I wake up feeling groggy and disorientated.

Where am I?

‘Good morning, Gorgeous.’

Of course; I’m in Sam Byron’s bed.

What the hell was I thinking?

I blink a few times trying to wake myself up properly before stretching and sitting up.

‘Good morning.’ I reply.

He’s sitting at the end of the bed, freshly showered and fully dressed in a white t-shirt and pale blue jeans, looking bright as a button. ‘I didn’t have you pegged as such a morning person, Mr Byron.’

‘Who wouldn’t be waking up with such a beauty in his bed?’ he smiles back, moving to sit beside me.

I’m suddenly very aware that I’m naked and my nipples are betraying me, hardening under his gaze. I toy with pulling the sheet up but conclude there’s very little point in worrying about modesty now.

‘I very much enjoyed having you in there last night, too,’ he continues and I feel myself begin to blush as I recall the consequences of my own reckless actions, ‘even if you did crash out right after you had your wicked way with me!’ he grins, his eyes fixed on mine as he slowly and deliberately trails his fingertip around my traitorous left nipple. My breath catches in my throat, I’m powerless to the effect his touch has on me.

‘Well, it’s a very comfortable bed, Mr Byron,’ I reply, trying to ignore the pleasure he’s causing, ‘but I do apologise for the falling asleep — I made a new friend recently, and he’s kind of exhausting.’ I grin back at him.

‘Ah! But he does bring you breakfast in bed!’ he counters, ‘You a coffee girl, or juice?’ he continues brightly, cruelly abandoning my nipple as he picks up a wooden tray from the bedside table, ‘I wasn’t sure, so I brought both.’ He’s also served up fresh croissants, chocolate chip brioche and strawberries; I’m impressed. Who knew Mr Control freak could also be Mr Sweet and Attentive?

‘Coffee, thank you — milk, no sugar’ I smile gratefully,

‘Something else we’ve got in common’ he mutters, making his own the same way. I take a sip and stretch out against the soft sheets. I figure since the damage is already done; I may as well enjoy the full extent of my irresponsible decision making.

‘A girl could get used to this you know Mr Byron.’

‘Well, my offer from the playroom still stands’ he replies innocently. I scowl at him and he holds his hands up in retreat. ‘Okay, okay. I’m sorry. Eat your breakfast.’ I soften and take a bite of brioche. I’m way too tired for an argument, but a wondered does occur to me,

‘Speaking of your playroom,’ his attention is piqued, ‘it seems very convenient that there was a flogger in your bedside drawer last night — shouldn’t it be downstairs with the rest of your collection?’ he flashes that half smile without an ounce of shame,

‘It never hurts to be prepared Miss Blake,’ I’m trapped in his gaze again, ‘If you’d prefer to choose another toy, I’ve got a meeting late this afternoon, but I’ve got plenty of time I could spend with my good friend Jessica until then…’

‘Shit!’ I interrupt him,

‘Okay, sorry, crossed the line’, he replies.

‘No, it’s not that,’ I answer, ‘I have a meeting of my own today, I completely forgot. You’re very distracting Mr Byron.’ I add coyly, so he knows I’m not angry.

‘No worries, I’ll take you wherever you need to go.’ He replies, ‘Least I can do to make amends for the distraction.’ He grins, not looking like he feels remotely guilty.

‘No, it’s fine, thank you, I need to go home first, shower, grab some paperwork and stuff.’

‘So, I’ll take you home first and wait while you get yourself together — that’s what friends are for, right?’, he shrugs casually with a half-smile. It’s clear he’s not gonna take no for an answer, and actually, it would be really helpful, so I give in.

‘Okay, thank you. That would be great.’

‘Good.’ He beams, ‘Consider me your personal chauffeur for the morning.’

Sam Byron at my beck and call? A girl could get used to that too.

* * * * *

As I stand in the shower, shampooing my hair, I replay the morning so far in my head.

I haven’t woken up in anyone else’s bed in over three years, so I don’t have a lot of “morning after” experience to compare it to, but it was decidedly not awkward. I’ve known Sam Byron for less than a week, yet I feel completely comfortable around him as though it’s been years; I don’t even regret telling him my name — and I have never told a client my real name before. Of course, I’ve never met a client I wanted to submit to for free before either; so, I guess the two might be related.

I was a little concerned he might assume my impulsiveness from last night meant an open invitation going forward, but he’s actually been remarkably restrained. He did suggest I could save time and shower at his place, but I knew exactly how that would end and I’m on a tight schedule, so I declined. (Reluctantly, I admit.)

