Maybe that’s why she’d been avoidant.
She dropped my gaze and stuffed her hands in her back pockets. She stretched her neck, and I longed to run my fingertips up it.
“I was, and part of me still is,” she said. “It’s going to be amazing when it’s done. I’m just not sure it’s my long-term plan. Dreams change, and who I want to work with might change, too.” Her gaze met mine again. “The last few months have opened my eyes and made me realise what’s important. Do you know what I mean?”
I nodded.
I knewexactlywhat she meant.
We stood there staring for a few moments, as heat rolled through me. Her fingertips touched mine, and sparks ignited on my skin.
“I’m glad we reconnected, Poppy. I really hope you’re going to be in my life for good, even after all this. I need you to know that. I mean,properlyin my life.”
The way she said it, the intensity behind it, made something twist in my stomach.
I liked Eliza. The feelings I had for her were becoming impossible to ignore. But I couldn’t shake the sense I was missing something important. And how was I going to be in her life if she was going to leave?
“Would you like to grab an early dinner?” she asked. “There’s this place nearby I’ve been wanting to try.”
What could I say?I’d love to, but the ghost of my mother warned me not to.I didn’t want Eliza to think I was crazy.
I wanted her to think I was sexy and cool.
I wanted her to fixate on me.
I wanted her to want me, whether it was wise or not.
But still, I couldn’t ignore what I knew.
“I’m not sure that’s wise.”
This was the first time we’d seen each other this week, with Eliza extending her stay in Scotland to nine days. Was this what had prompted the talk of leaving?
I’d told her we had to keep things professional, and she’d stuck to the rules, only talking to me about work. I’d spent the time in a permanent state of disappointment and longing.
Her face fell slightly, but she recovered. “How about just a drink then? There’s a pub literally two minutes away.”
I should have said no. Every rational part of my brain was screaming at me to make my excuses and go home to my pristine flat where the ghost of my dead mother would pat me on the back for my sound life choices.
However, I was not known for making those.
The pub turnedout to be a gay bar, intimate and dimly lit, with rainbow flags draped artfully around the space. The clientele were in their 20s and 30s, with more piercings and tattoos than an average bar. Eliza ordered us both a beer, then found a corner booth.
She could have sat opposite me, but instead she slid into the booth beside me, until our thighs touched.
I stopped breathing. She smelled so good, even though I could still see the plaster dust in her hair. Before I knew what I was doing, I leaned over and wiped the dirt smudge from her cheek. When my fingers touched her skin, she shuddered.
When our gazes locked, my earlier resolve around Eliza melted like chocolate in the hot sun.
“I missed you this week.” When she spoke, her eyes never moved from my lips.
Her gaze was an aphrodisiac. Hell,shewas an aphrodisiac.
Those blue eyes, the colour of the brightest ocean, saw straight through every defence I’d tried to build over the past week. Sitting this close to her, I could smell that subtle perfume she wore. It reminded me of expensive hotels and summers by the loch.
“How was Scotland?”
She shook her head wistfully. “Incredible. I stayed at the pub again. Marcus turned out to be a barman I could confide my problems to with ease, and Harvey cooked me a mean steak and chips. I was spoilt, but it was nice to get away. My dad’s been rubbing me up the wrong way of late.” She sighed. “I’ve beensleeping at the house since I got back two days ago. Working from the café up the road.”
