Max checked his watch. It was early. Too early probably. Oh well. Got to have breakfast sometime. He bounded to Miranda's front door and raised his hand to knock as it opened.

'Morning, it's a beautiful day for a…'

He stared at the unfamiliar face lounging in the doorway. The unfamiliar smile.

'I can think of many things it's a beautiful day for' she purred 'but I suppose you must be talking about breakfast. I suppose I can have a second one.'

She reached into the box and took out an ensaimada.

'Thanks. Winters isn't it?'

He nodded, feeling wrongfooted. He'd met her before but she'd waved him away, preferring to speak to his colleague. Even so, he couldn't forget her so easily. Maria walked back and called into the house.

'Miranda? Your cowboy is here.'

Max raised his eyebrows. Not his usual moniker. He wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a compliment. Probably not. Maria waved to him and tripped out of the door, pastry in hand. He bid her farewell. He had already deciphered her meaning and wondered how a post coital Miranda would react to his intended questioning. Maybe an ensaimada would sweeten her up.

She was already halfway down the stairs, hand in front of her mouth as she yawned for England. Navy pyjamas and white dressing gown. Always respectable. Her hair gave it away though. Thoroughly shagged up in tufts. She glared at his triumphant grin.

'What the fuck Max?'

He extended the box.

'Ensaimada?'

'No, I do not want that, first thing in the morning. What is wrong with cheese on toast for fucks sake' she muttered.

'The bakery didn't do the best of British' said Max. 'What was that?' He motioned with his head in the direction of the door.

'What?'

'That Maria shaped tornado exiting your house.'

Miranda looked around and saw a few things out of place. Max was grinning like a man who could get his face punched if he played it right.

'Did you come round to piss me off with pastries?'

'And check out your new bed fellow who once again waved me off.'

There was no mistaking that slow smug smirk that lit up Miranda's face. He knew what she was thinking. Made a nice change for once.

'I can't say I'm that bothered that she prefers me to you.'

Max let her have her moment.

'She knows good quality. Who knows when you will next have the opportunity?' He shrugged, a dangerous move inside Miranda's lair. She was capable of throwing something deadly at him. Not a vase though because she wasn't into flower arrangements. He already spotted the narrowing eyes, the twitch of the fingers. She might actually punch him this time.

'Ok well I'll leave one here and you can eat it for dinner or something. I'll make you a coffee…'

Miranda glared at him.

'Tea' he amended 'while you get ready and we'll go.'

She disappeared upstairs grumbling. She was plagued with people determined to start early that day. Why had she chosen a Monday night to get laid? Now the rest of the week stretched ahead of her with little chance to stay in bed for longer and relieve the memories. She looked regretfully at her rumpled bed and tugged half heartedly at the duvet.

Her phone pinged. She checked it and snorted in exasperation. She should have made it clear. Nude pictures were not her thing. Maria had unbuttoned her blouse to reveal some boob hidden behind a mug but there was still an intentional nipple slip. Half of it. For fucks sake. She really didn't need to try and explain that away. It's not like she didn't know what they looked like now. She still looked though. She was only human. She definitely wouldn't say no. She didn't last night. If offered, she wouldn't say no next week. She didn't hear the footsteps behind her.

Max whistled.

'She couldn't send you the whole ensaimada? Or is she keeping the rest for later?

She whirled around.

'Not one word, Max.'

He was grinning like a loon.

'One word and Carmen will have to paste your teeth back in your head.'

He saluted and left. He didn't want to risk his pretty face.

Miranda sighed. It was going to be one of those days.