That’s the bit I’d rather not think about. ‘That’s why we chose from the least pricey end of the rail. And why we’re being super-careful.’
He raises one sardonic eyebrow. ‘Good you’ve got that covered. I’ve always been told wedding dresses cost more than houses.’
What happens next is one of those nightmare moments, where my actions completely contradict what I’ve just said. I have no idea why I was trying to stick my thigh through the skirt slit in the first place, even less idea why the exhibitionist in me took over and did a half kick that exposes my entire leg. All I know is, it completely unbalances me and before I know it, I’m twisting through the air into a dramatic diagonal plunge, and the boardwalk is rushing towards me.
Luckily for me, Lando leaps forwards and breaks my fall. It’sthe kind of move they spend all week perfecting onStrictly; I end up upside down in a full lunge in his arms, staring into eyes that are dancing with amusement.
He seems to be biting his lip to hold back his laughter. ‘Nice move, Maevey, way better than the “hello” hug I was about to suggest.’
When he gently eases me back to vertical again, I know better than to accept the hand he’s offering and instead take a large step away from him.
I tuck any escaping bits back into the scoop-neck of my dress, and send Tia an eye roll. ‘Great to bump into you, Lando, but we’d best push on and beat the crowds.’
Lando grins around the deserted harbourside. ‘I understand. Films to make, places to be.’
I pull in my stomach, lift my chin high, and fix my gaze on a point above the rooftops of the cottages across the quay. With my boobs back in order all I want now is to make a smooth exit, so Lando’s lasting impression is a good one. Ideally when he thinks about me for the next ten years it’ll be as a sharp, stylish woman who has her shit together.
As I stride to pass him his voice rings out. ‘Careful, Maevey, mind the?—’
There’s a strange sensation as my body moves forwards but my foot bangs against something hard and stays where it is. I teeter on my heels, throw my weight backwards to find my balance point but somehow overdo it, and end up toppling. Lando’s hands are coming towards me, but this time I’m tipping backwards too fast for him to reach me. A second later, I’m arcing backwards towards the water, arms outstretched, thanking my lucky star it’s high tide.
There’s a loud smack as I hit the surface and half the contents of the harbour fly upwards as I plummet downwards. The freezing water forces every bit of breath out of my body.
As I claw my way back through the murk to the surface, there’s another tidal wave, and as I reach to grab the boardwalk, Lando’s head bobs up beside mine.
You’d think that when I’ve just fallen in the harbour my heart couldn’t sink any lower, but it has now.
Tia’s still on the gangplanks, calling down to us as she dabs the splashes on her satin skirt. ‘It might be easier if you swim to the wall and climb up the ladder.’
I drag myself up onto the cobbles in clinging transparent silk hoping to hide behind a few pearls and seaweed strands. Then Lando hauls himself out, his tanned, wet skin shining as he rubs his muscles. I let my eyes follow the trail of hair from his navel down to the waistband of his pants before I yank my eyes away.
It could have been worse. At least he kept his boxers on.
He squeezes my arm as he heads off towards his boat again. ‘Good thing you chose the cheap dress. An expensive one might have been totally ruined. Can I offer you a towel?’
There’s nothing I’d like more, but as I don’t want to stay a second longer, I call after him, ‘We’re okay. The shop’s not far.’
Which reminds me there are bigger problems than him.
‘How will we break it to Jess?’ I’m cursing myself for ever leaving the shop. ‘It would have taken months of bingo calling to cover the cost of this dress.’
Tia stares down at the streaks on her own silk gown. ‘If we caught all that on camera, Jess may yet forgive us.’
I squeeze the tripod legs together and tuck it under my arm. ‘I have no idea how you can stay so chilled in the face of so much devastation.’
She pulls me into a hug. ‘You’ve probably had enough shocks for one day, but there might be a surprise for you back at the shop.’
I give a shiver. ‘So long as it’s not Lando-shaped, bring it on!’ I blow out a sigh. ‘And yay! For what we’ve just survived! Let’s hope that’s the last we’ll see of him.’
Even though I’m definitely not watching him, I sense a movement on the boat, and freeze as I take in the unfolding scene. ‘He’s got a woman on there with him.’
Tia pulls a face. ‘Regardless of his opening line, it shouldn’t be a surprise he’s taken. Given how hot and loaded he is.’
‘Right.’ Of course he will be. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re totally incompatible, and then there’s the humungous pile of baggage between us. Not talking about Nemmie herself, obviously, but about the inevitable retribution if the truth came out now.
Tia gives me a shove along the cobbles. ‘Your teeth are chattering, we’d better go.’
As we make our way up the narrow winding hill past Crusty Cobs bakery, Tia gives me one of her searching stares, and I say what we’re both thinking. ‘If Lando Nancarrow is back in town for any more than a fleeting visit, regardless of his status, I’m in big trouble.’
