I think my brain went on vacation the moment I was told the location and circumstances of the meet. When Belle started to dance … saying I was in awe doesn’t really cover it. If it hadn’t been for my training the entire meeting would have been ruined but thankfully I managed to concentrate enough to trade the required information.

When I felt myself react I tried to draw on that same training, picturing horrible sights to try and drown out the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. It didn’t work because beauty is only skin deep. Just knowing it was Belle, that was what was too much. I was more ashamed than scared but I do have a reputation. If Belle made a report about unwanted advances, being called a ‘dirty old man’ would have been the least of my problems. I don’t have many friends among our employers, though I do have some reports of my own saved for a rainy day.

Fortunately such measures aren’t necessary. I’m more stunned than ever at Belle’s reaction. I would never have guessed she harbored any feelings for me at all. I’m counting down the days until this mission is over. I will understand of course if it was a mistake made due to the intensity of the location, and our positions, but I hope it was real. Perhaps we’ll start with going out for coffee and see where it goes from there.