Chapter 8

M got up from the sofa and walked through to the kitchen, leaving James feeling a little foolish. He gulped down the rest of his glass before getting up to follow M through. He walked in to find her standing on the patio outside, he took off his jacket and came up behind her, draping the jacket over her shoulders.

"You'll catch your death out here." He said, softly.

He watched as she flinched at the sudden contact but pulled the jacket around her anyway.

"It's just a light breeze…..but thank you for the jacket."

They stood in silence for a few moments, James contemplating what he should say.

"I'm sorry I walked out James, I'll admit you shocked me." She said, turning to face him.

"I didn't mean to make you feel awkward M."

"Why did you say those things to me."

He moved a little closer to her and slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her towards him.

"I said them because I meant them."

"James it wouldn't work, you and I….we're too different."

"I don't think that's true. We're more alike than I think you care to admit, we're both dedicated to our jobs, we're loners. We….."

"Well there you are then, you said it yourself…loners."

"You didn't let finish, I think we've both been alone for far too long. After everything that's happened I've realised that I need you in my life, more now than ever before."

"James I…."

"I would happily give up the job if it meant I get to be with you, that's how much I love you."

"You'd give up MI6 just for me."

"I'd do anything for you."

"There is absolutely no way I'm allowing you to give up your job, we are dedicated yes and we need it. Without MI6 I don't think I'd function and I could never bring myself to take away your licence to kill…never."

"Are you saying no to us."

"I just don't understand why, why in the world would you want to spend your life with an old woman."

He tightened his grip on her waist and leaned down to kiss her, she tried very hard to resist his soft lips but her guard slipped almost immediately. She found herself kissing him back as her arms came around his waist.

"For the umpteenth time M, you're not old."

"Yes I am."

"You're mature."

"Now you're just trying to soften me up."

"You're elegant, funny, intelligent, the most gorgeous white head of hair I've possibly ever seen and…."

"And what."

"My god you're beautiful."

He smiled down as he placed another kiss on her lips, letting her know just how special she really was.

"James, if we decide to go anywhere with…whatever this is. I need you to remember one thing."

"Go on."

"No matter what, at the end of the day…I'm still your Boss and you need to know that the state of this Country comes first."

"Wow, you get straight down to the point don't you."

"This job's been in my life a lot longer than you have."

"Maybe I'll change your mind."

"Can we please just take this slowly, one day at a time is all I ask."

"Fine, well…I'm gonna go to bed. Night M."

She watched as he walked away from her and back into the house.

"James."

"Yes." He replied, turning back to face her.

"Don't be angry with me."

"I'm not angry with you, believe it or not I do understand. The job means a lot to me too, it's just that…."

"What?"

"I just guess that you mean more to me that the job, it's just taken me a while to realise but it's fine. The feeling doesn't have to me mutual."

She felt tears forming in her eyes as he walked up the stairs, leaving her standing in the doorway. She brushed the tears away and picked up her mobile and dialled Bill's number.

"Ma'am, this is a surprise."

"I didn't wake you, did I."

"Just dozing Ma'am, what can I do for you."

"I just wanted to let you know that I shall be returning tomorrow."

"So soon."

"It's been nearly a month and a half Bill."

"Doesn't seem that long…are you sure you're well enough."

"More than capable, I'll see you tomorrow then…9am."

"Alright Ma'am, tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

"You too Bill, good night."

Bill shut his phone and placed it on his night stand, before an arm came to lie across his chest.

"What did she want." Eve asked, smiling at him.

"She's coming back to work tomorrow."

"Really, is she okay."

"She seemed fine, actually know. If I didn't know any better I'd say she's been crying."

"What's James gone and done now."

"What makes you think Bond did anything."

"Isn't he usually the one at fault."

"Good point, well I guess we'll find out tomorrow."

"Yeah, right now is all about you and I. Now go get that chocolate sauce."

To Be Continued…