‘She told you?’
Miranda never fails to shock me, but then again, she was behind me and Oliver flat sharing. She’s desperate for us to work because it will benefit her business.
He nods. ‘Now come in as I have a surprise.’
I walk in, and he leads the way into the living room. The sight that greets me makes me gasp. He has decorated my chair with coloured bunting and tied two balloons on strings to each arm. The coffee table has been transformed. It contains little plates of sausage rolls, sandwiches cut into triangles, crisps, baked pizza slices and sticks of carrot and celery. ‘Welcome to your birthday party, Nelly.’
I look at him. ‘You’ve done all this for me?’
He grins. ‘Sit down. Let’s eat. Lenny is around here somewhere. I had to guard the sausage rolls as he had his eye on them.’
We have the most delightful party meal. When we’ve finished, he clears everything away and brings out a little cake with candles on it.
It’s a wonderful evening and one of the best I’ve had in a very long time. I open Eva’s gift and gasp. It’s a tiny silver necklace with an ‘N’-shaped charm.
‘That’s lovely,’ says Oliver. ‘Who’s it from?’
‘My friend Eva.’ I hold it up and watch the light bounce off the little charm.
Lenny comes for a stroke, which is nice.
‘What have you two been up to?’ I ask.
Oliver smiles. ‘Lenny has been asleep on my writing desk for most of the day. And I managed to get some words down.’
‘Oh, wow. That’s great.’
He gives me a sheepish smile. ‘I’m trying my best. I went back on social media stuff earlier and it was nice. Getting back into it.’
‘This is progress.’
I check the time on my phone and suppress a yawn. ‘It’s nearly nine. Do you fancy an early night?’
He smiles. ‘Another instalment of the footman and the maid?’
I start to giggle, and we both laugh.
He looks like a different Oliver to the one I saw in my kitchen a few weeks ago. There’s a brightness to his eyes, his brow is not as furrowed and his shoulders are relaxed.
We get up from our seats. I’m so busy thinking about how handsome he looks and how fabulous his birthday surprise has been that I don’t spot Lenny weaving himself through my legs. I try to move away from my chair, but trip over the cat and crash into Oliver.
I look up and find myself in his arms.
39
‘Can I kiss you, Nelly?’ His voice is soft and smooth. ‘Lenny is fine… before you ask.’
Without hesitation, I nod, and our lips touch. There is no vision, but I am too wrapped up in him to care. It’s a slow and tender kiss. As he pulls me closer and our kiss intensifies, I can’t help but compare his style to Sam’s. If I am honest, Sam’s kiss was more like a fast spin on my washing machine, whereas Oliver takes his time to kiss me properly.
We both come up for air and exchange shocked looks.
‘Wow, Nelly,’ he gushes, ‘that was some kiss.’
I cast him a nervous smile. ‘You’re not so bad yourself.’
‘Happy birthday.’ He beams and strokes my hand.
What happens now? Anxiety is coursing through my veins.
