When James Met Emma ~ Part 4

Summary: During a relaxing lunch, Tanner agrees to help M find a new apartment though she remains somewhat secretive about her reasons for relocating. However, when she returns home to find a vase of roses and a card from a certain Double-0, she realises that her current situation with James is starting to spiral out of control.

Twenty minutes later, the car stopped outside the Italian Restaurant Adesso's. M had lost count of the number of times she and Tanner had come here whenever they needed a break from the office.

"Thank you, Ross," she gratefully told her personal driver.

"You're welcome Ma'am. Call me when you are both ready to leave." He said to M through the rear-view mirror, seeing her give a nod in acknowledgement.

The two of them got out the car and made their way into the restaurant. Upon entering, M smiled at hearing the familiar Italian voice call out to them.

"Mr Tanner and Ms Mawdsley, lovely to see you back with us," the server gave them a friendly smile.

"Hello, Antonio." M returned the smile. "You wouldn't happen to have a table free?"

"For you Emma, always." He picked up two menus and motioned them to follow him.

Antonio led them to a corner booth for two away from the other customers. The atmosphere was relaxing just as she had remembered it, with soft music playing in the background with the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It was one of her favourite restaurants she had to admit.

"Here we are. I hope this is quiet enough for you both."

"This will do nicely, Antonio. Thank you."

He placed the menus down on the table as Tanner and M removed their coats then took their seats.

"Would you both like your usual to drink?"

M looked at Tanner, who gave her a nod. "That would be lovely."

"One bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone, coming up. I'll be back to take your orders unless you both already know?"

"A few moments if you please, Antonio,"

"Of course." He gave her a small bow and walked away to get their wine.

"I forgot how happy he is." Tanner murmured looking at the menu.

"Quite, but it makes a nice change from being surrounded by miserable bastards day in and out."

"Fair point Ma'am. Why did you need to speak with me?"

M saw Antonio heading back in their direction with an ice bucket containing the bottle of red wine.

"I'll tell you in a moment, Tanner. Do you know what you want to order?"

"The same as I always have, the Penne Italiano, and you will no doubt have the Fettuccine Salmoni."

M smiled as she closed the menu, "I'm surprised you remembered."

"Well, considering you have it every time we come here, it's hard to forget."

"Ah smiling faces, that's what I like to see." Antonio placed the bucket containing the bottle of wine on the table and proceeded to pour red wine in each of their classes before replacing the bottle back in the ice bucket.

"Are you both ready to order?"

"Yes, I'll have the Penne Italiano and Emma will have the Fettuccine Salmoni." Tanner closed his menu watching as Antonio wrote down their order.

"Excellent," He took the menus from them. "If you require anything else just call."

"Thank you, Antonio," she gave him a small smile.

"You're very welcome," he told them both before walking away leaving them alone once more.

"So, what is this favour you need?" Tanner took a drink of his wine, watching her over his glass.

"I need to find a new apartment."

"Why? Has something happened?" He placed his glass on the table, looking at her with worry.

"In a matter of sense, you could say that."

"M, you know you can tell me anything in confidence don't you?"

"I know Tanner. It's not that I don't trust you. It's just I would rather not go into the full details."

"Understandable, but why do you need to move?"

"You remember I was supposed to have that date last night, but he never showed."

"Yes, and, to be frank, Ma'am, it was his loss."

"Yes, well anyway," she pressed on not wanting a repeat of what happened last night. "I was about to leave when I ran into David."

"Wait, as in your ex-husband David?" Tanner watched as she gave a nod in reply. "He didn't try anything…"

"No," she quickly denied. "But, we did get into a small argument. When I arrived home… I realised I needed a new place to stay. My current apartment holds too many memories of when myself and David lived there. I want a clean start if you can call it that," M partly lied. He didn't need to know that one of their new recruits was also part of the reason for it.

"I understand Ma'am. I'm more than happy to help you. Was that part of the reason for your behaviour earlier?"

"In a sense. Seeing him again after being divorced for three years brought up memories that I would like to remain buried."

"I don't blame you for that, M. I'll see what I can do. Is there any particular area or apartment you would like?"

"No, any area and apartment is fine as long as its away from Mayfair."

"Consider it done Ma'am," he assured her.

"I appreciate it, Tanner, thank you." She gratefully told him, feeling some worry leave her shoulders.

"Now, do I put this down as a business lunch or a lunch date in the expenses form."

M looked over at him in amusement, "a business lunch. We wouldn't want people talking now, would we?"

"I suppose not, it would irk some agents once they find out I'm your favourite."

"That's what you think," she took a drink of wine from her glass, finally feeling at ease.

