Leo gave a sad smile. ‘Yeah, although she didn’t ever say so – and she had us. All three of us grew up wanting to make her proud. My older brother Oscar is a musician, and Max is a numbers whizz.’
‘The opposite of me then.’
‘He’s running some fintech that none of us understand and it blows my mind every time he tries to explain it. How about you? Any siblings?’
‘Are you sensing eldest-daughter energy?’ I teased. ‘Younger twin sisters and they are a nightmare. An inseparable duo in their own little gang, so I’m used to being outvoted.’
Leo nodded. ‘That explains why you’re so confident and articulate – you’ve had to fight to be heard.’
I stopped at that. I’d never really thought about it before, but he was right. I had. He’d spotted a piece of me I hadn’t even known was on show.
‘Doesn’t everyone?’
He shook his head. ‘Nope. You can spot an only child a mile off because they assume centre stage as their right.Brooke, for example. Whereas you and I are used to sharing, so we always check before we speak.’
It was an interesting observation, although neither of us knew she was an only child for sure.
‘It must have been difficult growing up without your parents,’ I said softly.
Leo shrugged. ‘Can’t miss what you’ve never had. Are you close with yours?’
‘Yep. Mum has always been like a sister to me and Dad expresses his love through football. He’s a season ticketholder at Anfield, so I always know where he is on match day. He used to take me every week when I was little, home or away. The twins were never interested so it was our daddy-daughter time together.’
‘Exactly what I’ll do with my children. Complete indoctrination from an early age. I’m from four generations of Liverpool supporters so it’s in the Kendrick blood. There must be a Scouser in the family tree somewhere.’
‘The best kind of people,’ I said, in my best Scouse accent.
‘I’m starting to think that too.’
He put his arms around me as we stared out at the city, the sun starting to set. We’d seen some incredible sights over the past two weeks, but Lisbon by night was pretty special. I leant back into his chest, which felt solid and safe, and the warmth of his body surrounded me as we stood in this magical spot.Esmeraldahad brought me here and facilitated this perfect moment. I’d never in my wildest thoughts have imagined I’d be stood on top of a castle overlooking Lisbon with a potential new love interest like this three weeks ago. We’d both been transported here by Excalibur. A kernel of an idea was germinating. Almostlike you couldn’t have a brochure for it because the very nature of a cruise is so variable.Unexpected perfection with Excalibur.Who knows what will happen on an Excalibur Cruise.Esmeralda – where will she take you next?There could be something in it.
‘What are you thinking?’ Leo breathed in my ear.
‘Just how random these last two weeks have been,’ I said, trying to be honest without giving anything away. ‘Like me and you in this moment right now. This whole trip has been so completely bizarre.’
‘Hmm.’ He nuzzled my back. ‘Good-bizarre, though, right?’
I laughed. ‘Yes. I also keep thinking about Heidi losing her mind when she finds out I’ve been fraternising with the enemy.’
‘The enemy? I’ll have you know I’m an upstanding member of the PR community. And not normally one for a holiday romance.’
‘You’re having a holiday romance?’
‘Yes. With you,’ he said, kissing my neck, then slowly turning me around. ‘Although it is becoming somewhat of a distraction. I’m not used to having to think about anything other than work while I’m working.’
‘So, I’m putting you off?’
‘I’ve already told you this!’
I stopped in surprise and looked at him.
‘In a good way. I’m far too easily distracted when I like someone. It doesn’t mean I want the… er… distracting to stop.’
I softened as he stumbled over his words. For a man who worked in communications, he didn’t half struggle with making himself clear.
‘I see.’
He raked a hand through his hair, looking nervous. ‘And I don’t want it to end when the cruise is over.’
