Page 75 of A Secret Escape

“He was easy to talk to. A good listener. And—”

“And?” Nicole’s eyes lit up with anticipation, and Milly laughed.

“And he’s a very good kisser.”

“I knew it.” Nicole gave a sigh of satisfaction and grabbed a couple of mugs from the cupboard. “This calls for hot chocolate and a girly heart-to-heart in bed, like we used to.”

“I’ve just eaten a meal.”

“You’ll be fine. Hot chocolate is an essential part of a midnight confession session. Also it’s one of the few things I can make without consulting the internet.” Nicole prepared it, and together they carried the mugs up to Milly’s bedroom.

And as they curled up on Milly’s bed, talking about everything and nothing until the early hours, Milly felt truly happy for the first time in ages. It wasn’t just the kiss, or the delicious anticipation of her next meeting with Brendan, it was the knowledge that finally, after all the ups and downs and heartbreak, she had her best friend back. And if anything it felt as if they were even closer than before.

And no matter what happened in the future she was sure this time, absolutely positive, that nothing would ever come between them again.

Chapter19Nicole

Nicole waited until the van appeared on the track and then sprinted toward it.

Joel pulled up, leaned across and opened the door for her. “I’ve never driven a getaway vehicle before. I might need some tips. Do you want to sit in the front or the back?”

If she was being sensible she’d probably hide away in the back, but she was tired of living her life that way.

“Front is fine.”

He waited while she settled herself and fastened her seat belt. “No one will recognize you, anyway. I see you’re a blonde today.”

She didn’t tell him that no matter what her disguise, someone usually recognized her. She didn’t want to burst the bubble. “Let’s go.”

He reversed the van in the turning space and set off down the track. “As a matter of interest, what made you decide to trust me?”

“Who said I trust you?”

“Ouch.” He looked so wounded that she smiled.

“The answer to your question is that Milly trusts you, and I trust Milly.”

“She’s a good person.”

“Yes, she is.” She noticed that his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. “She deserves better than Richard, that’s for sure.”

“That, we can agree on. So where do you want to go, or are you going to let me decide?”

“You decide. Somewhere remote. Somewhere we’re not likely to meet people. I’m guessing that’s a tough ask for the Lakes in the summer.”

“Not necessarily. Summer tourists have a pattern. They mostly get up late, enjoy a slow breakfast and then congregate in all the most popular areas. We won’t be going there. I’m not saying we won’t meet anyone, but they’ll be hikers or climbers, and you can stay behind me and keep your head down. Also, we have Buster.”

“Buster?” She heard a whine from behind her and turned to see a beautiful spaniel, tail wagging, legs braced as he swayed with the movement of the van.

“Are you okay with dogs? I probably should have asked.”

“I love dogs.” She would have had one, but she’d decided it wasn’t fair with her lifestyle. But her lifestyle was about to change, wasn’t it? Maybe there would be room for a dog in this new family she was dreaming about. She almost smiled at herself. She needed to figure out how to care for a baby before she added in a lively puppy. “How long have you had him?”

“He’s not mine. He belongs to my sister, but I’m dog-sitting while she’s away. You don’t have a dog?”

“Up until now I’ve never been in one place for long enough.”

“Up until now?” He turned off the main road and followed a winding road that led into a valley. “Does that mean you’re thinking of hanging around?”

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