He smiled. Those gorgeous bright blue eyes twinkled with mischief. ‘Do you mind if I say something?’
‘Is it a nice something or a nasty something?’
‘It’s sort of an observation.’
‘Go ahead.’
‘I’m not trying to embarrass you or put you on the spot,’ he said, ‘but you looked a bit shocked to see me at the door just now. Given that you don’t know what my job is, I’m guessing that having me stop by to discuss your website wasn’t your idea. I’m therefore wondering whether me being here is more about your auntie trying to do a little matchmaking than you actually needing help with your website.’
My cheeks flushed deeply.
‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘Ihaveembarrassed you.’
I shook my head and smiled. ‘No.Youhaven’t embarrassed me; Auntie Kay has. I told her just this morning not to set me up with y—’I tailed off and bit my lip, desperately wishing I could retract my words.
Nick laughed, a warm and infectious sound. ‘It’s okay. You can finish the sentence. I promise not to jump off Lighthouse Point if you don’t want to go out with me.’
‘It’s not that. I mean it’s not you. It’s… it’s complicated. Tea or coffee?’
‘Coffee please. White. No sugar.’ Nick leaned against the worktop. ‘You don’t have to explain. I know you’ve only just split up with your boyfriend. Kay managed to slip that into our brief conversation, which was another big clue that perhaps she was playing Cupid. You probably need some time to yourself.’
I sighed and shook my head.‘It’s not that either.’ I stirred his coffee. ‘Things with Jason had run their course a long time ago. It’s just that…’
When I didn’t finish the sentence, Nick prompted gently, ‘I’m a good listener.’
I sighed. ‘Believe me, you don’t want to hear my woes.’
‘Try me.’
I handed him his drink and studied his face. It would be useful to hear a male viewpoint. It would also be useful to have someone completely independent to tell me whether or not I was being crazy with the whole searching for Steven thing. Auntie Kay had been as much use as a chocolate teapot. But could I really open up to someone I’d only just met?
‘I’m not sure,’ I said, eventually. ‘You might laugh.’
‘I promise I won’t. If it helps, I volunteer as a youth counsellor and, believe me, I’ve heard it all over the years. I don’t judge. I don’t laugh. I just listen and occasionally offer a few words of wisdom. But I can also drop the subject, shut up, and we can talk websites with no pressure. Or I can go.’
I finished making my tea and took a deep breath. ‘You’re on.’
‘Websites, woes or leave?’
I laughed. ‘Woes. If you’re absolutely sure you don’t mind spending the next hour or so listening to me wittering on.’
‘It would be a pleasure. But can I make a suggestion?’
I nodded.
‘Might your woes be better shared over a beer rather than a coffee? Is it too early for a swift half in Minty’s?’
‘Best idea I’ve heard all day and my favourite bar too. Are you sure you’ve got time? You don’t have any other appointments?’
‘No. No plans. I’m yours for as long as you want me.’ Nick held my gaze and my stomach did a back-flip. Was that a loaded statement?
‘There you have it,’ I said. ‘Pathetic eh?’ I took a swig from my third glass of wine.
Nick had been right. He was really easy to talk to and a great listener. Feeling relaxed – especially after the first glass of wine on an empty stomach – I told him all about Uncle Alan, my Life Plan, Jason, the clairvoyant CD and Clare’s suggestion to start online dating. I left out the window cleaner and plasterer episodes. They were definitely on a need-to-know-only basis.
‘Not pathetic at all.’ Nick touched my hand lightly, making my heart flutter. ‘Thanks for sharing.’
‘Thanks for listening.’
