Clara rolled her eyes, trying to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks. ‘No. He’s just a really lovely guy who doesn’t want to go to a wedding on his own. I’m going along as moral support, that’s all.’
‘And is he trustworthy?’
‘Very. He’s really nice.’
‘Well, that’s a great start.’ Harriet gave her a little hug. ‘Friends first, then move on.’
Clara shook her head. ‘Maybe… I don’t know.’
‘If he’s in his forties, does he have kids or anything?’
‘Yes. He has two teenage boys.’
Harriet’s eyes brightened. ‘But that’s just what you need. If he already has kids, then, well…’ She looked earnestly at Clara. ‘Your “issues” won’t be a problem for him.’
‘It’s too early to think like that.’
Harriet gave her a pat on the arm. ‘Well, if you get the chance for something more, take it. If he’s a nice guy, why waste the opportunity?’
‘Because we’re colleagues and friends. I don’t want to make things awkward.’
‘Ah, yes. True.’
Clara reminded Harriet of Skye’s routine. When she was done, she crouched down to kiss Skye on the head. ‘Aw, I’ll miss you, my baby. You be good for Auntie Harriet and Molly? I’ll be back before you know it.’
Skye gave her a big doggy smile, then trotted happily after Molly. Clara watched her go.
‘She’ll be fine,’ Harriet said. ‘We’ll spoil her even more than you do. Now, you go and enjoy yourself.’
Clara nodded. Yes. That was exactly what she was going to do. A little fizz of nervous excitement bubbled in her tummy – she was on the verge of an adventure.
Chapter Twelve
Sam
Sam peered out of his doorway as Clara pulled up in his driveway just after eight. He let out a breath. Right up until this moment, he’d been second guessing himself that she might change her mind. And he’d been willing to accept that. He wouldn’t force her into coming with him. Her car door opened, and she emerged with a huge grin plastered across her face.
She went to the back of her car, dragging out a large case that looked nearly as big as she was.
‘Morning,’ he said, crossing over before she could wrestle it out fully. He took the handle from her, their fingers brushing for half a second – a small, harmless thing that still sent a jolt through his stomach. ‘I’ll pop this in the boot. Are you ready to go, or do you need anything first?’
‘I don’t need anything, thanks. I’m all ready.’ Her eyes scanned over his house. ‘Gorgeous place.’ She shielded her eyes and did a full three-sixty, taking in the fields and woodland surrounding it. ‘Look at all the woods to explore.’
‘You should come up with Skye sometime. We could walk through the Briar Woods. It’s a lovely walk.’
‘I think my dog walker takes her there sometimes.’ Her eyes met his, bright and full of the usual Clara energy, and something in his chest did an odd little twist. Once the case was safely in the boot, he found himself standing there like an idiot, not sure what to do with his hands. He flexed his fingers, pretending it was about stiffness, not nerves.
‘Isn’t this exciting?’ She beamed at him.
Before he could answer, she rose onto her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. She smelled faintly of citrus and shampoo, and for a second he froze, caught between returning it properly and keeping things hands-off. In the end, he went for a brief, awkward pat on the back.
‘I’m glad you’re looking forward to it,’ he managed, hoping his voice sounded steadier than he felt.
‘I can’t wait.’
‘Right then, let me just lock up.’ He turned away to deal with the door, using the keys as an excuse to get his head straight.
By the time they were both in the car, he’d composed himself. He buckled up, shot her a quick sideways smile, and said, ‘Thanks again for coming along. Seriously. I owe you.’
