Page 87 of Take a Moment

‘It was,’ I reply. ‘Not really the type of music the band does though.’

‘It’s not totally on point. But it shows you can write lyrics as well. We’ll definitely need to tap into that.’

‘Is there any end to your talents?’ Matt puts his arm round me and squeezes me affectionately.

I make a show of laughing bashfully, but the washing machine in my stomach is back on spin cycle in pure undiluted anticipation of the conversation I need to have with him the next day.

Chapter 29

I wake early on Sunday, the nervous churning in my stomach having continued right through a restless night. Matt is still asleep, arm draped across me. I lie and watch him drowsily for a few minutes, just taking in his gorgeous features. Even with his incredible dark chocolate eyes hidden by his slumber, he’s still so good to look at, and only I get to see him first thing in the morning.

Gently extricating myself from his hold, I get out of bed and pad through to the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea. I illuminate my phone to check the time and it informs me that I have a WhatsApp message from Dom.

Lex, I’m so sorry for the way I spoke to you last night. I’d had a few too many and it all came as a shock. My friends didn’t say that, not ones that I hold in any high regard anyway. Really hoped you would choose me but I respect your decision, even if I don’t like it. Dx

A swell of emotion surges within me, along with the familiar feeling of loss that’s hung around me like an annoying fly for several months now. Though I’m moving on and it’s been the right decision, I’m still not totally over Dom. His reappearing in my life like this hasn’t helped. I swipe at my tearing eyes and quickly tap out a reply.

No, I’m sorry, Dom. It was insensitive of me to do that when you were out with your friends. I should have waited and called you today. Take care of yourself. You’re an amazing guy and you deserve the absolute best. xx

I hit send and place my phone on the counter top. Within moments, it buzzes a reply.

The absolute best is you. :( Dx

‘Oh, please stop it,’ I inadvertently murmur out loud.

‘Stop what?’ Matt’s voice comes from behind me.

I quickly lock my phone and turn to greet him. ‘Oh, you’re awake.’

‘I sure am.’ He slips his arms round my waist and pulls me to him. ‘It’s a bit early though, isn’t it? How about we go back to bed and have a rerun of last night?’

As he says this, a delicious memory of the night before runs through my mind: Matt’s strong arms around me, the feeling of skin on skin. That certainly diverted my attention from the looming conversation of today. But now the sun is up, I just want to get it over with.

‘Sounds lovely.’ I reach up and kiss him. ‘But I need to talk to you… about the stuff I mentioned last night.’

‘Right.’ He looks wary all of a sudden. ‘Can I grab some coffee first?’

‘I’ll get you it.’

I make our drinks, then bring them across to the coffee table. Matt scootches along the sofa and I settle down beside him.

‘Matt, how would you defineus?’ I ask him suddenly.

He raises a quizzical eyebrow. ‘I thought you had something to tell me. This sounds more like “the talk”.’

‘Please humour me. I need to know before I continue.’

‘OK… well, I’d say we’re seeing each other. It’s early days but I’m keen for it to go somewhere. I haven’t “staked my claim” yet, if that’s what you’re asking?’

I swallow nervously. He’s astute. Already cottoned on to the idea that there may be another bloke in the mix.

‘I… yes, I guess that is what I’m asking. OK, good. Think we’re pretty aligned on that.’

He stays quiet, so I continue.

‘When I was on the phone last night, it was to my ex-fiancé. He wants to get back together. He came down here a few weeks ago to tell me and I was left with a really difficult decision.’

‘Because you’d only just started seeing me, and he’s someone you know inside out.’ He wrinkles his nose. ‘Hmm, wish I hadn’t put it quite like that.’

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