Page 55 of An Unexpected Kind of Love

I emerge from my office to see him standing just inside the open door. He puts down an overnight bag against the wall.

Behind him, traffic’s snarled with the Friday commute. A steady flow of foot traffic passes. This would be prime time for book sales. If only I had books. Never mind.

Instead, I thrill at the sight of him, lifting me again from the glum of the day’s problems. Blake’s in a form-fitting sky-blue shirt, a great contrast against his tan. And, thankfully, showing his well-toned arms. He takes off his sunglasses and grins. He draws me close, and we kiss to make heat of our own.

When we straighten, it takes a moment to bring me back.

“You all right? I’ve been worried. You sounded so down.”

“Well…” I’d rather pretend I don’t have problems with the shop and disappear into the fantasy of Blake. But he’s looking at me so intently. “I’m mostly okay. I suppose. Except for the bits that…aren’t.”

He frowns. “Well, tell me. But first, look what I found. It’s rare in your country.”

Blake produces cold beer and crisps from another bag. “Let’s have a picnic for now and then order something or go out. What do you think?”

“Brilliant.”

I lock up the front door, turning to see Blake scowl at the damaged floor. He’s crouched, running his fingers along one of the deep ruts.

“I’m so sorry,” he says.

I sigh.

“But I have good news.”

“Oh?”

We walk through to the back and climb the stairs to my flat, which is also hot. At least the air moves more up here with the open windows. Blake sets out our picnic. The cold lager’s refreshing.

“I talked to Alice,” Blake tells me after opening the crisps. “And I got mad that they hadn’t fixed things already. She promised me that they would have someone come tomorrow—”

Disappointment knots in my stomach. So much for our plans to get away.

“Thanks.” Unfortunately, I sound more disappointed than thrilled.

Blake frowns at me, worried. “Is that not good? I just wanted to help.”

“No, no, it’s good. Thanks. Just…I was looking forward to a weekend mini-break with you,” I confess sheepishly. Though that will cost too, but I don’t want to be a drag either. “Obviously the floors need to be fixed as soon as possible.”

Blake’s expression softens. “I’m looking forward to going away too.” He’s quiet for a moment. “Could your assistant help? Like, could she supervise?”

“Her supervision is how this happened in the first place.” I sigh. “Maybe. I can ask her.”

He brightens. “If she can help, the weekend’s saved.”

The only problem is that Gemma’s help comes with a price tag.

“This is all so expensive. I just…maybe I shouldn’t.” I reach for the crisps set on the coffee table. Blake’s beside me on the sofa.

“On that note,” Blake says, “I have some news.”

“Oh? What sort of news?”

Blake’s smile gives me hope.

“Yeah, news,” he confirms. “Great news. The production company’s covering not only the cost of all repairs, but every day you’re closed too. Original hardwood floors better than the ones you had. And they’re paying for every day till you can fully open again.”

I brighten a little at that. “Really?”

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