The First Touch (Templer Series) (5 page)

BOOK: The First Touch (Templer Series)
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“Oh Mia?
You really must meet my brother Jake” A wry smirk playing around his mouth.

“Oh, Drew….just to bring you up to speed….I just met him about half an hour ago….and
you can tell that little pip squeak, well, I could suck him in and blow him out in bubbles, dude!” she retorts, and with that, we both turn laughing to see Drew stood, open jawed.

 

Chapter Seven

 

“Good evening, Miss Teague. Nice to see you again” Thomson is standing at the passenger side by the Gullwing doors of the Mercedes. He takes my small overnight bag, without question, and places it in the boot, before sliding in beside me.

“Well, good evening to you, Thomson…but I’d much rather you called me Tilly. After all, it won’t make much
difference, will it, as we’ll never meet again after tomorrow?”
Yes, that shook his coolness as I notice him flinch uncomfortably.

“I-I suppose I could, but I would prefer to refer to you as Miss Teague, if you don’t mind”

“Oh, but I do mind…very much…I insist you call me Tilly” I’m playing with him, my balls have definitely grown. Mean, I know, but I can’t help it.

“Tilly….ma’am. As you wish”

“And you are?”

“I don’t understand?”

“You must have a first name, Thomson, can you tell me it please?”

“Mark….Mark Thomson…but I really must insist, ma’am, I mean Tilly
, that you only call me Thomson” he shoots me a sideways glance and I throw him a big smile in return. He knows I’m playing with him and he’s wilting. He struggles to remain focussed but I note the twitch of a smile quiver at his mouth.

“So where is your master taking this poor and defensive fair maiden on this fine evening, Mark….oops, Thomson?”

“Tilly, you are headed to Newquay…..and into the lion’s den” he is openly playing along now.


Newquay? That’s not very far from Mawgan Porth. Somehow, this fair maiden was expecting to be dragged to some little hut in the middle of nowhere…how very disappointing”

“I haven’t said where in
Newquay yet, fair maiden, and I’m not going to either!”

And he sticks to his word, a flirty pout in his direction not moving him.

The rest of the journey passes by with small flashes of conversation until I persuade him to turn the CD player on….loud. “Are you trying to get me fired, Tilly!” he grumbles roughly in frustration. I’m surprised to hear Cold Play suddenly fill the car, but before he can sink into deep frustration, we are both humming then openly singing along. I’m too busy killing
Paradise
that I don’t notice us turning in the direction of Newquay Cornwall International Airport and minutes later, we are entering the direct access for VIP’s. The car begins to slow considerably. It is then that I pay attention to where we are.


Thomson….we’re at the airport! What…what are we doing here?” I’m not so cocky now.

“It would appear that my master is dragging the fair maiden to a hut in the middle of nowhere, after all” He pulls to a stop at the foot of some flight steps leading to a Jet, throws me a sideways smile and exits the car.

I climb the steps behind him, and as we enter the door, he sweeps a low bow in my direction “After you, Tilly, and into the lion’s den” I giggle aloud, both of us abruptly coming to a halt when we turn to see Drew a few strides away stood glaring at Thomson.

“Thomson
! What the fuck?!”

Thomson’s face drops in horror. “I-I-I…”

I rear to his defence. “Don’t shout at him! If you must, shout at me! I’ve been winding the poor man up for the whole journey…”  I turn to face Thomson, with an apologetic smile “And he’s really quite frazzled!”

Drew runs a hand through his hair. “And are you indeed
,
frazzled
, Thomson?” He is still glaring, but his tone is softer.

“I’m absolutely fine, Sir.”

“Glad to hear it, Thomson” He nods, and with that poor Thomson exits the plane.

“You really must not treat the staff differently from me, Tilly. They have a role to fulfil and they need to be able to fulfil it effectively” He is shaking his head at me, again, running his hand through his hair.

“Are you scolding me like some child, Mr Templer, Sir, cos I’m just a fair maiden who don’t know no better” I tilt my chin at him, mock fluttering my eyelashes.

