Sam ended the call, a smile playing on his lips. He glanced around the room. The house may be old-fashioned in many places, but it was always reasonably tidy when the boys weren’t here. He loaded the dishes in the washer and gave the surfaces a wipe down anyway. Then he nipped upstairs, showered quickly, and changed out of his sweaty gardening clothes into a black shirt and casual jeans.
The doorbell chimed about thirty seconds after he did his last button, and he padded down the stairs to answer it, pausing only briefly to check his reflection in the hallway mirror. He’d left the top two buttons of his shirt open. Should he close one? Or leave it? Ah, to hell with it. He was overthinking.
He opened the door to a smiling Clara. Skye wagged her short white tail furiously at Sam’s feet.
‘Hi.’ Clara gave him a little wave.
‘Hi.’ Sam stepped back. ‘In you come.’
Clara stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his waist and squeezing him tight. Sam held her close, breathing in the now familiar scent of her coconut shampoo. As they pulled apart, Clara leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
‘I really did miss you.’ She ran her hand around his cheek.
‘Me too.’ Sam grinned. ‘I’m glad you came.’
Skye, clearly not wanting to be left out, let out a small yip. Sam chuckled and bent down to scratch behind her ears. ‘Hello to you too,’ he said, and the little dog’s tail wagged even harder.
‘This is a lovely house.’ Clara glanced around.
‘You can have a tour if you like, though it needs a lot of work.’
‘I’d love to see it.’
He led her around, his heart contracting as he told her what he wanted to do in each room. It hit home just how attached he’d got to it.
‘I’ll take you to the Upper Briar Woods for our walk,’ he said. ‘It’s a beautiful walk and not far.’
‘I can’t wait to see it.’
Sam grabbed his keys and locked up. They set off down the road, Skye trotting happily alongside them. It was quiet, with only an occasional car passing by and the distant laughter of children playing in the cul-de-sac behind.
As Sam and Clara walked, their hands brushed against each other, sending tiny thrills up Sam’s arm. He’d like to take her hand and hold it, but they were still just friends. They may have added benefits, but hand holding wasn’t one of them.
‘I need to come out to your place one day and try some of the walks there.’
‘Please do,’ Clara agreed. ‘I’d love you to visit.’
Skye seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the walk, sniffing at every lamppost and patch of grass they passed.
‘You know,’ Sam said, ‘I’m really happy for you to come round anytime. Not just for walks or planned visits. Anytime you want.’
Clara looked up at him, her eyes wide. ‘Really?’
‘Absolutely.’ Sam nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ‘My door’s always open for you.’
Clara bit her lip, seeming to contemplate something. ‘Does that include when you have your kids with you?’
‘Yes. Of course it does. They’re nice boys, and you’re… well, you’re you. I’ve yet to find someone who doesn’t like you.’
She ducked her head slightly. ‘That’s sweet of you to say. But won’t they… I don’t know, worry?’
‘Worry?’ he echoed, his brow furrowing.
‘You know,’ she continued, ‘that I’m trying to steal their dad or something?’
He chuckled. ‘No, I don’t think so. I’m allowed to have friends.’
‘Sounds great. And you’re welcome to come to mine too. Bring the boys too.’
