Page 29 of One Month's Notice

“She just reminds me of the popular girls at school.” Nat shrugged. “I never fitted in with that crowd and it’s clearly left me damaged and insecure.” She pulled a dramatic face and laughed to show she wasn’t being serious, not really. She had no doubt that Michael would have been the type of boy that those girls spent all of their time trying to impress. Nat was also beginning to think that he was the type of boy that wouldn’t have even noticed.

He grabbed a couple of glasses from a cupboard and placed them on the kitchen counter. Nat sat on one of the stools and watched as he poured the wine, mesmerised by the deep claret swirling against the sides. He pushed the glasses across the counter and took a seat next to her.

“So, tell me about this shop of Lexi’s.” He took a sip of wine. Nat did the same before she replied, enjoying the sensation of the rich liquid as it slipped down her throat.

“Lexi’s dream has always been to own either a music shop or a cafe. The place she is renting gives her enough space to have both. When it comes to Lexi, she likes to have it all, so that’s what she’s doing!” Nat laughed. Thinking about her best friend always put a smile on her face.

“How much have you got left to do?” Michael’s face was relaxed and Nat got the impression he was glad to be asking the questions for a change.

“The basics of the structural build is pretty much there now, but there’s a whole load of painting to do. We need to set up the furniture and, once the paint has dried, there are musical instruments that need to be fixed to the wall.” She paused to take another drink. The reminder of how much there was to do had suddenly become a little overwhelming.

“I’m happy to help, if you need it?”

“That’s really kind of you. Have you done much decorating before?” Nat guessed what his answer would be. She only needed to glance around his apartment.

“Er, no.” Michael pulled a face which confirmed Nat’s suspicions were correct. This was not an area he was particularly familiar with. “But I’m a quick learner.”

“Hmm, maybe another time. When the pressure to get finished quickly isn’t so great?” Nat grinned sheepishly, hoping she hadn’t offended him. “I don’t think I could manage teaching you alongside getting things done myself.”

“I understand.” Michael grinned. “Take it from me—teaching a total novice when you’re trying to do your own job is no easy feat.”

Nat’s face lit up with surprise. She punched him playfully on the arm and he reacted with a mock wince. She was struck by what might have been a spark of desire in his eyes as he gave her a sly grin. The interaction only served to heighten the tension between them. Nat was keen to loosen it before it became uncomfortable. What she didn’t need right now was an overwhelming desire to kiss him.

“The offer is there if you want to take me up on it,” Michael said, his tone genuine. “What’s the bit you’re most excited about seeing come to life?”

“There’s this incredible wallpaper that I know is going to look fantastic. We bought it from my favourite shop…” Nat gasped and leapt down from the stool. “I almost forgot!” She paused to steady herself—the wine had already gone to her head. She opened her rucksack, pulled out a slim cardboard tube and handed it to Michael. “I saw this at the shop and thought it would fit perfectly in your apartment.” She watched as Michael pulled the picture from inside and unfurled it. His expression gave nothing away. “I hope you don’t mind, but I thought your apartment needed a touch of colour.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” Michael looked around. “I’ve never really given that type of thing much thought.” He looked back at the print, studying it closely.

“It shows.” Nat gave him a lopsided grin. “I know a great framing shop. Sorry I didn’t get it done before, but I didn’t fancy lugging a framed print around on the bus.”

“Thank you. You shouldn’t have, but I do really like it.”

“You’re welcome.” Relief washed over Nat. “That’s the thing about my passion—I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve my surroundings. I hope you’re not offended.”

“Not at all! How could I be offended at receiving a thoughtful gift from a beautiful woman?” Michael picked up his glass and drained the last bit of wine. He was clearly none the wiser as to the effect his unexpected words had on her. Nat shook her head. It must be the alcohol. He probably didn’t even realise what he was saying and there couldn’t be anything to it. It was just a throwaway compliment, nothing more.

Nat looked at her watch. “I should be heading back,” she said, fastening up her rucksack. If she wasn’t going to be working at Lexi’s shop, it would give her some time to work on her portfolio for the country hotel contract. The deadline for that was creeping up on her quicker than she would like.

“Are you sure?” Michael held up the wine bottle. “There’s a tiny bit left to finish if you want a top up?”

“I’m sure you can manage that.”

“OK, well next time then,” he said, more of a statement than a question.

“Next time.” Nat nodded, knowing it was an offer she would find very difficult to refuse. “See you at the office tomorrow.”

Michael tipped the last of the wine into his glass and tilted his head back, allowing the liquid to trickle down his throat. She watched the smooth lines of his neck, the muscles contracting and relaxing as he swallowed. A shiver ran down her spine.

“See you tomorrow.” He wiped a finger and thumb against each corner of his mouth, removing any lingering trace of wine.

As Nat gathered her things and pulled on her coat and shoes, she looked up now and again. Michael was still sitting at the kitchen counter, watching her with a slight smile on his face. It was absolutely just the wine, she told herself. As she pulled the front door closed, she held up a hand to wave. He gave a single nod in return, his expression sending a fizz of something deep inside Nat. “Next time,” she said to herself. “Definitely next time.”

Chapter fourteen

Friday 13th May

Nat closed the cover of her portfolio, leant back in her chair, and ran her fingers through her hair. With just over two weeks left to go before she attended the interview, things weren’t going as well as she had hoped. She had settled on the themes for the majority of the bedrooms, but something didn’t feel right about the entrance. This was the most important part of the design—the bit that would wow the guests on arrival and take their breath away. At this rate, there was no way she would get through the interview. She decided it was time to do something more productive.

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