Page 29 of Be More Lucy

‘Is he, though?’

‘Oh, yes. I’m not being caught out again. I spent the evening researching him when I should have been working on a client’s marketing campaign.’

‘Was that wise?’

’Probably not, but given the choice of analysing bathroom fitting suppliers or looking up a handsome man, I chose the man. Toilet seats can wait.’

‘Toilet seats? I thought you specialised in luxury items?’

Lucy laughed. ‘Heated toilet seats are a luxury. Anyway, I’ve decided to delegate that particular job to Kizzy. She’s been pestering me to give her her own account.’

‘Does Josh give you that heart-skipping feeling that Mark did?’

‘Unfortunately not. But there’s potential. He gave me a delicate peck on my hand when we parted company. Very gentlemanly.’

‘Is Josh a time traveller from the 18thcentury?’

‘If he is, he’s slotted perfectly into 21st-century life. He races cars at the weekends and plays rhythm guitar in a band. He’s a couple of years younger than me.’

‘You didn’t feel the urge to snog his face off then?’

Lucy grinned. ‘I restrained myself, but I might give it a go tomorrow.’

‘Second date already?’

‘Yes, we’re going for dinner at that posh new Italian on George Street.’

‘Handy for your flat afterwards.’

‘Very handy. I’ve even invested in new bedding - 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton.’

‘He’s worth expensive bedding, then?’

‘I don’t know yet. But I am.’ Lucy never lacked confidence.

‘You usually get new lingerie. That’s what you recommended for Jack.’

‘I know, but I think Josh is the sort who might not keep a woman waiting in her lingerie for long.’

Jack walked into the living room just as Em ended her FaceTime call with Lucy. He was shivering.

‘You’re back early. I thought you were going to do a 5K?’

‘I was, but it started hailing, and it hurt, so I headed back.’

‘Poor darling.’ She hugged him. ‘You feel cold.’

‘I’m going to have a bath to warm me up.’ He kissed her. ‘Care to join me?’

‘I might do.’

‘You don’t need to bother with lingerie.’ He started kissing her neck, running his hands underneath her top, searching for her bra clasp.

‘You heard what Lucy said then?’

‘Yes, I did.’

‘Ooh!’ His cold fingers made Em flinch.

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