"So, tell me, Tanner. How is your personal life at the moment," M inquired, placing her glass back on the table.

"It's fine. Nothing remotely exciting happening."

"Maybe you should try the dating scene?"

"I think I'll pass M. I prefer my personal life without the drama that comes with some relationships." Tanner remarked. The idea of him dating was laughable to say the least.

"I agree with you on that note." M agreed knowing full well the amount of drama relationships can cause.

Ten minutes had passed, when a younger waiter approached with their food.

"The Fettuccine Salmoni." He smiled and put the plate down in front of M and placed the other containing the Penne Italiano in front of Tanner.

"Would you like any Parmesan or black pepper?"

"No, thank you." Tanner told the younger man.

"Ma'am?"

"I'm fine."

"Enjoy your meal," the younger man told them with a smile.

"Is it me? Or do the waiter's get younger every time we come here?" Tanner mused, taking a bite of his penne pasta, mixed with sausage and pepperoni.

"Students need to make a living somehow Tanner," M told him before taking a bite of her pasta.

"I suppose." Tanner finally agreed.

M shook her head fondly as the rest of the meal continued in silence. Once they had finished and more wine poured, the waiter took their empty plates away before Antonio returned with the dessert menu.

"I don't think I could eat any more, Antonio," M admitted turning down the menu.

"If you aren't having anything, I'll eat one for both of us," Tanner stated, taking the menu from Antonio.

"Excellent, Mr Tanner. He turned back to M. "Can I get you a tea or coffee instead?"

"Tea would be lovely," M smiled.

"And I'll have a coffee along with the chocolate fudge cake accompanied with cream."

M raised an eyebrow as Tanner gave Antonio his order.

"What? It has been a while since I've treated myself," Tanner defended his choice.

"And an excellent choice it is," Antonio took the menu from him and left.

"I forgot about that sweet tooth of yours Tanner."

"It's a weakness M; I have to admit."

She gave a small laugh, "best keep that secret between us."

"Duly noted, Ma'am," he tipped his glass in her direction in agreement.

Antonio accompanied by the young waiter from earlier returned with their tea and coffee, along with Tanner's fudge cake.

M tried to hide her smile at seeing Tanner's face light up once the dessert was placed in front of him. She did have to admit it looked delicious. Grabbing her spoon, she reached over and took some of the chocolate and brought it to her lips, hearing Tanner's protest at her actions.

"If you wanted one, you should have ordered one; instead of stealing mine," he brought the plate closer to him and out of her reach.

"Relax Tanner," she placed the now chocolate free spoon back on the table. "Your fudge cake is safe."

"Good," he took a bite, keeping his eyes on her as she poured some milk into her tea.

"Since you don't want to date anytime soon Tanner, perhaps you should start an affair with your dessert." She innocently told him as she brought the cup to her lips and took a sip, letting the warm tea sooth her throat.

"I think there might be a law against that, M."

"There probably is."

Tanner polished off his cake, leaving a few crumbs and some chocolate as he pushed the plate to the side.

"Now, I don't think I'll be able to eat for a week."

M hummed in agreement, "It was your choice, Tanner."

Tanner gave her a mock scowl, as Antonio came back and took away both their cups and Tanner's plate.

"Can I get you both anything else?"

"Just the bill please, Antonio," M replied.

"Of course, Ma'am."

A few moments later, Antonio returned with their receipt and two mints on a metal plate.

"I can get this." Tanner offered, already reaching into his coat pocket for his wallet.

"It's fine Tanner, I asked you out to lunch, it's only fair I pay. Consider it a thank you for helping me take my mind of some issues in my life at the moment."

"If you are sure Ma'am…"

"I am."

M paid for their meal and left a generous tip for the staff. Gathering their items, they said their goodbyes to Antonio and left the restaurant.

"If you want Ma'am, I can cover the rest of the day for you if you wish to take the remainder of the day off?"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course Ma'am. I wouldn't have suggested if I wasn't."

"Thank you, I may just take you up on that offer," she smiled at him gratefully, before taking out her phone and calling Ross.

Five minutes later Ross arrived. Getting in the car, M instructed him to drop her home, before taking Tanner back to headquarters. The journey was made without incidence, and Ross pulled outside her apartment thirty minutes later.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Ma'am." Tanner gave her a subtle nod and smile.

"Likewise Tanner," she returned his smile, before turning to her driver. "Ross."

"Ma'am."

M got out of the car, slamming the door behind her and walked into her apartment, smile still on her face. Entering the elevator, she pressed the button for the penthouse, silently thanking Tanner for keeping her mind off things. She was considering given the man a pay rise for listening to her problems on a daily basis.