“Fuck, you’re killing me here, Tilly” he growls softly, before pulling me into him, his mouth searching for a kiss. I push him off forcefully.

“Oh, no, you don’t. No touching. This is a Quits Meeting remember…we didn’t agree on any touching! Now where shall I sit?”

Releasing me, h
e ushers me into an overly large, cream leather reclining seat. A small table rests between, and opposite, another large reclining seat. I buckle myself in and look out of the window, as I hear the engines start and the door closing on the plane. I’m still looking out of the window as the pilot informs Drew that the weather is expected to remain good and we are cleared for take-off. I’m desperately trying to look cool, like I do this all time, but inside I’m secretly bubbling with excitement.
I’m in a private six seater Jet with the most beautiful man on earth….oh fuck, oh fuck, oh yeah, baby….
The words are dancing around in my mind and I’m brought back to earth.

“You look stunning, Tilly.” Drew is staring at me. In fact, I think he has been the whole time but I’m ignoring it.

“Back at you, Drew” I continue to look out of the window, a small smile allowed to play on my lips.

I glance down at my outfit. I’m dressed in a simple, knee skimming black shift dress, accessorized by black Christian
Louboutin heels and my Marni clutch. My hair is tied loosely in a low bun at the nape of my neck which the hairdresser this afternoon assured me makes me look effortlessly chic. My make-up is simple; a slick of liner on my top lashes and two coats of mascara. But I have gone for a full lip, daring to try a red. I do feel scrubbed up.

Drew is breath-taking. Dressed formally in a dark, almost metal grey suit, white dress shirt and pale grey silk tie. He looks genuinely effortless, whereas I’ve spent almost all day getting ready….
however I’m giving off an air as though I just threw this together…
I wish

“So where are we dining and staying tonight?” I’m trying to avoid eye contact. The man is too damn hot.

“Browns in Mayfair. I hope that meets your expectations?” a playful lop sided grin meets my eyes as I turn, registering what he just said.

“Browns!
Seriously?! The Hix Restaurant! Are you kidding me right now?” And in one quick outburst, I have lost all my cool. I catch myself clapping my hands together, a huge smile erupting across my face.

Drew throws his head back against his seat and laughs
, loudly, for what feels like several minutes but in actuality is probably only moments. But in my embarrassment at my outburst, it feels like forever. “Did you just clap your hands?” He teases me.

Out of my embarrassment, and sheer childishness, I find myself retorting
“So I’m assuming all your other dates don’t show much excitement then?!” Immediately, regretting it and feeling foolish. He didn’t deserve that and it shows plain as day on his face.

“My other ‘dates’ as you call them don’t show much excitement, no, nor I in them…if I’m honest” Now it’s his turn to look out of the window. I flush, mentally berating myself.

“I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. Friends?”

“Friends….but if you are truly sorry….you can kiss me better. I’m really hurting here” He mock pouts at me.

“Don’t push your luck. If you’re a really good boy, I’ll let you hold my hand when we walk into the Restaurant”

“Really?!” and he teases me by clapping his hands excitedly together.

“Go fuck yourself, Templer!” I scowl at him but I can’t keep it up, and laugh with him.

Breaking our laughter, a flight attendant brings a tray with an ice bucket and champagne, placing it on the table between us. Drew
suddenly thunders at her. “We’ve been in the air for nearly forty minutes! We’ll barely be able to have a glass before we land! I’m not happy. Not at all”

I’m taken aback by his sudden change of mood. “Drew
!…It’s fine…seriously… chill out”


Don’t tell me to fucking chill out! I pay for this service and expect to get it…on fucking time!”

The flight attendant and I exchange
shocked glances briefly. She mumbles profuse apologies and scurries down the aisle.
This man is an arrogant shit
and I take up my position again looking out of the window. I hear him take a sharp breath inward, and blow loudly out of his mouth. I know he is running his hand through his hair without even looking at him.

“Tilly? Look at me. Please” His voice is soft and low.

“I’m not sure I want to….that was seriously rude, Drew” I’m still staring out of the window.

