Page 56 of Growing Into Love

“I will,” Lisa says, nodding. “Thanks again.”

We head toward the shuttle, and I can’t help the pinch of pride I feel at Jaz’s good deed. “Look at you,” I say. “Helping animals on both sides of the Atlantic.”

“Only doing my job,” Jaz says.

“I’m sure Miriam will be grateful for it.” I glance back toward the barn. “What’s going to happen to that poor stallion, Stars and Stripes?”

“Maybe there would be a place for him at the sanctuary at Oak Hill.”

“Yeah, right.” I know he’s trying to dig himself out of the hole he created. But his words please me anyway. “What would Declan think about me flying in a horse from overseas?”

Jaz shrugs. “Who cares what Declan thinks.”

There’s a sharp tug inside my chest. We fall silent as we get on the shuttle. When we arrive back at the hotel, Jaz checks in with Betty. Still no room for him but she says she’s trying. We get to the restaurant and once again, my stomach roars with hunger. The jet lag fog is starting to settle in too. Jaz rubs his eyes and reaches into his pocket, frowning.

“Sorry,” he says, handing me my phone. “Forgot to give this back to you.”

He doesn’t look at the screen thank god, because when I check it, it’s Zara screaming at me in all caps.

YOU SLEPT IN THE SAME BED???

Followed by:

DID YOU SEE HIS DICK???

I blush so hard even my ears turn red.

No and stop text-shouting at me about dicks.

I need updates, Cass, I’m losing my mind over here.

I sigh.

“Everything okay?” Jaz asks as we sit down.

“Oh yeah, fine,” I lie. “David’s just asking about dicks—er, decks—er, jumps!” My face burns so hot I think my skin might melt off.

“Ah,” Jaz says and looks down at the menu.

There have been no dick sightings. Apparently, Theresa came back but she’s run off to Craig again.

Fucking trollop,Zara writes back.David would never treat you that way.

I grin but it’s halfhearted. I don’t feel like pretending about David right now.

Speaking of trollops,I write.Nigella showed up today.

Ugh. Did you tell her where she can shove it?

I knocked a pole off. But Jaz got me back on course.

Good. He needs to make himself useful, if it isn’t going to be in the orgasm department.

She sends an eggplant emoji followed by the spray of water.

Just remember,she adds,David believes in you.

Trouble is, David isn’t real.

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