He was very well behaved on the drive over here, too. Partly because he had to concentrate on actually driving — Harvey had a morning off! Sam’s little black Porsche is decidedly cosier than the backseat of the Mercedes, and he looked ridiculously good with the top down, sunglasses on and the wind in that at all times just fucked looking hair of his.

There was an occasional slip in his resolve, I remember his knuckles grazing my bare thigh whenever he changed gear, but it was a tiny infraction compared to last night’s exploits.

I still don’t know what I was thinking with that. Well, that’s not true, I was thinking what the hell, live in the moment, do what feels good. And holy shit did it ever feel good. It’s been so long since I had sex that wasn’t paid for in advance, I’d forgotten how much fun it could be — and I had no idea how much of a thrill it would be to submit to him “off the clock”.

And it’s not just the sex (though the sex is fantastic!), I genuinely like spending time with him; it feels so natural and easy.

No doubt Crystal would be furious if she knew what I’d been up to, but she doesn’t, and she won’t. I mean, she might get curious if his bookings dry up because I’m fucking him for free, but that’s a potential issue for another day.

For now, I’ve got a meeting to get to, and a surprisingly accommodating Dom waiting outside to take me.

I get dried off and dress quickly, opting for a navy shift dress and nude patent heels. My hair is wild and I’ve no time to do much about it, so I pull it up into a messy bun and throw together a quick retro-glam makeup look to smarten it up — lots of liquid eyeliner and a berry pout. Very Katherine DeVere I giggle to myself. I check my reflection in the full-length mirror and smooth down my dress.

Good work Blake.

Now go grab the chapters for your meeting and try not to jump on your cutie boy driver before you get there.

Outside, Sam is leaning casually against the bumper of his Porsche, talking on the phone. As I make my way down the path, he ends the call, straightening up and smiling as he eyes me up and down and whistles.

‘Looking good, Miss Blake.’ He’s taken every opportunity to address me by name since I told him my real one, and I love the way it sounds on his lips.

‘Why thank you, Mr Byron.’ I reply with a mini curtsey, ‘You know you really didn’t have to wait out here, you could have come in.’

‘No, no. I respect the boundaries.’ He replies and I raise a brow at him. ‘Well, I try to.’ He shrugs, strutting round to open my door for me. ‘Where to then Miss?’ he asks in a terrible cockney accent after he’s slid in beside me. I give him directions and he starts the engine.

* * * * *

When he pulls in to drop me off, I’m suddenly very glad that Red Velvet have a floor in a shared building. Sam knows that my meeting is “book related” but was very good about not pushing for details. I doubt he has much knowledge of publishers and their particular niches, but better safe than sorry.

‘There you are Miss Blake, at your destination with time to spare.’ He beams at me, proudly. ‘You feeling confident and ready?’ He asks genuinely.

‘As I’ll ever be.’ I reply, feeling the hit of a wave of anxious nerves.

‘You’ll kill it.’ He says, taking my chin between his thumb and forefinger and kissing me lightly on the lips. I smile gratefully. He releases me and exits the car, quickly rounding it to open my door and help me out.

Still holding my hand, he strokes my cheek with his other.

‘Thank you for last night.’ His voice is rich and low.

‘Thank you.’ I reply, trying not to blush, ‘And thank you again for the lift, too, I can see why you keep Harvey so close — I kinda like having my own driver.’ I grin at him as I let go of his hand and head towards the foyer. ‘But I think we should get you a hat!’ I call back over my shoulder when I’m far enough away that he can not reach to swat my behind. I see him shake his head and smile before getting back in the car, then hear him call

‘Good Luck Gorgeous!’ as he pulls away.

* * * * *

I sit opposite Katherine DeVere and try not to fidget nervously as she goes through the new chapters I’ve just handed over. Being trussed up and at Sam Byron’s mercy is child’s play compared to sitting here waiting for this woman’s approval. After what feels like a lifetime, she removes her glasses and perches them on top of her head.

‘Jessica, these are fantastic.’ She says plainly. I beam, probably a little too much.

‘Thank you so much!’ I gush. She smiles at me warmly.

‘So, I have plenty now to submit you for our next publishing cycle and I have to say, I am quietly very confident that you’ll make the cut.’ I am jumping up and down inside with excitement. ‘However,’ she continues and my heart sinks, ‘Our calendar has been shuffled, and assuming you are successful, I’ll need your complete manuscript a week tomorrow to make the next deadline. Is that do-able?’

One week? Sure, no worries, I’ll write a sequel while I’m at it shall I? I mentally take stock of the other chapters I have that are very rough; can I really pull the whole thing together so quickly? Yes. Yes of course I can.

‘That shouldn’t be a issue.’ I smile, with false confidence.

