“It’s perfect,” Poppy said. “I’ll be there every weekend.”
“With Tupperware, I hope.” Jess allowed herself to imagine it. The film job had become a turning point in her life and made her realise how much she wanted a change.
As a child, those peaceful days in the country with her grandfather had been the happiest in her life. And then with Nate, cooking and spending evenings together in the little cottage—working in a small town and living a quieter life—it was everything now. Maybe once she’d settled in, she could even allow someone like Nate into her life?
Except she didn’t want someonelikeNate. She wanted Nate. How that would happen, she had no idea. He’d made it clear he wanted to get back to his consultancy role and his apartment. And London wasn’t for her.
But the premiere was coming up for the show, and Laney had mentioned he might come. It was a ridiculous idea—her and Nate—and she’d tried hard to move on, but she couldn’t shake her crush.
Her cat stretched and rolled over on her knee, wanting a scratch under the chin, and she was happy to oblige.
“Did I show you the dress I picked out for the premiere?” Clicking on a saved page, an image of a figure-hugging, rose-gold dress appeared. It cinched in at the waist and flowed around the hips with a high split on one side.
“That is so gorgeous,” Poppy squealed. “Watch out, Doctor Famous.”
Jess nudged her friend’s leg in a playful punch. “Stop it. I told you that’s not a thing.”
“But it could be…” Poppy teased. “Dreamy London doctor falls for cottage-owning country girl. I can see that playing out.”
“You read far too many romance novels. He’s in London and I’m here, and that’s reality.”
“It could happen. Especially with that dress.” Poppy nudged her back suggestively. She lowered her voice, laying on a thick British accent. “Oh Jess, let me check your temperature. You look hot.”
“Should I be worried about you?” Jess laughed. “You’re meant to be encouraging me to keep away from men, remember?”
“I think we can make an exception for Doctor Nate Mitchell.”
“I should have never told you his name. Remind me why we’re friends?”
“Because me and your darling cat here are your one true loves, and want you to be happy. Don’t we Jimble?” Poppy lifted Jimble up and held him to her face. “Jimble says ‘Keep an open mind. Love finds a way.’”
“No, I think we’re friends solely because of chocolate pretzels.”
AnI’m-plotting-somethinglook came over Poppy’s face. She swapped the laptop for Jimble, placing him back on Jess’s lap where he settled himself into a tight circle of fur, head to tail.
“I know that look.” Jess shook her head, but before she could stop her, Poppy typed Nate Mitchell into the search bar.
“Poppy. Come on. I don’t want to stalk the guy.”
“It’s not stalking. It’s research.”
Several images appeared, most of him when he was younger, in the television soap opera. Some of him as a doctor: profileimages from his workplace, Jess assumed. Seeing his photos sent a warm rush spreading out from her chest and across her arms. She hadn’t crushed this badly on a guy since her teens.
“You weren’t kidding. You sure this guy isn’t a player? Look at that jawline.” Poppy’s own jaw dropped open.
Remembering their kiss at the wrap party, Jess touched her lips. Why had she done that? She couldn’t even use the excuse of too many drinks. The party had only just started. It had been spontaneous and stupid, but she didn’t regret it.
They’d had that one night together in the cottage, but he hadn’t once pressed her for more. It was obvious he liked her, but he hadn’t pursued her aggressively, like so many others did. Hadn’t love-bombed or chased or tried to manipulate. He’d apologised and seemed to feel he’d done something wrong. How many guys like that did you meet? None Jess could remember.
When she’d kissed him goodbye, he’d been so sweet. Pulling her close like he wanted her desperately, but not making any false promises. It was refreshing.
“No, he’s a gentleman.”
Poppy gasped. “Oh, Jess. Is this his ex?”
Jess focused her eyes back on the laptop and the picture Poppy had clicked on of Nate and his ex-fiancée at an event. Nate, in a dark suit, stood with his arm casually around a tall woman with hour-glass curves and long dark hair. Her head was turned slightly to the side, but the resemblance was unmistakable.
“She looks like you,” Poppy whispered.
