Mr Spencer(58)

The front door suddenly opens.

We both stop still, eyes wide.

“Who’s that?” he mouths.

“Lottie? It’s me, Beth. I found Alexander in the foyer of the hotel. I brought him up with me,” she calls loudly. It sounds like the two of them are walking through the apartment.

“Hi, Lottie,” Alexander calls.

“Just a minute!” I call. “I’m not decent.”

My eyes widen, and I begin to slap a very naked Spencer in total panic.

“Oh my God,” I whisper.

Spencer’s eyes light up with excitement. He thinks this is hilarious.

Oh.

My.

God.





9





Charlotte


I jump around in a panic while Spencer laughs.

Well, he hasn’t seen Edward angry. This is no joking matter.

I look over to the sliding door of the balcony and see it is still open from our time when we were lying out in the sun this morning. I push Spencer backwards, shoving him to the balcony and out of the door. I slam it shut and flick the lock.

“What the fuck?” he mouths through the glass.

I draw the heavy drapes shut and try to act calm.

“Hello?” I call out to them as I walk out into the living room, fixing my robe in place.

Alexander’s face falls when he sees me in a state of undress.

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry, Charlotte, forgive me for intruding.” He frowns.

“It’s okay.” I fake a smile. “I’m just not well today.” I wrap my robe tighter around me and glance over at the window.

“What is it?” Alexander asks.

I put my fingertips to my temples. “Just a headache. It’s nothing to worry about.”

I can’t believe I have locked Spencer on the balcony naked.

I can only imagine what he must be doing out there, and I bite my bottom lip to stop myself from smiling.

“I’m going to take a lie down, though,” I say, widening my eyes at Beth. For God’s sake, take the hint.

I glance over to the window, and I can see Spencer pushed flat up against the wall. It must be nearly zero degrees out there. I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing out loud.

“I shall leave you in peace.” Alexander smiles.

“Thank you.” I kiss his cheek. “And thank you for checking in on me, I appreciate your concern.”

He smiles warmly. “Can we have lunch one day this week?”

“Of course.” I begin to guide him towards the door, practically pushing him out of it.

Just leave already.

“Where are you working now?” Beth asks Alexander.

I widen my eyes at her for starting a conversation, and she frowns in confusion.

“I’m still in merchant banking.”

“That’s great! See you later,” I snap, holding my hand out. “I really must get to bed.”

A frown crosses Alex’s face at my sharp dismissal. “Goodbye, ladies.” He walks out and I close the door behind him, immediately putting the chain on. As soon as I can, I turn and run to the sliding door, opening it in a rush.

“What the actual fuck?” Spencer shivers when he walks inside.

He looks up, and Beth’s eyes widen to the size of saucers. Her mouth falls open in shock.

He covers his dick with both his hands. “Charlotte!” Spencer cries.

I put my hands over my mouth, and I burst out laughing.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry.” I run to get his towel, and I hold it up to shield him from Beth’s bulging eyes.

He wraps it around his waist and glares at me.

I’m still laughing. “You…” I point to the balcony. ”And you didn’t…” I can’t stop the hysterical laughter. “Elizabeth, please meet Spencer.”

She gasps. “You’re Spencer?”

He hunches his shoulders together and throws her a cheeky grin, holding his two hands in the air. “In all my glory.”

She shakes her head. “I have no words.”

I put my hand over my mouth. She’s seen everything.

“In my defence, it was very cold out there,” he tells her.

Beth and I burst out laughing, and Spencer shakes his head. “I can’t fucking believe you locked me out there… naked. My dick could have frozen off.”

We throw our heads back and hoot with laughter. This is the funniest thing I have ever seen.

“I’m glad you two think this is so funny. I’m going to have a hot shower. I’m frostbitten.”

I smile over at him and my heart sings. I really like him.

He narrows his eyes at me, and then, as if silently reading my mind, he kisses my temple when he walks past me.

“Lovely to meet you, Elizabeth!” he calls out.

Elizabeth’s mouth drops open and she slaps me on the arm. “Oh, my fucking God,” she whispers. “Tell me everything.”

I put my finger to my lip in a hush signal and I wait for Spencer to disappear up the stairs.

“I’m confused. I thought you weren’t seeing him until tonight.”

“He was at the ball last night and we organised for him to sneak in here afterwards.”