That’s an unpleasant thought.
It must show on my face because Pete’s foot nudges mine under the table. “You okay? I’m sorry if I’m being pushy about your books. I won’t mention it again.” He smiles that same soft smile and now I feel like an arse.
Time to suck it up, Dunn.
“You can read one.”
His eyes light up like it’s Christmas morning and I’ve given him the best present. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. Just promise to let me down gently if it’s not your thing.”
“Of course.” He nudges me again and holds his phone up. “You going to tell me your pen name now so I can order one?”
“You don’t have a Kindle?”
“I do, but I prefer to have a physical copy to read.”
I hesitate, wondering whether to tell him I have a copy with me that he can borrow. Will it make me come across as... Fuck, where are words when I want them? Pretentious? Is that right?
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I um... I have a copy of my first book back at the pub. You could borrow that if you want?”
“I’d love that. Only if you’re sure?” His expression softens. “I expect that copy’s pretty fucking special if you’ve brought it with you.”
It is.
I would never admit it out loud, but whenever I get overwhelmed and start to wonder what the hell I’m doing trying to write books, I take that one out to remind myself that I can do it. That I already have.
And the fact he’s realised that first book’s important to me softens some of my nerves. “I’m sure.” We’ve both finished our food and I know he has to get back to work. I do too. But I want to see him again.
As friends, obviously.
“If you wanted to meet up again, I could bring it with me?” Or he could just as easily get it when he drops me back at the pub in a minute. I don’t mention that, though, and neither does he.
“I’d like that.”
We arrive backat the pub and Pete pulls into one of the few parking spaces at the front. The majority are in a large car park at the back, and it’s busy, but we’re lucky enough to arrive as someone’s leaving.
The huge Christmas tree outside is still impressive, even in daylight. I know Pete brought that one and the one inside the bar, and my curiosity has me turning to face him. “You brought the trees over yesterday, right?”
I remember, a second after the words escape, what else happened yesterday, and I can’t stop my gaze from dropping to his chest.
Which was naked yesterday.
Gloriously, wonderfully naked.
Pete clears his throat, the teasing glint in his eyes revealing he knows exactly where my mind’s just gone. “Yep.” He pushes up his sleeves, revealing strong-looking forearms lightly dusted with dark hair.
I have to hold in a sigh.
Forearms.
“Is that what you do for a living?” I manage, glancing back outside at the tree. “Sell Christmas trees?”
Pete laughs. “Well, not all year round. I’d probably starve.”
I flush, and he reaches over, pressing a fist against my shoulder. “Sorry, but you left yourself wide open for that.”