‘Wonderful!’ She replies. ‘Then I’ll have Amelia make an appointment and look forward to handing you a cheque Miss Blake!’ She beams.

* * * * *

As I teeter down the steps towards the street, my brain is buzzing, trying to process what just happened. I’m actually gonna be a published writer! Alright, it’ll be under a pen name and nobody will ever know, and I’ve got a shit load of work to do in the next week, but still! Me, Jessica Blake, a published writer! I grin to myself like a maniac. My phone starts ringing and I rush to scoop it out of my bag.

‘How’d it go, Gorgeous?’ Sam’s voice drawls down the line and I feel my smile widen.

‘Really, really well actually.’ I gush.

‘I knew you’d nail it.’ I think I can hear a bit of pride in his voice. ‘I’ve had to go across town for a meeting so I can not speak for long, but Harvey is waiting to take you anywhere you want to go.’

I look up, and sure enough, Harvey is stood in front of the Mercedes across the street.

‘Sam, that’s really not-‘

‘No arguments. Speak soon Gorgeous.’ He hangs up.

How can he go from so adorable to so infuriating in ten seconds? Oh well, at least I don’t have to call a taxi.

‘Miss Blake’, Harvey offers a polite nod and a smile as he opens the door for me.

‘Harvey’, I smile back. Not realising until after he’s shut the door that he’s called me by my real name. What else has Sam told him I wonder? I feel myself blush a little.

‘Where to Miss Blake?’ Harvey’s voice asks from the front seat. I give him the address of Buttercup Bakery and get comfy in the back.

A few minutes later, we’re stuck in standstill traffic.

‘Apologies Miss Blake, there’s no way around’, Harvey says from the front.

‘Don’t apologise — it’s not your fault. I’m in no rush anyway. And please, it’s Jessica.’ I smile. ‘Harvey, can I ask you something?’ I begin again cautiously,

‘Of course, Miss Jessica.’ He replies politely.

‘Do you like working for Sam — Mr Byron.’ I add, correcting myself.

‘Very much; he’s a fair and generous employer. He takes good care of my wife and I, we’ve no complaints.’ He smiles and I match it. There’s affection in his voice and I can tell it’s genuine.

‘He’s a good man, Jessica. He’s been at sea since his parents passed, but he seems to be getting back on track now. I’ve seen a change in him this last week especially.’ He adds with an uncharacteristic sly smile. And with that, we’re through the traffic.

As Harvey pulls up outside the bakery, I thank him for the lift and run inside as it starts to rain.

‘Hello stranger!’ my best friend in the entire world comes out from behind the counter and hugs me tightly. ‘To what do I owe this honour?’

‘Does a girl need a reason to come and see her best friend?’ I pout back at her.

‘Of course not, it’s just that it’s been almost a month — I was starting to think you’d fallen off the planet — you better not be here to cancel on me.’

‘Sorry beautiful, just been a really busy few weeks.’ I say, deliberately light with the details. ‘And of course not, pizza and vino with my favourite gal is all I’m interested in tonight.’ I smile brightly at her.

‘Well okay then, you’re forgiven. Fancy a slice of my newest creation? It’s a triple layer beauty — one vanilla, one chocolate, one caramel — smothered in coffee butter cream.’

‘Do you even need to ask?’ I reply as she’s already half way through cutting me a slice of heaven on a plate. How the girl keeps her figure when she bakes such incredible creations every day, I have no idea. I guess running her successful little company must keep her in shape. Well, that and the love of her life — her childhood sweetheart Tom. The three of us have been friends since first college, the two of them lovers since high college and still blissfully happy now. They’re adorable together.

‘Anna, this might be your best yet.’ I say, licking butter cream off my fingers. ‘It’s amazing!’

‘Why thank you’ she smiles, ‘what can I say, when you’ve got it, you’ve got it.’ I can only nod.

‘So, what’s new with you Missie?’ she asks, setting a cup of coffee down in front of me.

‘Nothing much really.’ I reply

‘Liar.’ She responds. I look at her innocently with a mouthful of cake. ‘You’re… glowing.’ She concludes. ‘There’s a man, isn’t there!’ she squeals excitedly.

‘Don’t be silly Anna, you know I don’t date.’ I reply, concentrating solely on my cake, avoiding eye contact.

‘Whatever you say Blake. But don’t think I can not see that you’re blushing.’ She pulls my plate away, forcing me to look at her

‘Hey! Is that how you treat all your customers?’

‘You’re not a customer when I feed you for free. Now spill!’ she laughs, pushing my cake back in front of me.

‘Alright, alright. There’s a someone. Maybe. We’re definitely not dating though. I don’t really know what we are.’ At least that much is true.

