‘I wasn’t expecting that, I have to admit.’
‘I can’t say I was either.’
‘How did that happen?’
Pippa raised her eyebrows.
‘I obviously know how ithappens. You know what I mean – when, where and how did it come about?’
‘You were out, visiting Irene I think, and Wilson had followed me on Instagram. We flirted a little and I invited him around. We chatted, had a glass of wine and before I knew it we were kissing and one thing led to another.’
‘I can’t leave you alone for a minute. And it happened just like that?’
‘Yes.’
‘And was it just a one-off?’
‘He wants to see me again, but I’m feeling really embarrassed about the whole thing,’ Pippa admitted.
‘Why? You’re single.’
She lifted her head for a fraction of a second and looked towards the door before she spoke. ‘Because I think I actually like Aiden, and now I’ve gone and slept with his new mate. I’ve messed it all up.’
‘That is a bit tricky.’
‘I do like Wilson – well, actually, who wouldn’t? He’s kind, considerate – not to mention easy on the eye – but I don’t get that nervous flutter in my stomach—’
‘Like you do with Aiden,’ Elle interrupted, instantly thinking of Noah, as that’s the way he made her feel.
‘Like I do with Aiden,’ Pippa repeated.
‘What are you going to do?’
‘I’ve no idea. I’ve made the situation really awkward, and then there are even more complications with Aiden.’
‘Which are?’
‘He’s only recently separated from Louisa, and there’s Theo to consider.’
‘How do you feel about dating a man with a small child?’
‘I hadn’t really thought about that. It’s a whole new ball game to me, but Theo is adorable and I see him as a bonus.’
Elle smiled. ‘Who wouldn’t?’
Suddenly Aiden popped his head around the door. ‘Hey, I’m on my own out here and I think these ones are for you, Pippa,’ he said, holding out a bouquet of twelve red roses towards her.
‘Thank you,’ she replied, taking the flowers and then watching the door shut behind Aiden as he returned to the library floor.
‘Awkward,’ Pippa said as she breathed in the scent of the roses.
‘Beautiful flowers though. Are they from Wilson?’
Pippa nodded as she read the card. ‘Yes. What am I going to do?’
‘Firstly, put those in water, and secondly, if you receive such beautiful flowers after only one night, he’s a keeper!’ Elle joked.
Pippa rolled her eyes. ‘Don’t. I’m feeling bad about the whole situation.’
