Page 45 of Don't Fall in Love (and how to break the rules)

“Lose the act, Anderson,” said Dan under his breath. “We saw you holding hands on the bridge.”

“Ugh,” said Nisha. “Is nothing sacred?”

“Nope,” said Dan.

“Well, I think we can all agree, what happens on school trip, stays on school trip,” said Nisha. Chrissie wondered what thatmeant. Was this just a one-time thing? Would that be so bad? Perhaps Nisha had just wanted a bit of fun, to revisit the past?

“Well I think you make a wonderful couple,” said Philippa, who had more colour in her cheeks than she’d had earlier in the day. “You’ve obviously got a lot in common, you’ve got a great working relationship, and I can see you’ve enjoyed being in this wonderful city.” She smiled. Chrissie smiled back, not wanting to reveal how many questions she still didn’t have answers to. She felt Nisha’s hand squeeze her knee, which calmed her busy brain.

“Why thank you,” said Nisha. “But in the meantime, should someone make sure Francis eats some actual food and not just tomato ketchup?” Chrissie stood up and headed over to the children’s table, grateful to Nisha for changing the subject.

After the children had settled reluctantly down for bed, Nisha and Chrissie rejoined Dan and Philippa in the dining room. Dan conjured up a couple of bottles of wine, and poured each of them a liberal glass.

“Here’s to surviving the trip in one piece,” said Dan, holding up his glass.

“Don’t speak too soon,” said Nisha. “We still have to get them onto the coach and back to England, and some of those little guys have form.”

“Very true,” said Dan, “which is why I personally will be keeping both of my eyes on Hardev at every opportunity. He’s not escaping this time.”

Chrissie reddened. “Yes, apologies, that was a bad time to disappear.”

Dan waved his hand. “We’ve all done it,” he said. Nisha squeezed her hand under the table. Chrissie relaxed slightly. “And anyway, I figured you were probably a bit distracted,” he added with a wink.

“What?” said Chrissie.

Philippa smiled at Dan, who continued. “Well, given that it’s down to me that you’re now ‘a thing’,” he used air quotes, “you should really be thanking me.”

Nisha rolled her eyes. “Oh yes? And how exactly is this down to you?”

“If I hadn’t gallantly given you my room so I could attend to a puking child, you’d have been like Victorian school ma’ams in separate beds,” he said.

“Dan!” said Chrissie, her cheeks pink.

“But instead, I fell on my sword, saw to the diseased child, and gave you the opportunity of a lifetime.”

“Really, Dan?” said Nisha.

“So it’s understandable that you were away with the fairies yesterday,” continued Dan, ignoring all warnings. “You, Chrissie, were drunk on lust.”

“Oh my God,” spluttered Chrissie, putting down her wine glass. “Stop it now!”

Philippa laughed, and soon they were all giggling. Chrissie looked over at Nisha, whose head was thrown back in mock incredulity.

“Anyway,” said Dan, “we have an early start tomorrow and I need to pack my things.” He stood up and drained his glass.

“Yes, me too,” said Philippa, quickly following suit.

Once they had gone, Chrissie felt Nisha’s hand squeeze her knee. “So, do you want to pack your things?” she asked, a teasing note to her voice.

Chrissie felt a shiver travel up her thigh. “I really, really do,” she replied in a low voice.

“Excellent,” said Nisha, pulling her up by the hand and leading her to their room.

Chapter Forty-One

Nisha locked the door behind them and pushed Chrissie against the wall.

“I thought we were packing our cases,” said Chrissie, her eyes wide.

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