Brenna raised an eyebrow. ‘Yeah, whatever. I’m going full-on after that comment. And if we meet that little brat when we’re out, I’ll trample him with my heel.’
‘I’ll join you,’ Adele said, eyes gleaming. ‘I’d love to knee his dad somewhere it hurts.’
Clara burst out laughing. These women could turn any day around. ‘I’d like to wear a nice dress,’ she said once she’d caught her breath. ‘We should make the most of these occasions.’
‘Totally agree.’ Lissa patted her arm approvingly. ‘Oh, and by the way – it’s a plus-one event, in case anyone’s got a secret partner stashed away. My hubby’s desperate to meet you all.’
‘I’m on my own,’ Adele said, tossing her hair. ‘Independent woman here.’
‘Same,’ Brenna added.
Clara raised her hand with a grin. ‘And me.’
‘Me too,’ Sam said, mirroring her gesture. ‘Though not the woman part.’
That set everyone off again, laughter bouncing around the staffroom.
‘Aw, what a bunch you are.’ Lissa gave Clara a friendly clap on the back. ‘I should really be doing a bit of setting up.’
‘Not for me, thanks.’ Adele raised her hand.
‘Or me,’ Brenna chimed in.
‘Well, that just leaves you two.’ Lissa’s eyes sparkled as she looked between Sam and Clara. ‘I could save myself some time and set you up together.’
Sam coughed lightly. ‘Behave.’
‘Oh, don’t act innocent,’ Lissa teased, jabbing him playfully in the arm. ‘And I’m expecting a tux from you, ok?’
Sam rubbed his chin, a teasing smile pulling at his mouth. ‘No pressure, then. I thought about getting one for the wedding I’m going to, but I think it might be a bit much.’
‘Don’t you need a date for that too?’ Lissa winked, waving her hands dramatically in front of Clara. ‘Once again, I present Miss Morgan.’
‘Stop your nonsense,’ Clara said, but she was laughing too – and she didn’t miss the way Sam’s eyes flicked briefly to hers before he looked away, still smiling.
The door swung open, and Kerr came in looking at his phone.
‘Here’s another handsome bastard,’ Lissa muttered. ‘It should be illegal to look that good. Between him and Mr McHottie here’ – she jabbed her thumb in Sam’s direction – ‘I’ve got no hope.’
‘I can’t wait to meet your husband,’ Clara said with a smile. ‘And see what he makes of all this.’
‘Oh, he’s well used to my crazy crushes.’
Kerr came over, running his hand through his hair, and stood next to Clara. ‘How do, everyone? Still holding up with the inspectors?’
‘Just,’ Clara said, taking in his powerful scent again.
‘We were just talking about what we’re wearing to the night out on Friday,’ Lissa said. ‘I suppose you’ll be there looking like a Tom Ford model.’
‘What?’ Kerr burst out laughing and covered his face. ‘Are you serious? Me?’
Lissa waggled her eyebrows. ‘Yes, Mr Handsome and he knows it.’
He shook his head, his cheeks slightly pink under his dark stubble. Lissa wasn’t wrong. He was gorgeous and always would be. But knowing what she knew now, Clara was glad nothing hadhappened between them. No doubt Kerr would want kids one day. And he’d have beautiful ones with Georgie.
‘Look at this,’ he said, holding up his phone. ‘Georgie’s obsessed with wedding stuff already. We’re barely even engaged. Check this though.’ He handed her the phone.
Clara took it and looked at the picture, her heart giving a small, inconvenient squeeze. ‘Oh wow.’ A photo of Georgie in a long white dress smiled back at her.
