From my position at the end of the bar, I catalogue all the things about Sean that drew me to him in the first place. He’s taken off his coat, and I love how broad he is, how those shoulders fill out his long-sleeve T-shirt like it was tailor made. I love how his short blond hair sets off his cheekbones, and how those blue eyes sparkle as he laughs. There’s no denying he comes in a pretty package, one that’s only got better with age, but there’s so much more to him. I only got a glimpse of it back in London, but even that limited time was enough for me to see the warmth inside him. He made me feel important. He listened when I talked. It was the first time I’d ever felt that comfortable with someone and I’ve never forgotten it.
I can see it now in those around him.
He stands angled to include everyone in the conversation, his focus on whoever’s speaking. He has their full attention and in return he gives them his. I’m still staring as he says his goodbyes to the group and turns my way. Our eyes lock again, and Joe’s words choose that moment to come back to me.“Doyoulikehimlike that?”
The answer shouldn’t come as easily as it does.
We’re still practically strangers.
But yeah... I do.
I like Sean Richmondexactlylike that.
SEAN
I seeVic as soon as I enter the pub, but it takes me at least twenty minutes before I can make my way over to him. Any other time I’d be more than happy to hang around and chat with people I’ve known for years, but not now.
Now I want to give in to the gentle pull drawing me in his direction. It’s been there ever since I saw him on Friday night, and despite my efforts to ignore it, to pretend there’s no connection between us... I can’t.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll do anything other than talk to him. I have some self-control. That’s sorely tested as I get closer though. He’s wearing a soft-looking jumper the colour of an expensive red wine. The deep, rich red suits him, and it’s close-fitting enough that I can see the outlines of what I think is a toned body underneath. He’s carrying a little more weight than when we were younger, solid in a way he wasn’t back then, and I have to stop myself imagining what it would be like to push him against a wall now and feel all of that pressed against me.
“Hey,” I say when I’m finally in front of him.
“Hey.” His gaze rakes over me, slow and thorough and he doesn’t even try to hide the hungry look in his eyes. I feel like I’ve missed a step somewhere. Yesterday we agreed to be friends or to try. Both of us tiptoeing around each other, trying to find a balance between theusfrom before and theusnow. I was safe with my wandering thoughts because I knew they wouldn’t lead anywhere.
ButthisVic is looking at me like being friends is the very last thing on his mind.
Blood rushes through my veins as my heart beats double-time, my body fully on board with this new development.
I made that suggestion for a reason, though. Because I’m not stupid. He’s been here for less than three days and already he’s worked his way into my life. Vic Marlow has the power to break me if I let him in, and I can’t go through that again. I can’t get involved with another person who’s used to the fast pace of city living, who thinks that living in Charnwell is like travelling back in time. Even for a month-long fling or however long it might last. I’m not one for hookups. I need the mental connection as well as the physical. And I refuse to let myself be vulnerable with someone who looks down on the place that I love, that I call home.
He said himself that he wasn’t used to so much open space. And with his stylish haircut, smart clothes, and fancy car, Vic has way too much in common with my ex for me to handle.
So I take a deep breath, calm my stupidly racing heart, and push all thoughts of walls and toned bodies to the very back of my mind. “Tree looks good.” I nod in the direction of the brightly lit Christmas tree over by the door. I’m not lying either, it looks perfect for this place.
Vic stares at me for a moment longer, before snapping out of it. “Thanks.” He glances over to have a look himself, his smile softening. “Me, Hailey, and Joe did it this morning.”
“I bet that was nice.”
“It was.” His smile widens. “We did it with Christmas music and Buck’s Fizz. I’ve not bothered with a tree at home this year, so this more than made up for it.”
I haven’t got a tree yet. I will, though. I love Christmas as much as anyone. It took me a while to get there after Simon left, but I’m in a good place now. And besides, my sister and her husband are coming to visit soon. They’re staying at the lodge park, but they’re with me for an early Christmas lunch, and she won’t be impressed if I don’t have decorations up and a tree.
“Can I get you a drink?” Vic asks, glancing over at Liz, who’s behind the bar again tonight.
His offer reminds me how thirsty I am. I have to drive home, but not for an hour or so. “Yeah, I’ll have a pint, please.”
He orders for us both, then we manage to find an empty table near the back of the pub.
I take a long drink, the cool liquid easing my parched throat, and I set the glass back down with a satisfied sigh. “Needed that.”
Vic’s staring at me again, his eyes focused on my throat as I swallow. He blinks, thick lashes brushing his cheeks before he sits back and takes a sip of his own pint.
I need him to stop looking at me like that, so I try and draw him into a safe conversation. “What else did you get up to today, then?”
“Joe and I spent most of the day building furniture for the guest rooms. If I never have to put drawers together again, it’ll be too soon.” He smiles as he talks, and it softens all his features. “But the rooms are slowly getting there.”
“I bet Hailey’s glad to have you here.”
