CHAPTER 4

"The usual?"

Sally nodded. "Yes, cappuccino with chocolate shavings; full fat today, I think. Oh, and a pane raison." She unnecessarily pointed out the largest pastry. "That one there, please."

As she reached out to pay the cashier, a long arm in a Hugo Boss jacket appeared over her shoulder and handed over the cash.

"Good morning," she smiled. "You're very early. How'd you know I'd be here?"

"Educated guess." He sipped appreciatively at his coffee. "Once Daniel started getting me breakfast it confirmed that you didn't really shop in the lift lobby, even though you always claimed you did."

Sally shrugged. "I left very specific instructions on how your next PA should take care of you, but I couldn't give up all my secrets. I had to make sure you missed me at least a little."

"More than a little," said Ian. He grinned as he held up his cup. "This buries the lobby coffee. I was glad to have it back."

She playfully raised an eyebrow at his teasing. They walked side by side in silence for a bit, yet unsure how to handle being in public together, but Sally longed to take his arm or touch him.

He must have felt similarly because as they approached the building, Ian quickly looked around before speaking just to be sure no one from the office was on the pavement nearby. "Look, Sally, I know it's only been one weekend, but I… well, I missed you last night." The admission seemed to embarrass him slightly. After all, he was naturally fairly reserved emotionally, and should have grown used to lonely nights over the last few years, even nights spent with his wife beside him. "The fact is, I didn't like waking up without you today."

She thought her heart would melt. The occasional bout of personal helplessness or insecurity from such a high level professional was irresistible to her. Reminding herself to breathe, she fumbled with her own answer until she remembered that there was no need to hide her feelings anymore. "I agree," she smiled shyly at him. "Me, too." She wanted to tell him that she herself had hardly slept, that she couldn't wait to come to work and see him, but then she had actually felt that way every morning for years. She kept quiet, allowing him to take the lead.

He took a deep breath of his own and straightened up. "We've got to have a better plan going forward."

Ian held the door for her as they entered the building, a small sign of the change in their relationship, but one she noticed and appreciated.

He continued, "We'll talk about it at dinner tonight?"

Sally's face flushed with excitement of another night with him. "Yes, we should have another go at a dinner. Maybe the third time's a charm?" she teased as they entered the elevator.

He tilted his head in serious thought, but stared straight in front of him, assuming his familiar executive posture as other employees entered the lift, unaware of the context of his next remark. "I hope not."

Several hours later, Sally entered the meeting room nearly invisibly, nearly because she carried a tray bearing an enormous sandwich, a bowl of fruit and a salad. Her head held high, she avoided the curious gaze of the staff at the meeting as she set the feast before her boss and lover, briefly met his eyes with a silent nod as promise that he'd need that big lunch to get through the night, and eased her way out again. For his part, Ian's eyes darted around the table in embarrassment, and knowing he could hardly voice any appropriate response or explanation in the company of his team, he simply mumbled a quiet, "Thank you, Sally" and continued on with the meeting, trying desperately to keep his mind on his work.