Page 10 of Wistful Whispers

“I always worry about you and my niece. I thought you’d know that.”

“I do. It’s just that hearing you say it out loud makes it feel a bit overwhelming for a woman full of hormones,” I joke, making Ols laugh. “I called Jake and he insisted on taking me to a hospital.”

“Of course he did,” Ols chuckles.

“What does that mean?” I can’t help but be on the defensive.

“Nothing. Okay, listen, take it easy for the rest of the week. Keeley’s helping in the office and making sure I don’t do too much. We only have one tour booked which Kurt will lead, sostay home and take care of my niece, and Keeley and I will handle the business.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. You have tons of annual leave to use in any case before you go on maternity leave.”

“Okay thanks. Love you, big brother.”

“Love you too!”

“He’s worried, I take it,” Jake grins. He’s leaning against the kitchen counter, arms crossed and biceps flexing, immediately getting me all hot and bothered again.Argh, woman, get a grip on yourself!

“Of course he is.” I shrug and pour water into two mugs until the tea bags float near the brim.

“So, about this title of world’s best friend… I think it’s in danger again,” I wink and he knows what that means. It’s become our inside joke.

“You know you can just ask me to make you a sandwich.” He gently pokes me in the side making me squeal.

“Now where would the fun be in that?” I take a step closer.Uh oh, big mistake!I’m close enough to see the faint lines around his eyes that give away his real age. That makes him look mature and hot. And I can breathe in his scent. The same scent thatsurrounded me in bed earlier and that immediately brings back the butterflies.

The smile disappears from his face and is replaced by an expression I haven’t seen before. An expression that scares me, not because it’s dangerous but because it’s full of need and want.

“I… I’m going to shower whilst you—” I step past him and escape the kitchen as fast as I can.What the hell has happened to me in the last twenty-four hours?

Chapter 5

Jake

The icy January windhits me in the face when I climb from my car. I should have insisted that Hannah stayed at home.

Sheila arranged for me to take some time off because I’m sure she could tell how worried I was after the hospital trip. So I’m on annual leave at the moment but the storm was so bad last night that I just want to make sure the boats are okay and noneof the covers have come off. The sailing yacht is kept inside the boathouse at Greenview Manor so I know that one is okay.

I’m meeting Rob at Fellside Pier because he’s helping me check the two motorboats we have moored there. He offered to give me a hand because according to him we haven’t hung out in ages. He’s bringing his wife Olivia with him. Once Hannah heard that there was no way of stopping her from coming along too because she needed to get out of the house and some girly time—her words not mine—was just what she needed.

“Oh my god look at you,” Olivia squeals and gives Hannah’s bump a pat before hugging her. Another gust of wind sends a chill to my bones.

“Hanny-bee, why don’t you and Olivia go and get a tea at the hostel? This shouldn’t take too long,” I suggest.

“Fab idea,” Olivia answers before Hannah can and the two of them stroll towards the youth hostel right next to the pier, their laughter filling the air.

“So, are you finally together?” Rob draws my attention away from Hannah.

“Sorry?”

“Did you finally tell her that you fancy her like mad?” he asks with a shrug.

“We’re friends.”

“So? Olivia and I were friends, and now we’re married.”

I pick up the small tool bag I brought with me and head towards the boats.

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