He unbuckles his seat belt, walks across and crouches by my seat. “Tilly. Look at me.”
A gentle tug on my arm.

I turn around to face him. “Are you calm again now?” I search his eyes and they are wide, almost desperate. I feel a pull in my
chest. Instinctively, I find myself touching a hand to his face. I jerk it away when I realise what I am doing but he captures it, replacing it on his face, holding his own over it. We stay, almost stuck here, for a few moments. And at this moment….it dawns on me that I am entering into dangerous ground. This man is pulling me in directions I promised myself I wouldn’t go…..it’s too soon…..I’m still raw.

“Tilly, I’m sorry. I will apologise to her immediately. I-I just wanted you to have a perfect evening….and I seem to be fucking it up with every breath I take”

“Drew?”

“Yes?”

“Pour me a glass of champagne…. I think I can see the lights of London fast approaching beneath us” I light-heartedly cuff his head, and with that, the pilot announces our descent.

 

Chapter Eight

 

As I promised I allow Drew to hold my hand as we exit the awaiting car, and walk into Browns. He continues to hold on to me tightly, fingers interlocked, while we make our way to his suite, The Hellenic, as we are dining there and not in the Restaurant. I hide my disappointment at not dining at Hix. My suite is close by, and as I deposit my overnight case, and return to Drew’s suite, I am in awe of this magnificent Hotel. When he opens the door to me, he is without his jacket, and his tie is loosened, the top button of his shirt undone. He actually looks better like this, younger and more relaxed.

The meal has arrived in my short absence so we immediately sit down to eat. Between mouthfuls, I can’t help looking around at this incredible suite.
The soft creams and browns and luxurious fabrics exude elegance. Putting my dessert fork down, I smile broadly at Drew, who has been charming, witty and attentive throughout the meal.

“That was truly wonderful, thank you, Drew.”

“My absolute pleasure, Tilly. Shall we take our coffee and brandy through to the sitting room?” He’s making to stand but awaiting my agreement. I nod happily. The waiter takes our drinks, and Drew helps me from my seat with an outstretched hand. I feel pampered and bubbly… aware that I have consumed quite a lot of alcohol. I’m heady but not drunk.

We settle for the huge, soft sofa. “Would you
be offended if I removed my shoes? I just feel so relaxed at this very minute that I want to indulge in the full effect.” I nod to my towering heels.

“Go right ahead. I’m going to remove my tie…to chill out further” We both laugh as I understand exactly the reference from the flight.

I stretch my limbs, roll my neck from side to side, and curl my feet up on the sofa. I sigh deeply laying my head back against the velvety fabric. For a second, I close my eyes, savouring the moment.

“How is your ankle now?
” Drew breaks the moment.

“Totally fine.
You don’t think I could walk in heels like those with a sore ankle do you?” l laugh, pointing at my shoes.

“Can I see it?”

“Seriously? You want to look at my ankle now?”

“Yes, I want evidence that you are totally mended.”

I stretch both my feet towards him. He touches the sole of my foot and I recoil with a giggle. He raises a wicked eyebrow at me.

“Miss Teague, I do believe that you are ticklish!”

I grab my feet back under me as he dives to make a play for them. “No, no please…I won’t be able to bare it” I’m laughing “Honestly, Drew, don’t”

“So are you ticklish here?” He pokes me in the ribs. I badly suppress a giggle. “Oh, you are!
And what about here?” Feathering touches along my collar bone. Again, another giggle, as I bat his hand away. “And finally, what about here?” He leans into me, impossibly close, rubbing a thumb gently across my bottom lip. I close my eyes, unconsciously, at the heat of his touch.

I snap open my eyes when the touch stops to find Drew staring deeply at me. Moments pass as no words are spoken between us. We are just locked in eye contact. I can feel my breath begin to quicken. Drew’s chest is rising and falling sharply. One of us needs to speak
, and soon, as the silence is deafening. I can feel my heart in my chest, pounding, causing me to inhale and exhale deeper.

BOOK: The First Touch (Templer Series)
9.44Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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