“Delighted, as you can imagine.”
Nell waited for more, but Mattie turned her face away from the screen, and Nell couldn’t read her expression.
“About dinner on Saturday evening,” Mattie said when she finally looked up again.
So her feelings about the book were a no-go discussion for tonight. Nell recognised the desire to parcel up troublesome emotions and keep them out of sight. “Dinner?”
“One of my colleagues recommended the tasting menu at a Michelin-star restaurant in Bath,” said Mattie. “I made a reservation for us, but I can cancel if it’s not your thing,”
Nell smiled. “I seem to be making a habit of trying new things, so I’m game.”
They talked more about arrangements for the trip, knowing that this would be their last video call until then.
“Roll on Friday.” Mattie winked. “I can’t wait for our bath in Bath.”
When the called ended, Nell’s mind went into overthinking mode instead of letting her sleep. Mattie was far more comfortable with sexual innuendo and making light of situations than exploring her feelings. Clearly the book situation was affecting her, but either she couldn’t find the words to express herself or she didn’t want to. Maybe Mattie was so far out of her depth that she didn’t even know how she felt?
Nell rolled over and struggled to get comfortable. Then she wriggled as a bout of nerves took up residence in her body. They were fuelled by anticipation, excitement, and a wariness that she couldn’t shake. Perhaps she should keep a protectivebarrier around her heart, a safety net in case things went wrong. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be needed. Seeds started out as the tiniest of things and grew into something magnificent, if they were carefully nurtured. Who was to say the same thing couldn’t happen to them?
Chapter 26
Nervous anticipation laced with relief and exhaustion prickled Mattie’s skin as she navigated her car into a tight space in the hotel’s underground car park. Parking came at a premium in Bath, but this bordered on ridiculous, and she’d had enough of driving now. What was supposed to be a two-hour journey had turned into three and a half, due to an accident on the motorway south of Birmingham and the sheer weight of weekend get-away traffic. At least she’d managed to keep Nell updated via text.
She sent Nell another message. On my way up.The chilly late-night air came as a shock compared with the car’s warmth, and she zipped up her coat. Her phone buzzed.See you soon. Mattie smiled. Time to forget about work and focus on two days and nights with Nell, sharing the same space as her, seeing what the city had to offer through Nell’s eyes as well as her own, and being able to reach out and touch her as she’d longed to during their video calls. And in the unlikely scenario they ran out of things to say, there was always sex. They were very good at that.
“You’re a sight for very sore eyes,” Mattie said when Nell opened the door to their room. She dragged her small suitcase in behind her. “That was a pig of a journey.”
Nell looked adorably shy as she held out her arms. Mattie walked into them and sighed deeply.At last.It’d been far too long since she’d held her. She nuzzled against Nell’s neck and revelled in her wonderfully familiar scent.
Nell kissed her lightly. “You look gorgeous. Weary, but gorgeous.”
“I’m hungry, cranky, and tired.” She groaned. “All I see when I close my eyes are queues of stationary traffic.”
Nell gestured at the two comfy armchairs in the bay window. “Sit down before you fall down.”
“I need to use the bathroom first.” She used the ensuite toilet, washed her hands, and growled. No way was she looking gorgeous. Wan face, heavy-lidded eyes, sallow skin. Why was she always looking her worst whenever around Nell?
The small kettle had boiled by the time Mattie emerged from the ensuite.
“Tea or coffee?” asked Nell.
Mattie flopped into the armchair. “Tea, please.”
“Once I heard the words ‘multiple pile-up on the M5’ on the traffic news, I guessed you’d arrive too late for dinner at the restaurant, so I bought us some sandwiches.” Nell held out two packages. “There wasn’t a great selection, I’m afraid. Egg mayo or cheese and pickle. You choose. I’m happy with either.”
“You’re such a sweetheart.” Mattie chose the cheese sandwich and tucked into it. Their conversation was light and surface-level as they ate. “We’ve waited three weeks for this, but now we’re finally together, I can barely keep my eyes open,” she said when they’d both finished eating.
“Don’t worry, we’ve got the whole weekend.” Nell gently pulled Mattie out of the armchair and pointed at the bed. “You prefer the left side, don’t you?”
Mattie’s mouth dropped open.
“In your apartment, you had a stack of books on the cabinet next to the left side of the bed. I’m a police officer; I notice these things.” Nell shrugged like it was nothing. “So I made an educated guess and took the right side for myself.”
“You are a sweetheart.” Mattie brought Nell’s hands to her lips and kissed her knuckles. “I’ve called you that twice since I’ve been here, so clearly, sweetheart is meant to be my name for you.” When Nell blushed and shrugged again, Mattie’s heart expanded against her ribs.
“That’s one comfy bed waiting for us.” Nell’s lips twitched. “I might have tested it out with a nap while I was waiting for you.”
Mattie unpacked while Nell brushed her teeth, and then she took her turn in the bathroom, changing into pyjama shorts and tank top. “I’m beyond tired,” she said.
