“It feels right,” I admit quietly. “Like… like something fits. And I didn’t even realise something was missing.”
When I look up again, she’s watching me with an expression I rarely see on her. Soft. Hopeful. Proud.
“In that case,” she says, “trust what you’re feeling. And trust him a bit too. You deserve something good.”
Before I can reply, the bell at the front rings and she slips away, leaving me with my wildly unhelpful heart thudding in my chest.
I’m relieved when four o’clock arrives and we can close. My nerves have been bubbling all afternoon and I’m desperate to get home and decompress. I tidy the shop, lock up and head to my cottage.
The moment I step inside, I strip off my jeans and pull on my favourite yoga bottoms and a big soft T-shirt. Dinner becomes a quick bowl of pasta, and then I decide I’ve earned a long bath. When I bought the cottage, the very first thing I did was install a deep tub. Not a standard size one where you have to decide if either your legs stick out or your nipples freeze off because one or the other is not covered by water. It’s still the best decision I’ve ever made.
I light a few candles, run the hot water and pour in my lemongrass-and-coconut bubbles. The scent fills the room and something inside me unwinds. I’m just about to climb in when my phone buzzes. I grab it and carry it to the bathroom, placing it on the little counter before easing into the hot water. Bliss.
I towel-dry my hands and check the screen.
Alex
Did you have a good day?
I smile before I even realise I’m smiling.
Me
I did. Did you manage to catch up on work?
As soon as I hit send, I wish I’d said something cleverer. Or flirtier. Or something that didn’t sound like a tax return.
Alex
Nope. My mind kept drifting to you, so I made a couple of mistakes but nothing I can’t fix tomorrow.
My pulse does something embarrassing.
Say something flirty, Emma. Anything.
Me
Did you know distractions can improve creativity?
I wince the second it sends. Brilliant. Quote a science fact. Very sexy.
Me
Ignore that. It sounded less boring in my head.
Alex
Hey, I could do with some creativity. I’m trying to think of an idea for our next date.
Next date.Those two words do a little somersault in my chest.
Me
Oh, I’m easy.
I freeze.Oh no. Oh no no no.
Alex