‘Well, you should be dating.’ She states flatly and I give her a questioning look. ‘You’re writing a love story Jess — how are you supposed to write great romance if you’re not living it?’

I look back down at my cake.

‘I know things went badly with your last manuscript,’ she says, her voice softening, ‘but you can not keep letting it hold you back. You’re a fantastic writer – too good to spend your life selling other people’s books in that dusty old shop.’ I look up and smile at her gratefully. I hate not telling her the truth about my current writing projects, but it’s just easier this way.

‘You at all times say “Write what you know”, so take your own advice!’ I almost choke. Oh, the irony. ‘Or at least bring him in for a slice of cake so I can check him out!’ she winks and I roll my eyes at her. ‘Or you could invite him to pizza night — I’m sure we could make an exception to the girls only rule, just this once?’ she grins, goading me.

‘Um, no.’ I reply flatly. ‘The only person I want to hang out with tonight, is you.’ I smile sweetly. I don’t even know what Sam and I are doing yet; I am definitely not giving my well-meaning best friend the opportunity to draw her own conclusions.

‘Well, mates before dates I guess!’ she smiles

‘I’m not dating!’ I reply through a sugary mouthful, rolling my eyes.

‘Sure, you’re not.’ She teases.

After I’ve successfully changed the subject, finished my cake and we’ve chatted our way through another large latte in between Anna serving customers, I realise the time and decide I should get going, I have chapters to work on after all. I say my goodbyes and leave Anna to deal with her new arrivals on a mission for sugary goodness.

Before I can even really notice how much heavier the rain has got, Harvey appears at my side and perches a gigantic umbrella over my head.

‘The car is just around the corner Miss Blake’ he says, motioning right.

‘Have you been waiting here all this time?’ I ask, bewildered.

‘In the cafe across the street. Strict instructions from Mr Byron to get you home safely.’ He smiles warmly. I’m speechless. Totally overboard as usual, but in this weather, I’d be an idiot to refuse, so I smile back and follow him to the car.

* * * * *

I close my laptop and stretch languidly. I’ve been in the zone for a couple of hours and I’m feeling reasonably pleased with my progress, but Anna will be here soon, so it’s time to call it a day. I’m toying with opening a bottle of wine a little early to reward myself when there’s a knock at the door. I answer to discover a delivery man carrying a small box.

‘Miss Blake?’ I nod, and sign for it.

I tear off the brown paper and discover a grey velvet box inside, with a small white envelope. I open the card and read:

‘Congratulations Gorgeous.

S x’

Inside the box, there’s a fine gold chain with a pendant at the centre: ‘Jessica’ formed in gold in swirly script letters, with a single diamond dotting the ‘i’. It’s stunning.

I pick up my phone to call him, but he beats me to it and I answer his call.

‘Hello Gorgeous’ his voice makes me swoon.

‘Hello yourself. I was just about to call you, to say thank you for another gorgeous, but much too generous gift.’

‘You like it?’ there’s a tinge of hesitation in his voice.

‘I love it.’ I reply, which is an understatement.

‘Good.’ He sounds relieved and delighted. ‘I should be back in town in about an hour, how about I send Harvey over to pick you up — I’ll take you to dinner to congratulate you on your meeting and you can thank me in person.’ his voice is full of intent and it makes my heart beat faster.

‘That’s very kind, but I already have plans’ I reply, trying hard to ignore the effect his flirting has on me.

‘A client?’ his voice changes swiftly, ‘I’ll call the agency, double his price.’

‘No, it’s pleasure, not company, and you wouldn’t dare’, I reply, knowing full well that he probably would.

‘Pleasure? What happened to no dating?’ he asks in a teasing yet slightly accusatory tone.

‘If you must know, I’m having dinner with a girlfriend, not that my pleasure is your concern!’

‘It seemed to be last night’, his tone quickly changes back to flirty and deviant.

‘This, Mr Byron, is exactly why I don’t give clients my personal number!’ I scold,

‘Ah, but I’m calling my friend Jessica, not Amber!’ Touché, Byron. He’s got a point. ‘Drinks tomorrow night then?’ he continues, apparently satisfied that I won’t cancel my plans.

‘I’ll think about it.’ There’s a knock at the door, ‘My not a client and not a date’s here, I’ll speak to you soon.’

‘Make sure you do Gorgeous.’ He hangs up.

* * * * *

‘Hi Anna!’ I beam, opening the door to welcome my friend.

‘Hey Jess,’ she smiles back. ‘Have you been working out? You look flushed?’ I try not to blush.

‘Um, no, no, just out of shape — on the phone in the bedroom when you knocked, had to rush to let you in’, I lie, ushering her in and closing the door. She eyes me suspiciously then shrugs.