Page 44 of Whispers from the Past

Because whenever I look at you, everyone disappears.

Ok. That was an 8. Is it wrong that I liked it though?!

She really smiled as she imagined Luke actually saying these pick up lines to her. Messaging him was much easier than talking to him.

Are you a dictionary? Cause you’re adding meaning to my life.

🤢 I take it back. That was terrible! I’ve actually been a little sick in my mouth.

Too late! Now I know you like this approach, you’ll be hearing a lot more of these.

Who are you? And what have you done with Luke?

Rose sank down into her bed and pulled the covers up high, covering her face. Texting like this made her feel like a teenager again. As she waited for Luke’s reply, the warmth of her bed and the emotional toll of the day took its course. Within minutes she was asleep. She woke up hours later with her phone in her hand, still dressed in last night’s clothes. Looking at the phone, she found the reply she’d been waiting for.

I think Holly’s Gooseberry Ale has a lot to answer for.

Sorry! I fell asleep. Did you sleep ok?

Not expecting an immediate reply, she went to shower and get ready for day two of the festival. The shop had been unusually busy yesterday due to the swell of visitors staying in the Bay. She wanted to make the most of it today. When she returned to her phone fifteen minutes later, she was pleased to see a message waiting.

I slept fine. But you must be exhausted…

…from running through my dreams all night.

Rose actually laughed out loud. Seriously, who was this version of Luke? She checked the time, and worked out that if she was quick, she could make a quick visit to the garage before opening the shop. The brightness of the sky caused her to squint as she locked up The Book Nook a few minutes later. Although early, she could tell it was going to be a warm day. She stood for a few seconds longer than you normally would to soak up the sun’s rays. As she walked up the footpath to the garage, she kept smiling to herself as she replayed Luke’s words from last night. She had been honest when she’d told him that it was the nicest thing anyone had said to her. Over the years, she had seemed to attract people that needed her to be the one saying lovely things to them. She always seemed to be looking after everyone else, and no-one really took the time to think about what she needed.

Minutes later, when she reached the familiar door of the garage, she was suddenly overcome with nerves. Shaking her head to dislodge her doubts, she knocked lightly.

‘Come in,’ she heard, and smiled as she remembered the last time she thought she’d heard those words. She opened the door and shared her disappointment,

‘Last time I heard those words, you were topless when I came in,’ she teased.

‘I can fix that,’ he said as he peeled off his t-shirt, eliciting a giggle from Rose. She moved towards him.

‘Much better,’ she laughed. And then it suddenly became real. This wasn’t just a flirty game anymore. Luke’s emerald eyes were filled with a desire she hadn’t seen before.

‘Rose,’ he seemed to warn, as she stepped towards him, stopping a couple of feet in front of him.

‘Whilst I was away, and with how I’d left things with you, I just assumed that you and Tony had started dating. And it really bothered me. I really like you Rose.’

He pulled her closer. She knew what was coming and she wanted it more than anything.

‘Luke? Where shall I put the…Oh my God! Rose? Oh God!’ Holly spluttered as she backed out of the office, arms full of boxes.

Rose could feel her face blush a deep red and buried it in Luke’s warm chest. ‘Any chance that just didn’t happen?’

‘No, I definitely just saw you and my topless brother,’ Holly called from the stairs.

‘Holly has always had impeccable timing,’ Luke’s laugh reverberated through his chest into Rose’s head.

‘I should go,’ she said as she pulled away.

‘And I should probably put my top back on. Mr Heftnall is coming by in a few minutes to collect his car, and I’m not sure he’s a chest man.’

Before Rose was out of reach, he caught her hand and pulled her back for a soft kiss. ‘Raincheck?’

‘Raincheck,’ she confirmed as she felt the blush rise again.