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“Yes, thanks, Brian.” Lottie smiled at the man, who gave her a small bow of confirmation.

“Where did everyone go?” Lottie asked Hannah, who had been left sitting at the table on her own.

“Freya said something about Netflix, Tom and Zack went off to get an early night, and Sunitra went to chivvy up Anya in the kitchen so they can get home,” said Hannah. “So it’s just you and me.”

“So it is,” said Lottie, choosing to retake her seat next to Hannah, allowing their thighs to touch once again.

“And can I get you a drink, madam?” asked Brian, turning his attention to Hannah.

“A spiced rum would be ideal, please. Thank you,” said Hannah.

Lottie smiled inwardly. The evening crackled with possibility.

Chapter Thirty-Three

HANNAH

Hannah enjoyed the familiar sensation of the rum as it slipped down her throat, warming her from the inside out. “Thank you,” she said to Lottie.

“Thank you? For what?” Lottie looked at her quizzically. “You already thanked me for use of the office and the phone and stuff.”

“No, not that,” said Hannah. “I asked you to stop looking at me as though I was someone to pity. And you did. I appreciate it.” She gently took her own hand and put it on Lottie’s thigh, echoing Lottie’s move from earlier in the evening.

“I’ll be totally honest,” said Lottie, “I’ve never pitied you. You don’t strike me as someone who needs it, or would accept it.” Her eyes glittered.

“Maybe,” said Hannah, with a slow smile. “And about last night. I wanted to check in with you.”

“Like I said before, it’s totally fine,” said Lottie.

“Fine?” Hannah put her head to one side. Fine was not the word she would have used for the kiss between them. There had been too much passion, too many sparks and the promise of adventure.

“No, that came out wrong, I just mean it’s all good. I don’t want you to worry about it. This is coming out wrong, too.” Lottie’s ears flushed and Hannah couldn’t help but see a blush had crept up her chest where her loose shirt was unbuttoned.

“Shh,” said Hannah. “I think I can help.”

Lottie raised her eyebrows and nodded at Hannah to continue.

“I just wanted to say that, it was an exceptionally good kiss.” Hannah could feel her own face heating up. “And, if you are agreeable, I’d quite like to repeat it.”

“You would?” Lottie rested her hand on Hannah’s.

“I really would.” Hannah bit her lip.

“I do think I should warn you that I’ve not had a relationship with anyone in ages, and I come with baggage.” Lottie huffed out a laugh. “You’ve met them.”

“I have, and I think Freya and Zack are lovely,” said Hannah, surprised to see this nervous side to Lottie.

“And we live so far apart,” blurted out Lottie.

“I’m not asking you to move in with me,” said Hannah.

“No, obviously, sorry, yes you’re right.” Lottie was babbling and running her free hand through her hair.

“Do you think you could loosen your grip on my hand?” Hannah gave Lottie a kind smile.

Lottie brought both her hands to her face. “God, I’m a mess. So sorry. You seem to have scrambled my brain,” she admitted.

“Look,” said Hannah, “this is fairly simple. I’m going to invite you to bring the rest of your whisky up to my room. We can talk, or kiss, whatever you want.”