“You take your time. I see the book is flying at the moment, I’m happy for you,” I said, taking her hand in mine. She seemed to like that.
“It’s a shame you don’t have a spare hour or so.”
“I promise, when I’m next in town I’ll make sure we dine out,” I said, standing and smiling at her. “I’m so sorry, I really need to get back to my office.”
I leaned in and kissed her cheek again, although she turned her head so I caught the side of her mouth. Her red lipstick smeared on my cheek.
“Oops,” she said, using her thumb to wipe it away.
I grabbed her wrist and held it away, then leaned in close. “You don’t call the shots, remember?”
I heard her hitched breath and I smiled. I then gently kissed her cheek and released her. “I’ll see you soon, Miriam.”
I walked away without looking back but, by the silence, I knew she had stood still until I’d rounded the corner at least.
“You’re a smart bastard sometimes,” I said to myself in the mirrored lift. I adjusted my tie, wiped the remaining lipstick from my face, and laughed.
