I can’t keep it to myself. ‘That man has a damn cheek, hijacking our event for his own ends.’ I know it’s his hotel, but in my book this crosses the line to unacceptable behaviour.
He was also responsible for my sleepless night, but he accidentally did me a favour; by dawn I knew I couldn’t sit back any longer. I wasn’t intending on going public quite this soon, but hearing his name again is like yet another wake-up call.
Kit shuffles. ‘He was very enthusiastic about my suggestions, which is why I wanted to talk to you.’
I hold up my finger because this can’t wait. ‘Let me give you my news first. As last night’s feedback was so positive, I willdefinitelybe doing more hospitality at The Hideaway.’
‘That’s brilliant. Your puddings are too delicious and original not to share them.’ His eyes brighten, and he squeezes my arm. ‘Will that extend as far as brownie stacks?’
I’m about to reply with a coy ‘it may’, but half-hearted won’t do here. ‘If you have orders, bring them on.’ A thriving business in a beach hut will be so much harder to obliterate than a woman as invisible as a sand worm.
‘That fits in very well with my ideas too.’ There’s a gap where he should be asking for three dozen, but he shuffles again. ‘Everyone loves the beach vibe you’ve created at Latitudes, so I want to take that further.’
My mind is racing. ‘You’re adding in a sea shanty compilation? Or flip flops?’
There are crinkles at the edge of his eyes as he smiles. ‘Better than that. I want to include a visit to The Hideaway as an option in my ring-making package.’
Hearing that last word makes me realise I’m staring at his fly, so I wrench my eyes upwards. ‘Fabulous. If you have any takers, let me know and we’ll get together with my appointment book.’ I seriously doubt he will, so there’s no need to get excited. ‘Nice Levi’s you’re wearing there.’
Hopefully that explains what I was looking down at. If he does happen to get any bookings, I’ll make sure he does his romantic poses and leaves me with the couple, because I’m seriously over him hanging round on my sofa.
My decision about my dating future didn’t happen overnight; it took months of agonising, considering the pros and cons at every stage of a relationship, balancing the need for fun with the need to avoid disaster, and protect myself and any partners at a time when I’m vulnerable. But having finally committed to how I’m going to live my life, there’s no point making it harder for myself than it needs to be. If there’s someone messing up my long-term strategy, it’s sensible to avoid them as much as I can.
Kit slides his thumb through the belt loop. ‘I had to check that David didn’t mind me diverting the business to you instead of the hotel.’
That thought fires me up all over again. ‘We could always ask Vic and Amery if you could use their pictures of The Hideaway on your website.’ There’s no point doing this by halves. If I’m involved, I may as well go for it! ‘You had some dreamy shots of Bianca and Salvador on the deck too.’
He nods. ‘I’m on it. Last night brought up something else too.’
My heart rate falters. ‘How great chocolate flakes taste when they’re crumbled rather than stuck in?’
His face breaks into a smile. ‘I was going to say how well it worked with the two of us in the studio.’
I can’t believe I was worried he was going to talk about the static inside the ice-cream van when he probably didn’t even feel it.
He tilts his head on one side. ‘The atmosphere is transformed when we’re both there. I wondered if you’d consider coming to help welcome the clients as they arrive. As a part-time paid position it would work in well with the visits to The Hideaway.’
I’m biting my lip. ‘It’s a great offer.’ But when I’ve vowed to stay away from the hotel it’s out of the question. And it doesn’t sit well with me trying to spend less time with him either.
He’s already searching my eyes for an answer. ‘And in case it’s a clincher, Shadow’s welcome to come along with you too.’
I’m silently cursing that he’s covering every angle. ‘Can I see how it fits in with my other plans, and let you know?’
I already know my answer will be no, but this gives me time to work out a watertight get-out.
He claps his hands and rubs them together. ‘Take as long as you need. It’s the spa night tomorrow, so if I don’t see you before I’ll pop in then and check how you’re all getting on.’
So much for me avoiding the hotel. The way things are going this week I might as well book a room and move in!
24
The spa night, High Tides Hotel, St Aidan
Fake nails and limp lettuce
Tuesday
‘How are the curries working, Nell?’
