg would have to be hanging off before my Dad actually helped!” I appreciated the fact he was being nice considering how small cut was.
Jones laughed. “Dads are like that! Cameron would want you looked after so!” He slid the plaster towards me, cut into a strip for me.
“Yeah, thanks.” I put the plaster on and smiled. “All done!”
“Indeed!” He started putting the first aid kit away, and jotted a note down in the little book, there was several things already in there for this year, I tried to glance but couldn't make out his handwriting from just a glance.
“Uh Cameron said you'd take me back to mine, but I can get the tube it's no issue.” I felt awkward he was having to drive me around, after having to fuss around me already.
He smiled kindly. “Yes Cameron said you'd say that, I really don't mind and besides it’s my job! Plus, he wants me to scope out your security at the apartment and have any improvements needed sorted out!” He put the box back in the cupboard near the built in dishwasher and walked back over to the counter and drained the last of his coffee I stood with my mouth open in shock. There was nothing wrong with my security. Why was Cameron so concerned for all of a sudden?! My hand was forgotten temporarily.
Seeing my confusion Jones smiled. “He can be a little over zealous Miss Watson but he means well! He just wants to make sure you're safe!” He smiled. “This way, if you're ready that is.”
I shook my head. “Yeah cause his apartment has such good security that his unwanted guest hacked his way into the service lift!” I snorted as I joined him at the door.
Jones clenched his jaw. “Yes, well that's Leopold for you! He's shall we say a thorn in my side! I thought I'd got him after last time, but he damn well did it again! He won't get past me again, though I can assure you!” He sounded like he thought of it as a challenge and I took the opportunity to ask questions.
“So who is this Leopold that he can get past your security measures and why doesn't Cameron like him?!”
I attempted to look as innocent as I could as we walked through the hall and into the reception hall that housed the lift. I studied the small room with interest, the walls were silver with a stunning black and gold crackled glass table with a bunch of fresh roses in a clear glass vase. It was plush. They reminded me of the roses Cameron had sent me and I grinned at them lopsidedly.
“Leopold is someone you won't need to worry about Miss Watson.” The lift doors pinged open. “After you.” He indicated for me to walk in first.
I smiled and walked in and waited for him to step in. I didn't mind him calling me 'Miss Watson' it was more that he was being deliberately obtuse, he knew I was on a fishing expedition.
I turned the face the doors and saw him study me. “No CCTV in the lifts, really should get that fixed. Leopold is one of the old fashioned types of gentry! He doesn't think Cameron knows his own mind! Thinks he's making a rash decision, but I trust he knows what he's doing and I can see for myself you are a genuine young lady. I've watched him with you, and you with him, he's different, in a good way and that really is all I'm saying now!” He grinned at me.
I was shocked into silence for a second or so. He was open with me because Cameron wouldn't know he'd said anything. So the argument I had overheard had maybe been about me. “I appreciate that you can see I'm not some little gold digging tramp! Lord knows I've scared enough of them away from my own father, but why does this Leopold even care for?! Is he something to do with Cameron's family?! Also, I think we both do each other good!” I sighed.
Jones glanced at me. “I know you are good for him, I can see that! If it was up to me, I would tell you who he was and what I know his game will be but I can't! Cameron wouldn't like it and it's up to him to tell you, he's never had to tell anyone anything before, so sharing things with you is new.” His face turned serious for a moment. “I fear Miss Watson he will learn the hard way, but most likely at your expense.” He turned around and faced the same way as me.
“Oh.” I was confused. I was convinced though that this Leopold was something to do with Cameron's family. Maybe they did think I was some cheap little gold digger, but what did that say about what they thought of Cameron?! That he would be stupid enough to fall for that?! He was smarter than any of that! He loved me, and I loved him and that was all we wanted! I wasn't easily scared off either. “What do you mean at my expense?! Is that meant to be a warning Jones?!” I crossed my arms across my chest feeling a little defensive.
“I shouldn'
t have said anything, you look upset. I am sorry.”
I shook my head at his reflection in the lift door. “You didn't upset me, don't worry!” It was true he hadn't. I was just kinda pissed off at it all. I just wanted Cameron to tell me things and to be level with me. It was true what Jones said, though he was new to it, he'd learn the hard way about sharing the information I just wished I understood the Leopold connection because if I did then I'd be forearmed.
“Almost at the bottom now! Do you need to go anywhere before I take you home?!” He seemed relieved that I wasn't upset and that I hadn't pushed him any further on the subject.
“No, but on the way back, I told Cameron I would pick up lunch, there is this bagel place down the road from mine!” I grinned.
“Ah, okay. That's fine, now you have parking don’t you?! Shall I ring ahead as we drive so they know you'll be using the spaces allocated to you?!” He stepped out as the lift doors rolled open. He was back to being Jones, Cameron's trusty right hand man.
“Oh yeah, I guess that's a good idea, Cameron said he'd sort my driver’s license out and refused to let me buy a Smart car!” I laughed, remembering his outrage.
Jones chuckled deeply. “Ah yes, he's not a fan of small cars! In London to be honest a small car is a blessing, but you have parking so he'll sort all that! He likes to feel like he's in control in some way or another, but I guess you'll have worked that much out by now!”
I raised a brow. “Yeah, he has a habit of just assuming you know what he's going on about, I think his mind works about 50% quicker than mine does!”
He smiled and seemed to find something funny. “Oh, I dunno, you seem pretty equal to me! I think you are rather challenging him!”
I laughed. “Yeah, he drives me totally nuts, I'm not gonna lie, but in a good way! He also looks after me which is new!” I didn't say anything else as the lift doors rolled open and we walked out.
“This way Miss Watson.” Jones walked out and in the direction of where me and Cameron had come the night before after we'd parked the motorbike up.