Page 93 of You Float My Boat

We might be seeing how things were going, but that didn’t stop me from looking at her the way I always looked at her – like she was lit with a spotlight only I could see. If that’s what a boyfriend did, then so be it.

‘You’re very welcome.’ He thrust a hand out to me, ‘Leo Tavener.’

I took it, momentarily surprised at the firmness of his shake. ‘Charlie Masterson.’

‘Oh, bravo, Violet. I’m glad you’ve met someone worthy, and just in time for Valentine’s Day too.’

Valentine’s Day? Shit, when was that?

I both heard and felt Violet groan next to me, and I’d imagine the wince I was wearing now mirrored hers.

Leo leaned forward in what I assume he’d call a stage whisper and said, ‘February fourteenth.’

‘Thanks, mate.’ I saluted.

‘You’re very welcome,’ he winked, and turned to Stella. ‘Tell me, do you have plans for Valentine’s Day?’

For the first time I’d ever seen, Stella was completely speechless. Her mouth opened and closed like a goldfish as she stared at him, almost to the point I was starting to feel sorry for her, especially as Violet just looked confused.

‘Um … I … Yes. I do,’ she spluttered finally, making it obvious to anyone with eyes and ears that she was lying. ‘Anyway, I have to go. Vi, see you later.’

She hurried off through the doors before the three of us could stop her or call after her to remember her umbrella.

Leo was the first to break the silence with a low chuckle. ‘She certainly is a feisty one, that one. Keeps me on my toes every day.’

Violet and I both turned to him. She paused with her mouth open like she was about to ask him a question then thought better.

‘Anyway, coffee,’ he smiled, thumbing behind him. ‘Charlie, good to meet you.’

‘Bye, mate,’ I waved, before I realized what I was doing and put my arm down. I watched him jog after Stella and turned to Violet. ‘I don’t know why you’re always complaining about him. I like him.’

She rolled her eyes, letting out a loud groan. ‘Of course you do.’

Stepping as far into her personal space as I could, I reached around and gripped a handful of hair, gently tugging it until her head tipped for me to kiss.

‘Alone, finally. Hello.’

‘Hello.’ She smiled against my lips, then arched back looking at me with a raised brow. ‘My good sir?’

‘What?’ I chuckled, wrapping my arms around her waist, relishing how perfectly she fitted next to me and once more thinking how nice it was to be similar heights. ‘It’s always fun to wind up Stella. I’d forgotten how much Brooks used to do it whenever we were at your parents’ place. I give it until the end of term before they’re together.’

‘Who?’

‘Stella and Laurence Olivier.’ I nodded to the door where they’d both disappeared.

‘What? Don’t be stupid.’

‘I’m telling you. Those two are getting it on.’ There was something about the way Leo looked at her, even when she was being incredibly rude. And I’d seen Stella get annoyed with people before – mostly Brooks – and I’d not once thought she’d rather be in bed with him. But Leo on the other hand was a good-looking guy, even if he did wear velvet suits and say things like ‘dishy chap’.

‘Are you feeling alright?’ She lifted her hand to my forehead. ‘Or is a fever making you delusional?’

‘You’re the only one giving me a fever.’ I shook my head with a smirk, catching her hand and holding the palm to my lips, ‘Come on, Shakespeare, let’s go and get a coffee. By my timing we’ve only got five minutes left, and for four of those I want to be kissing you.’

She grinned up at me, ‘Are you sure you shouldn’t be taking English? You’re awfully romantic for a physicist.’

Throwing my head back with a laugh, I pulled her in and tucked her under my arm. And if I really wanted to step up and show her romance, the pink hearts in all the windows we passed told me I should probably do it soon.

15. Violet:

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