Walking out of the elevator and into the penthouse, she headed in the direction of her bedroom hoping to have a bath and relax for the remainder of the day. Placing her bag on the bed, she noticed the vase containing fifteen yellow roses sitting on her bedside cabinet. Cautiously approaching them, she removed the card and quickly read over it.

Emma,

I wanted to apologise for my behaviour earlier and hope you can forgive me.

J x

As she was reading the card, she didn't hear the footsteps approach her from behind.

"I wasn't expecting you back for a few more hours yet."

M jumped startled and quickly turned around seeing the smiling face of James Bond.

"What the bloody hell are you doing here?" She snapped. "I want you gone! Now!"

"Hear me out first M, please," he pleaded with her.

"Whatever you have to say, save it! If you are not gone in five minutes, I'm calling security!"

He ignored the threat and continued. "I wanted to apologise for my behaviour earlier. It was uncalled for, and I'm sorry." He took a few steps towards her, only to stop when he saw her take a few steps back trying to distance herself away from him.

"You expect me to believe that!?" She looked at him unimpressed with his new sincere attitude. "How the hell did you even get in here?! You need a key to access the elevator!"

"It's the truth M! And to answer your second question I took and used one of your spare keys."

She watched as he reached into his pocket and held out a key the same as her own which she grabbed from his hand.

"I saw it lying in the bowl on the table next to the elevator."

"So you felt it prudent to steal one of my spare keys, buy me fifteen roses; break into my apartment using a stolen key, and sneak up on me nearly giving me a bloody heart attack! Just so you could apologise?!" She voiced in disbelief.

"That wasn't my intention. I've been here since I left your office…"

She felt her anger overtake her at his admission. "What gives you the right to break into my apartment to ask me for forgiveness!?" She looked at him incredulous that he had the gall to ask that of her, just because he was starting to feel guilty.

"It was the only place I could get you alone!"

"Yes, because all of this doesn't sound or look stalkerish at all Bond! You are in my home uninvited, you stole a key for Christ sake, and you are still refusing to leave! What exactly is it you want from me?!"

"Well, since you are home early I was hoping to ask you out to lunch…"

"No, thank you! I've already had lunch with someone who knows how to treat a woman with respect!" She thought she saw a flash of jealousy mixed with hurt flash in his eyes before it was gone. She probably just imagined it.

"Who?! He demanded softly.

"That's none of your damn business! You are not my keeper Bond! Now leave!"

He inwardly cursed himself, for making a bigger mess of the situation.

"You're right, it isn't and for that I'm sorry. I just can't get you out of my thoughts, M!"

She gave a hollow laugh, "we spent one night together Bond, it was meaningless sex and a mistake on my part! You need to get over it or look for another job because I will not tolerate this kind of behaviour!" She chided him. "Now if that's everything, you know where the elevator is!"

M could feel herself start to become uncomfortable as he continued to stare at her, as she tried to anticipate his next move. When he began to take a few more steps towards her, M felt the bedside cabinet at the base of her back as she had no more steps to take.

She watched as he tentatively reached out a hand as he cupped her face, running his thumb across her cheek in a soft caress. "You may be able to cast it aside M, as meaningless sex, but I can't. Any other time, with any other woman I would never look back, but there was something different about you, and it's driving me insane not knowing what it is."

She remained still, as he continued with his little speech. "I'm sorry for everything M. I need you to know that before we officially work together."

"Apology accepted," she quietly told him, hoping it would be enough to make him leave. Whether he believed her or not, she didn't care. She just wanted him gone.

"Thank you, Ma'am." He murmured, removing his hand from her face as he turned and walked out of her room.

M slowly followed after him, making sure he actually did get into the elevator. He was just about to step inside when she called out to him causing him to turn.

"Don't you ever break into my house again!" She ordered him, watching as he gave her a small smile.

"Ma'am," he nodded.

Once the elevator doors had closed, she marched back into her bedroom and picked up the vase of roses. Taking them into the kitchen, she opened the pedal bin and tossed both the roses and vase inside.

Leaning her back against the kitchen worktop, she closed her eyes and took deep breaths to try and calm herself. She silently hoped Tanner would be able to help her find a new apartment as quickly as possible. It would only be then that she would finally feel at ease and no longer have to worry about any more unannounced visits from that insufferable man.

Deciding on that bath, she walked towards the elevator and locked it, before making her way towards her en-suite bathroom. She hoped a bath would help her relax, but knowing she would have to see Bond on a daily basis, caused her stomach to tighten as she was overcome with apprehension of not knowing what the coming days would bring.