Page 74 of A Secret Escape

He made it all sound so easy and natural. She smiled at him. “I’d like that. When?”

“Tomorrow?”

She was ridiculously flattered that he wanted to see her again so soon. “Zoe is back tomorrow evening.”

“Does that matter?”

She thought about it. “I’m not sure I’m ready to introduce another change into her life at the moment.”

But something had changed in her own life.

This was the first time since Richard had left her that she hadn’t spent the whole weekend thinking about Zoe with Richard and Avery and feeling slightly sick. The first time that the focus had been on herself. And it made her realize that she needed to stop wasting her weekends worrying and start living her life.

He let his hand drop. “You’re a good mother. So how about lunch during your working day? She’d be at school?”

“Yes, I could do that.”

“Good, let me know when.”

“I wouldn’t be disturbing you?”

“Some things are worth being disturbed for.”

He waited until she was safely inside the boathouse, and she watched from the door as the lights from his car gradually vanished into the distance.

She felt a brief moment of regret that she hadn’t gone back to his cabin with him, then she turned and saw Nicole standing there.

Her arms were folded, her foot was tapping, and she had a big expectant grin on her face. “Well?”

“Well, what?”

“Details! I want details.”

Milly walked through to the kitchen, the smile she was wearing on the inside almost as big as the one on the outside. “Nothing to tell.”

“You’re lying. I can tell by the happy expression on your face that you’re lying.” Nicole followed her, determined not to let it drop.

“The food was wonderful.”

“I’m not asking about the food.”

Milly poured herself a glass of water. Took her time. “The terrace of the restaurant was pretty. Great views.”

“Not asking about that either, although I’m glad obviously.” Milly drank the water. “I had a lovely evening. Brendan was very good company.”

“Of course he was. So why didn’t you go back to his cabin?”

“Because I have a guest staying.”

Nicole looked appalled. “Please tell me you’re joking. You came back for me?”

“No. And I am joking. I came back for me.” She put the glass down. “Because although I was tempted, very tempted, I’m not ready to take it further yet.”

“What?” Nicole’s shoulders slumped. “Why not?”

“Do you have any idea what a step forward tonight was for me? I went on a date. That is the first time I’ve dated anyone since Richard. It felt strange and a bit scary.”

“But he obviously put you at ease.”

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