Olivia stole another glance, letting tears of joy stream out of the corners of her eyes. Exhilaration flooded every cell of her body. Was this what it was all about? Was this how it felt to be alive?
‘Thank you, Leah,’ she whispered, turning up the gas and picking up speed. ‘Thank you.’
*
By the time they arrived back at Olivia’s hut, every part of her body was frozen, but she couldn’t wipe the grin from her face.
‘Maybe I need to get me one of these in London.’
‘They’re fun, right? When you finally decide to go over ten miles per hour.’
Olivia gave Jacob’s arm a sharp slap and suddenly noticed how tired he looked.
‘How are you going to get home?’
‘I’m guessing riding the bike is still not an option?’
Olivia took the keys from the ignition and held them tightly in her hand. ‘Nope.’
‘Then I guess I’ll walk.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘What other choice do I have?’
Olivia stared into Jacob’s weary face. There was another option.
‘You can stay with me, if you like.’ The words were out of her mouth before her logical brain had a chance to stop them. ‘Obviously, I can sleep on the floor.’
‘Don’t be silly, you don’t want me to do that.’
Her cheeks blazed. God, if only he knew just how badly she wanted it.
‘I don’t necessarilywantyou to, it’s just …’ She started fiddling with the bike keys, shifting her weight back and forth. ‘I don’t think I’ll sleep properly tonight if you’re by yourself. What if something happens again?’
‘Nothing’s going to happen, Olivia, I’m fine.’
‘But what if it does?’ She took a small step towards him. ‘I know it sounds crazy but, after Leah … I don’t know …’
She let her feeble excuse trail off; how foolish and immature she must sound. This was a fully grown man – a capable, independent adult.
‘Will you be that worried if I don’t?’
‘Annoyingly, yes,’ she admitted.
‘In that case’ – he lifted her chin with his finger – ‘I’ll stay. Only if it makes you feel better.’
‘Thank you!’
‘On one condition though.’ He raised an eyebrow.
‘Go on …’
Their eyes locked for a fraction too long. Olivia felt the skin on her face tingle from his touch and her face burn a deep scarlet. How the hell was she going to cope sleeping in the same room as this man?
‘You promise me you don’t snore.’
‘As if I would snore!’ Olivia welcomed the lightness of his joke and began to walk towards her front door. ‘However, I do have earplugs in case you need them.’
