She pulled a face she knew he’d understand.
He did, because he laughed.
‘I wish we could,’ she said, meaning it, ‘but we both know all the reasons why it can’t work.’
‘Your life is here in Bristol, mine is in Guernsey. So, we’re going to have to do better about communicating in future, at least I am, because I know I’m the one who was really at fault this time, and I don’t want this sort of thing happening again.’
Grimacing, she said, ‘I don’t suppose there are any guarantees it won’t, but what matters right now is that we both make a commitment to do better.’
As he wrapped her in his arms, she held him tightly, loving the way he felt against her, the familiar and wonderful smell of him, the sensations as he kissed her, long and hard, tenderly and with growing passion. It reminded her of all the ways they were so perfect for one another, and pushed awayall the reasons why their relationship really might not work in the end.
‘There is a certain kind of communication,’ she said, when he briefly let her go, ‘that we’ve never really got wrong.’
Reading her perfectly, he said, ‘It’s true, and I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of ready to put it into practice again.’
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Cristy had always loved Connor and Jodi’s Victorian semi in Southville, one street back from the canal that connected the harbour to the river, and only a few stones’ throw from the office. With its typical period layout of cosy front parlour with large bay window and ornate wooden fireplace, leading to cosy dining area and equally cosy kitchen, it exuded warmth and welcome like few other places she knew. They’d done so much to make it special and characterful – and like a second home for their friends, especially her. She truly couldn’t love them more if she tried, and while she appreciated she was on an unstoppable high right now (thanks to the afternoon she’d spent with David), it didn’t mean her feelings were any the less heartfelt and genuine. She simply had to rein them in a little or she’d end up embarrassing them all – or, just as likely, turn herself into the target of some merciless teasing.
Nevertheless, watching how thrilled they were to see David, understanding from his mere presence that the relationship was back on, made her want to throw her arms around them in gratitude. They always had her back, no matter what, and she’d always be there for them too in every way possible.
Picking up on how relaxed they seemed – their usual selves, in fact – she dared to hope that her suspicions of a problematic early pregnancy were unfounded, and she was glad to have a few minutes alone with Connor in the kitchen to fill him in on why David hadn’t been in touch.
Clearly appalled, Connor paused in the opening of a bottle. ‘I never thought any of us would hear from Olivia Caldwell again,’ he declared in disgust. ‘Thank God he seems to have it under control. Does he?’
Cristy nodded. ‘I think so. You know how “together” he is, capable, even; he just went a bit off-course with me.’
Continuing with his task, he said dryly, ‘So you get to keep the diamonds?’
Laughing, she said, ‘I guess so, although they’re still in Guernsey, so that probably means I’ll have to go over there to get them.’
He laughed too and said, ‘What was it you said a few days ago, about thinking you read people so well only to find you’ve missed the real story altogether?’
‘I was talking about Meier at the time,’ she reminded him, ‘but OK, point made.’
‘And lesson learned – get all the facts before jumping to conclusions. I wonder who taught me that when I was starting out?’
Knowing it was her, she playfully nudged him then picked up a plate of canapés to take into the sitting room, leaving him to bring in the champagne and four glasses. No one had actually said it was a good time to celebrate; it had simply felt like breaking open a bottle was the right thing to do.
As soon as everyone had a drink in hand, Jodi declared, ‘OK, so we have news!’
At the exact same moment, Cristy said, ‘We have news.’
Jodi’s eyes widened as she beamed. ‘Don’t tell me! You’re pregnant!’
Cristy blinked, and as everyone laughed, she quickly caught up. ‘Not me, you!’ she cried.
It was Jodi’s turn to blink. ‘Not the last time I checked,’ she assured them.
‘How about you, David?’ Connor asked.
‘Not me. You?’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘Enough.’ Cristy laughed. ‘You go first,’ she told Jodi, and settled into the small sofa next to David, who was cradling the sleeping baby on one shoulder. ‘Ours might take a bit longer, and no, we arenotgetting married.’
David shot her a glance that she deliberately ignored.
