Page 69 of Perfect

The alarm went off on my iPhone to notify me of the time. Tom had said he’d pick me up and he was due to arrive any minute. I grabbed my clutch, pulled on my cropped leather jacket and set off downstairs. As I rounded the corner in the hallway, I met Dad as he was going into his study.

He did a double-take.

“Wowzer! Where are you going? You look amazing, again,” he announced proudly and I blushed. He looked me up and down with an appreciative grin. “MyGod you’re growing up fast. And two nights on the trot,” he pointed out through raised eyebrows.

“Thanks, dad, I’m going to the pub for drinks with Tom.”

He seemed pleased by my answer and nodded. “I see, well enjoy yourself.” I knew he approved of Tom, a chap who was ‘going places’ as he’d said before.

I smiled reassuringly.

“Will do.” I batted off the need to ask about Connor. I realised that a bit of space was probably for the best. Considering I hadn’t got that much longer before I’d have to go home. That thought hung like a heavy chain around my neck, dragging my mood down.

He pulled me in for a hug.

“Do you have enough money?”

“Yes, thanks. I’ve got a tenner. That will do,” I replied.

Lights came in through the window as a car pulled up, which I guessed would be my ride.

“Have a good time then. Back by 11pm, please. Rachel and I are also out tonight but Connor should be back. Do you have your phone and key just in case?”

I nodded about both and brushed past him to open the front door.

As I left the house, I was pleased I’d chosen to wear my jacket, as it was much colder than it had been earlier.

I was in the process of double-checking I had my phone and keys when what I had thought was Tom appeared in front of me. I looked up, all smiles. Of course, it wasn’t Tom, it was Connor.

I closed my clutch bag and looked up at him, thoughts of my phone forgotten. He held that brooding expression that I knew so well and it made my heart swell in my chest.

He wore a hoody and jogging pants and his hair was wet. From the bag he carried, I surmised he’d been to the gym. The thought of that body working out made my tummy somersault in a frenzy.

“Harlow,” he began in a quiet voice, his eyes running over me.

“Connor.”

He dropped the gym bag he’d been holding at his feet and motioned to my attire with one hand.

“Off out again?”

I pursed my lips before replying. “Yes, just the pub though. I’m waiting for Tom.”

Connor’s mouth hardened.

Why did it feel wrong to say Tom’s name? I suddenly felt guilty.

I wasn’t sure what emotions flickered across my face but Connor seemed to be absorbing them all. He didn’t press the matter.

“You look nice.”

My mouth fell open and I almost stuttered.‘Where the heck have you been all day?’Instead, I blurted. “I do?”

His mouth twisted and he cocked an eyebrow. “Youknowyou do.”

Did I though? I must say I’d never felt as unsure in my own skin, especially around this particular guy. Nothingeverseemed to be straightforward between us.

I paused before replying, wondering whether now was the right time to speak about last night and what it was that we were actually doing.

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