Chapter 13

…

Sharon walked along the corridor with Eve as she took her to Kate's office, the two women talking as though they'd known one another for years.

"I had no idea Kate even worked for MI6, Gareth never said."

"She's been here about 3 years now; she's certainly the best we've had."

"She's a very private person, isn't she?"

Eve stopped walking, turning to Sharon who clearly had a genuine affection for the woman they all new as Mr Kaplan.

"You really like her, don't you?"

"I do."

"Be patient with her, if it's any consolation, we know very little about her past either."

"What do you know, if you don't mind me asking you?"

"All I know, from what M…Mallory told me was that she's called him late one night, requiring his assistance. When he got to her, well…she wasn't in a good way."

"What happened?"

"Mallory wouldn't tell me, he just said that he'd never get the image of her from that night out of his mind."

"I see."

"She does like you, you know. She just…I don't think she knows how to let it show. I think she's spent so many years hiding, pretending that it's become second nature to her. Her office is the one at the end, she should be in."

"Thank you Eve and thank you for telling me a little about her."

"Not much I'm afraid."

"Well…more than I knew last night."

"She's worth the wait, I promise."

"Have you too ever…"

"Oh god no…sorry, not really my thing. Kate's a very good friend, there's nothing I wouldn't do for her. Call when you're ready to leave and I'll come get you."

"Thanks."

Sharon waited for Eve to leave before turning and making her way to Kate's office, she glanced inside to see Kate with her back to her, going through her filing cabinet.

"Not interrupting am I?"

Kate turned when she heard the familiar voice, to see Sharon standing in her doorway…a smile displayed on her soft features.

"Sharon…how did you…"

"Eve brought me down, I hope you don't mind."

"No I…No, I don't mind."

Sharon walked further in to the room as Kate came around the desk to join her, taken by surprise when Sharon leaned in and kissed her.

"Oh…"

"Hello." Sharon smiled.

"Hello dearie."

"So…last night went okay, I thought."

"I enjoyed myself."

"I'd like to do it again."

"Yes…so would I."

"Look Kate, last night when you went to leave…I didn't mean to push you to open up to me."

"No I know, it's just…"

"I know…Kate, I'm not going anywhere. I really do want to see where this could go…and before you bring it up again, I don't care about the age gap. You're a lovely person."

"So are you."

"Why don't you come by again tonight, we can talk…if you're more comfortable then we can talk about me if you want and if you decide that maybe you want to share a little of your own life, your past…I will listen, okay?"

"I'm not promising anything but…okay."

"Great, well I'm home from four onwards, so…you can come by whenever you're ready, we'll order a takeaway and I'll put some wine in the fridge to chill."

"That sounds lovely dearie."

"Good, I'll see you later then."

Sharon gave her one last kiss before she left Kate standing alone in her office, her fingers touching her lips.

…

Mallory stood behind James as he unlocked the door for him, taking his bag as he stood to the side to let Mallory inside.

"Just go through and I'll put your bag away for you."

"James I can do that."

"Sit down, do as you're told."

Mallory rolled his eyes as James began to walk towards the bedroom.

"I saw that." James said, turning his head and winking at the older man.

Mallory made his way over to the sofa, leaning back against the cool cushions, closing his eyes as he laid his hand on his stomach. James came through, taking in the sight before him…a smile coming across his face as he saw where Mallory's hand was. James came over and took a seat beside him as Mallory opened his eyes.

"I wasn't sleeping." He said.

"Sleep if you want to, god knows you need the rest." James smiled, sitting sideways to face him.

"James I'm alright, I promise."

"When Kate phoned Eve and told her what had happened to you I…"

Mallory cut him off, leaning in to kiss him…enjoying the closeness.

"I'm sorry I scared you."

"Well you're fine now and that's what matters…and that's how it's going to stay."

"It's strange, all of this."

"The baby?"

"Mmmm, when I found out this was actually happening…I honestly didn't think you'd want it, I thought for sure you'd run."

"You really thought that?"

"You've always been known as a jack the lad type…it's not entirely your fault, this job…it requires you to use you sex appeal a lot of the time to get things done and sometimes that's all some people can see…and I hate to admit it but…when I found out this baby was coming, I thought the same….James I'm so sorry, sorry for not giving you enough credit."

"I forgive you; I love you so much…you know that right."

"I do." He smiled.

They lapsed in to silence as Mallory felt James hand over his.

"I can't wait till she starts kicking." James suddenly said.

"Alright for you, it won't be you she'll be kicking day and night."

"If I could do this for you, I would."

"I know."

"Listen…I didn't bring this up earlier, things kind of got in the way but…Kate had some properties for you to look at, you didn't mention you were even looking."

"It wasn't definite it was just…we'll need more room with the baby, as much as I love this flat…it's not a home."

"We'll need more room?"

"Oh…sorry, I shouldn't have assumed that you…."

"What, would want to move in with you."

"I got a head of myself."

"Are you asking me to move in with you?"

"Do you want too?"

"Ask me properly." He grinned.

"Very well…James, would you do me the honour of moving in with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

…

To Be Continued…