My heart thumps so wildly I’m sure everyone in the village can hear it.
Christina gives me a bright smile. “Ready?”
“No,” I say again.
She grins. “Perfect.”
And with that, she pushes open the door.
Chapter 5
Alex
England lose another scrumand Phil lets out the kind of despairing noise usually heard at funerals.
“Oh, come on,” he groans, dragging his hands down his face. “Hopeless.”
“To be expected,” I say, finishing the last of my pint. “Another?”
He doesn’t take his eyes off the screen. “Go on then.”
I grab our empty glasses and head to the bar. Martin, the landlord, is also watching the match with the intensity of someone monitoring a heart monitor.
“Two Oatmeal Stouts,” I say.
He barely tears his eyes away from the telly but nods and takes the glasses.
The door opens behind me. A draft sweeps in, along with the soft murmur of new voices.
I turn and spot Emma just behind Christina. Something loosens in my chest. I wasn’t sure she’d come. I’d hoped — but knowing how nervous she is, I didn’t count on it. Seeing her here feels… good. Better than I expected.
She’s wearing a top that suits her far too well, her cheeks flushed pink already. Her hair is up in a messy knot, a few curls falling loose. She looks… pretty. Not flashy. Not trying. Just pretty in a way that hits somewhere low and warm.
She meets my eyes for half a heartbeat, blushes violently, and immediately tries to hide behind Christina. Cute doesn’t cover it.
“You came,” I say to both of them, though my eyes can’t help lingering on Emma.
“It took a small miracle,” Christina announces proudly. “And one threat. But she’s here.”
Emma looks like she’d quite like the ground to open and swallow her whole.
“Well, in that case, let me get your drinks,” I offer.
Christina taps her chin, pretending to deliberate. “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
She flounces off toward the table where Phil is sitting. Phil spots her heading his way and goes instantly rigid. Bless him. The lad can hang off a cliff edge in a storm, but one confident woman walks towards him and he forgets how to function.
Emma stays in front of me, twisting her fingers around her bank card like she’s trying to bend it to her will.
I take a small step closer, slow enough not to spook her. A stray strand of hair has slipped down her cheek, and without thinking, I reach out and gently tuck it behind her ear.
Her breath catches. Mine does too.
“What about you?” I ask softly. “What can I get you?”
She swallows. “Pint of lemonade, please.” Then she quickly adds, “I can pay.”
I shake my head lightly. “Not today.”
