‘Well, I better get started.’ Kerr saluted them. ‘Happy holidays, everyone.’
‘Have a good one, you nutter.’ Mirren gave him a quick hug.
‘Aw,’ Kerr said. ‘Are we doing hugs?’ He bent in and gave wide, somewhat fake hugs to Polly, then Clara. His familiar scent, that mix of something woodsy and clean, wrapped around her, and for a heartbeat, that old flutter returned. All those days she’dspent stealing glances at him, wondering what it would be like to have him close, came rushing back.
But then, just as quickly, he laughed and pulled back. ‘I’ll avoid man hugging you two,’ he said to Sam and Isaac. ‘I reserve all my man hugs for Eddie.’
‘Lucky me.’ Eddie pulled a long-suffering face as Kerr put his arm around his neck.
‘Happy holidays, everyone.’ Kerr gave a casual wave to the rest of the room as he and Eddie left.
Something warm brushed past her, and she turned to see Sam. He stepped a little closer. ‘You still ok for tomorrow?’
‘More than.’ She gave him a bright smile and moved out of Lissa’s earshot. ‘I’m taking Skye to my sister’s later, so I’m all set for the morning.’
Sam nodded. ‘Sounds good.’
The familiar sense of ease that she associated with Sam settled around her again. ‘I can’t wait.’
After dinner, Clara pulled into Harriet’s drive, Skye standing on the back seat, tail wagging in pure doggy delight. As soon as Clara opened the door and unclipped her harness, Skye leapt out, bounding up to Harriet, who was waiting just outside of her house in Perth.
‘Hello.’ Harriet bent down to greet Skye, who was already smothering her with licks. Clara waved to Molly, who was peeking around the door already in her PJs, her brown hair out of its usual ponytails and hanging around her shoulders.
‘Auntie Clara.’ Molly almost tripped over Skye as she ran to Clara.
‘Hello, Miss Molly.’ Clara scooped her up and twirled her around. ‘Are you going to look after Skye for me?’
‘Yeah.’ Molly held out her hand, and Clara high-fived it.
‘Come in.’ Harriet stepped inside.
‘Just let me grab the bag with all Skye’s things.’ Clara put Molly down and got the bag from the boot. ‘But I can’t stay for long. I want to get a good sleep. We’re leaving early tomorrow. That’s why I wanted to drop her off tonight.’
‘But you haven’t even told me properly what it’s all about?’ Harriet went into the kitchen and flicked the kettle on. ‘I didn’t think you were going away this year.’
Clara cleared her throat, watching Molly playing with Skye. ‘I’m helping out a friend. And it’s a chance to go somewhere.’
‘Uh-huh.’ Harriet folded her arms. ‘Which friend is this? You have so many I can’t keep up.’
‘Sam.’
Harriet raised an eyebrow. ‘Is that a woman or a man?’
Clara looked away and smiled. Of course, her sister would speculate. ‘A man.’
‘Interesting.’ Harriet raised an eyebrow. ‘Tall, dark, and handsome?’
Clara gave a little shrug. ‘I guess so.’
‘Really?’
‘Actually, yeah.’
‘Age?’
Clara shook her head. ‘I’m not sure. Forties.’
Harriet moved closer, checking Molly was busy with Skye. ‘Is this a naughty excursion?’
