Page 49 of The One That Got Away

‘Have you talked? Properly? Y’know, about what happened, yet?’

‘No.’

‘I think you should. And in terms of the whole attraction thing, I think you’ll need to find a way to keep a lid on it. See how things go once you’ve had the conversation. You never know, she might be attracted to you too.’

‘Doubt it.’

‘Anything’s possible. But either way, you have to leave the ball in her court.’

‘Yeah. Okay. I’ll talk to her.’

‘Good luck.’

‘Thanks. I’ll need it.’

22

STELLA

This was bliss.

I’d spent the entire day curled up on the bed reading in the sunshine whilst sipping on cocktails and snacking on delicious bar food. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed.

After he’d left the pool, Max had disappeared for a couple of hours. When he came back, he’d moved a spare extra-large umbrella and placed it over the daybed because he said if I was going to stay outside reading, it was better I was in the shade, which was sweet.

I was starting to lose count of all the sweet things that he’d done for me, which was a problem. Combining the kind gestures with my growing attraction for him was a dangerous cocktail.

The last thing I wanted was to do something stupid like make a pass at him and get rejected.

He’d stayed for a few minutes but then started to act weird then said he was leaving. I wondered if he’d sensed that I liked him and thought it was better to create some distance. Either way, it was a good idea.

That was a few hours ago and I hadn’t seen him since. I glanced up and saw that most of the sun loungers were empty. Most people had probably left to get ready for the barbecue. Which was what I should be doing.

I headed to my room, showered then texted Mum to check how everything was with her and let her know I’d had a lovely day.

After noticing the bottle of wine Max had delivered with my dinner the other day that I never got around to drinking, I opened it, poured myself a glass and took a few generous gulps.

Just as I was about to do my hair, my phone rang.

‘Hi!’

‘Ooh,’ Sammie said, ‘you sound much brighter! Did you and Max do the naked dance? Is that why you’re in such a good mood?’

‘No! A woman’s happiness doesn’t have to be defined by her attachment to a man’s penis.’

‘True. But it wouldn’t hurt to have a go anyway!’

I wouldn’t mind trying, but I wasn’t going to tell her that.

‘How are you?’

‘I’m okay, just chugging along. You know how it is. Actually, you don’t. I’m here in dreary London and you’re relaxing in the sun with a hunky guy.’

‘I can’t lie. I spent a whole day reading by the pool, sipping Mojitos in the sunshine. It was heaven.’ I took another large sip of wine.

‘I know how much you love your books, but if I had a man like Max who’d come to my rescue after I flashed the entire hotel, I’d have my head buried between his legs instead of in a novel!’ she laughed.

‘So crude!’ I stifled a giggle. ‘That was only the start of the nice things he’s done.’

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