Page 10 of One Month's Notice

“I’m really sorry. My ex-boyfriend just walked in with his new girlfriend.”

Michael raised an eyebrow and Nat realised she would have to explain further if she was going to salvage the situation.

“We only broke up a few weeks ago. And he’s with the girl I’m pretty sure he started seeing before we actually split up.” Nat sunk down into her seat, trying to make herself invisible and forgetting for a moment who she was with and why she was there. “This just gives him even more reason to think I’m a loser. My business has failed, I’m living with my brother, and I’m sitting in a coffee shop being interviewed for a job I don’t even want.”

Nat instantly regretted the words that had just tumbled out of her mouth, especially as Joe had just noticed her and lifted his arm to give an awkward wave. Michael looked over at Joe and frowned. Then his face softened and he moved closer to Nat, taking her by surprise.

“Well, why don’t we give him something else to think about you instead?” He waited until he was sure Joe was looking, then reached over and took her hand in his. He pulled it up to his mouth and planted a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

There was a long silence as Nat held her breath. Eventually, Michael let go of her hand, but she could still feel the warmth of his touch on her skin.

“Can I get you another drink?” Michael stood up as if everything was completely normal.

Nat stared up at him, trying to process what had just happened. If it was any other man in any other place, the moment would have seemed entirely inappropriate. But something about the exchange felt natural, like it was meant to happen.

“Natalie?”

She nodded slowly. She couldn’t face the thought of another black coffee. Screw it.

“I’ll have a cappuccino, please.” There was no way she was going to get this job anyway, so what did a bit of milk froth on her lip matter?

She watched him as he walked up to the counter with a determined stride, his broad shoulders carrying an unmistakable confidence. Nat felt a wave of warmth wash over her. Michael’s gesture in front of Joe had taken her by surprise, and although it meant nothing to him, it meant everything to her.

“Er, can I ask why you did that?” Nat said when Michael sat back down. She needed to understand why this man with his cool, almost stand-offish exterior had done something so unexpected. Michael was silent while he stirred his drink before looking at her and staring, his gaze intense.

“I can’t stand infidelity and it’s clearly had a nasty effect on you. To me, it looks like he’s the loser if he thinks it’s OK to do something like that to someone like you.” He stopped speaking and looked down into his cup.

Michael’s words echoed in Nat’s mind. What did he mean, someone like you?

“Plus, we’re in the middle of an interview and I don’t have all the time in the world.” Michael looked down at his watch. “I was hoping we might be able to get to the end of it before this place closes. As you know, I don’t currently have a PA and the thought of having to reschedule my diary myself terrifies me.”

They continued the interview, and, to Nat’s relief, she made it to the end with no further interruptions or disasters. She tipped her head back and finished the last dregs of her cappuccino.

“Well, thank you for taking the time to interview me,” Nat said, reaching for her bag. “It’s been really nice to meet you.”

“Do you mind?” Michael held up a tissue and Nat’s face clouded with confusion. He reached forward and gently wiped something off the tip of her nose. The look of concentration on his face and his close proximity caused Nat’s heart to beat so fast and loud, she was sure he could hear it. He held up the tissue to show Nat a smudge of cappuccino foam with chocolate dusting. Her cheeks flushed as she brought her hand up to her nose. The scent of his warm, spicy aftershave had lingered on the hand he had kissed and sent a shiver up her spine.

“It’s OK, I got it all.” Michael smirked. Nat couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. But before she did either, they were interrupted by a message pinging on Michael’s phone. He read it, then grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair.

“I need to get back to the office.” Michael glanced over his shoulder to where Joe was sitting. “Why don’t you walk out with me so we can keep the pretence up a bit longer? We can remind him what he’s missing out on.” He stood up, tilting his head to one side with a broad smile, and held out his hand.

Nat’s stomach flipped as she was momentarily stunned by both his gesture and how his face had been transformed by a simple smile. There had been no doubt he was handsome—the serious expression he held for most of the interview gave off dark and brooding vibes. But the shift in his features to something even more good-looking took Nat by surprise. This was a man that could be relaxed and carefree, but only on his terms.

She timidly accepted his outstretched hand. Her hand tingled where it met his warm grip as they walked out of the coffee shop together, before going their separate ways as if nothing had happened.

Chapter six

Tuesday 19th April

Nat pushed hard against the wooden door with her shoulder, being careful not to spill the contents of the two steaming cups she was holding in each hand. As she took a step into the shop, the door swung back towards her more quickly than she was expecting.

“Oh shit!” Nat twisted awkwardly to stop the large folder tucked under her arm from slipping to the floor.

Lexi was sitting at a rickety table in the centre of the shop, concentrating on her laptop screen. She turned towards the sound and her face lit up.

“You made it! And you brought coffee! You’re my saviour.”

Lexi rushed over, grabbed a cup from Nat and took a big swig.

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