Page 16 of For the Love of Lily

I looked up at him. “Yeah, I’m good. I was dreading the date, you know? I did it to shut Cassie up, but then it felt like it was working.” There was an awkward silence.

“No sexy lawyer ladies in Uganda then?” I asked.

He laughed. “No. Honest, like I said to Cassie, not interested. Got enough going on.”

“Well, I’m crazy glad you’re back. Doesn’t feel right when you’re not here.”

I raised up onto my tiptoes as I hugged him, he was about the only person who made me feel short. I knew he’d linger until he saw my light come on upstairs. “I’ll call you tomorrow, thanks for seeing me back.”

“Anytime, Lily-flower. Night.”

“Night, Luke.”

Six

Friday, finally. I lived for the end of the week. It took more time than normal to get ready for work, to make sure I looked as good as possible. Once a month, the whole team went for a meal and drinks, and tonight was that night. People often brought partners. I’d never been able to join in like that before, so earlier in the week I’d invited Zack.

He would be at mine early, as we went out straight from work to allow more drinking time, hence I wanted to look my best. I settled on a black jumpsuit with strappy black heels and a smart jacket over the top for work, which could be removed later. My dilemma now, though, was that as Luke was back, he’d be coming along too, and I desperately wanted the two men in my life to be friends. I had a dreadful feeling they weren’t going to click. I worried all morning and, in the end, sent Luke a message at lunchtime.

Hey Mr Jetlag. Feeling all good now? x

Yeah, all back to normal. Was great to see you and Cassie, feels like too long since the three of us were together xx

Definitely! But you were the one who left the continent x

You have a point! Guess I’ll see you tonight anyway, won’t I? Aren’t we trying that Moroccan place? xx

Yep, we are. I’m really worried x

Why?? Just eat Hummus if you don’t like anything else xx

I already invited Zack. I want you both to like each other but I feel like you don’t already? x

Don’t be silly. I haven’t met him so I can’t judge. I know he’s important to you, I’m looking out for you, that’s all xx

OK. Thanks Luke. You better sit next to me! x

Deal. See you later Lily-flower xx

I bounded up the stairs to my flat after work, checked my makeup and just about had time to put perfume on before I heard the buzzer. I smiled as I opened the door to Zack, trying to mask how nervous I was.

“I missed you,” he said as he walked in. He smelled amazing once again, and I loved the effect he had on me, the way I wanted to soak in every detail of him each time we met. He’d come straight from work too and looked so good in a grey tailored suit over a crisp shirt.

“I missed you too,” I replied with a smile as he pulled me close. He kissed me. His hands ran around my waist and pulled me tight against him. Luke’s words of caution vanished from my mind now that Zack was here.

“Quick drink before we go?” I asked as I grabbed a bottle from the side. I needed Dutch courage.

“Sure,” he smiled and came closer. “Are you going to try to seduce me again?”

My eyes rolled as I handed him a shot glass with a smile. “Me? Seduce you? I think you have that the wrong way round.”

“I think it was me who stopped it going further last week, wasn’t it? You were about to jump me, I could tell.”

My face flushed hot at the memory. “Well, you were doing such lovely things to me.”

“One, two, three…” We downed shots of French vodka. He looked good enough to eat as he licked the remnants from his lips, then moved to my own lips and kissed them, setting off every synapse.

“If last week was hands… does that make this week mouths? That’s my absolute favourite.” He ran his thumb across my lips slowly. “And your mouth, Lily, is beautiful.”

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