Nell smiled indulgently. “Angie’s cooking is superb, but I doubt she could school herself into serving such small portions. She’s very much a let-me-feed-you-up type of cook.”
“Her breakfasts are legendary.” Mattie dabbed her lips with the linen napkin. “Did I tell you that Rosie is staying with me the week after next? She’s going to shadow me to get a taste of broadcast journalism.”
“I knew it was on the cards,” said Nell. “Rosie told me that you’re mentoring her.”
“Not so much mentoring as a gentle lift-up.”
“I hope you’re not going to corrupt her with all the dubious tricks of your trade.” Nell straightened her cutlery on her now empty plate. “She’s a nice girl.”
“She’s too nice. She needs to have some of that stardust rubbed out of her eyes if she’s going to be half-decent.” Mattie sipped at her water. Over the glass, she caught Nell’s awkward expression. “What is it?”
“Nothing.” Nell studied a painting of three blurry cubes.
Mattie reached out for her hand. “Is this about my unprofessional behaviour when?—”
“No, nothing like that.” Nell sighed. “It’s embarrassing.”
“Tell me?”
Nell’s cheeks reddened. “There’s not much to tell, except for how jealous I was when Rosie asked you out.”
Mattie shook her head and chuckled. “There was never anything to be jealous of.”
“She’s young, and fun, and impulsive.” Nell sagged. “All the things I’m not.”
“I’m not interested in dating women who were born this millennium.” Mattie stretched her arm across the table, palm upwards. “I am, however, very interested in a certain police inspector with the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. She’s kind, interesting, and hot as hell.”
“You’re very good for my ego.” Nell placed her hand in Mattie’s. “Still on the subject of Rosie, she’s going to help with PR for a new project of mine and Angie’s.”
Mattie listened with interest as Nell revealed she worked as a volunteer for a domestic violence charity. Knowing Nell’s boundless compassion, it didn’t surprise her in the least.
“Like a lot of charities, we’re struggling because of a drop in donations caused by the economic downturn. We need more support to help us do our work, everything from keeping shelters open to providing school uniforms and basics like food and toiletries to families who’ve fled an abuser with nothing but for the clothes on their backs.” Nell paused and gave a frown. “Sorry, I sound like a TV advert begging for money. You already know a lot of what I’m saying.”
Mattie nodded as she sipped her wine.
“I want to organise a fundraiser, something bigger than our usual events, with business sponsorship,” Nell said.
“Local or national businesses?”
“Both. I’ve got a few ideas, but they require more expertise and support than I have access to. I ran the idea through with Angie, and her Women in Business group have agreed to get involved.”
“That’s really exciting.” Mattie’s heart swelled as Nell chatted through various ideas, clearly fulfilled by it. A stab of envy caught her. When had she last felt properly fulfilled by anything? She was just going through the motions with her work rightnow, and there was no creative joy or excitement to it. She’d struggled through three weeks of constant reminders of Kenya. Jon’s ugly mug was on breakfast TV, for fuck’s sake. Nell would understand if she shared her irritation, but why ruin a fantastic evening by spilling her guts? And then there was the argument that’d soured her lunch with Shona. Shona hadn’t been able to stop herself from ambushing her with talk about therapists and counselling.
She gave herself a mental shake. She needed to let it all go, to focus on the future and the good things in life. She had a meeting with the station boss next Thursday about a potential new role. Post-Kenya, her reporting duties had been restricted because of a no-fly policy while her lungs fully recovered from the effects of smoke inhalation damage and pneumothorax. Her lungs were as good as they’d ever get now, and while she wouldn’t be scuba diving in a hurry, she could fly.
And the best thing in her life was sitting opposite her in a stunning midnight-blue dress with her heart on her sleeve. Yes, Mattie had a lot to be thankful for. She just had to resist the urge to revert to type and ruin it.
Chapter 27
Nell pushed the net curtain aside to peer through the hotel room’s window at the sodden street two floors below. “The weather’s even worse than it was yesterday.”
“A much better view though.” Mattie didn’t hide her perusal of Nell’s naked body. “Come back to bed. I’d like more room service, please.”
Nell laughed and let the curtain drop back into place. “Got your energy back now you’ve had breakfast?”
“Absolutely.”
Grapefruit, poached eggs with hollandaise, and toast with strawberry jam was decadent, but so what? She slid back into bed and settled between Mattie’s thighs, lowering herself so they could snuggle breast to breast. The kiss of their skin together and their shared warmth was all so tender and intimate. This, and last night, had been everything she’d hoped it would be. But all too soon, they’d have to go their separate ways, which was why Nell needed to imprint every single thing into her memory. “I don’t want to let you go,” she murmured.
