Page 57 of Just Like That

‘I’llneverbe able to look at that in a different way.’ I give a resolute shake of my head. ‘And don’t even think about telling me it contains skin-rejuvenating properties or some bollocks like that.’

‘Actually, elite Japanese women have used nightingale faeces in face masks for centuries…’ Nick tails off with a sheepish smile as I shoot him a look.

‘Let’s just enjoy the moment, shall we?’ I reach up, snaking my arms around his neck, then kiss him softly on the lips, mainly to distract him and discourage any other moment-killing comments.

We wade our way along the shoreline, chatting and sporadically kissing until we run out of beach, and then we make our way back again. It’s a magical feeling being there with him, with the waves crashing around us, washing away the stresses and strains I’ve been feeling recently. By the time we’re heading back up the beach, shoes in hand while our feet dry off, I almost miss the water already.

‘That was incredible.’ I swing my arms dreamily. ‘Can we do that again at some point?’

‘Anytime you like.’ Nick catches my hand and gets a firm grip on it in a way that makes me feel wanted, almost… loved.

‘Cool. I wonder if it’s too far to come on my lunch break.’

‘Not if you’re happy to make it a quick dip. Maybe we could arrange to have a long lunch one day and bring a picnic?’ He looks at me hopefully.

‘That sounds awesome.’

I’m genuinely elated at this suggestion, especially as it doesn’t involve me asking for Jackson to provide cover. I work more than enough extra hours through longer days to justify a long lunch.

‘And now you’re used to the water, we can also come back one weekend and go in properly.’

‘What do you mean by “properly”?’ My eyes widen with alarm.

‘You know, the open water, wild swimming. You’ll love it.’

I’m about to embark on a long-winded defence to make it clear to Nick all the reasons that this is a bad idea, when there’s a sudden crack of thunder. Within seconds, huge fat drops of rain are pelting the sand around us like missiles, getting heavier by the second.

‘Oh shit, we’re about to get soaked,’ says Nick. ‘We’re going to have to make a run for it.’

I don’t need to be told twice. Still clutching our shoes, we take off along the path at speed as the rain comes down in sheets, quickly becoming torrential and creating mini-rivers around our feet. The visibility is so bad, it becomes almost impossible to see where we’re going or what we’re running on, and before I realise what’s happening, I’ve tripped and gone down hard, yowling in pain as my face makes impact with the soaking wet ground.

Chapter 26

‘Are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor?’ Nick asks me for the fifth time since we got back to his four-by-four.

He gently dabs at the scrapes on my face with antiseptic-soaked cotton wool from the first aid pack in his boot, while I do my best not to wince in pain.

‘Once again, I’m sure.’ My fingers seek out the swelling in my cheek self-consciously.

‘I feel like this is my fault.’

‘I know you do. But you didn’t conjure up the downpour or embed that bloody great rock in the path, did you? For a logical guy, you’re being very illogical right now.’

‘I know.’ He grimaces as he inspects my wounds. ‘I just don’t like seeing you in pain, and if we hadn’t come here and I hadn’t pushed you into—’

‘Hey. Enough of that.’ I place my hand on his leg in a gesture of reassurance. ‘You didn’t push me into anything.’

He assumes a sceptical expression.

‘OK, you did dunk me in the sea against my will, but I could have objected more strongly if I was really unhappy about it. You just gave me one of the best experiences I’ve had in quite a while.’

‘Only one of the best?’

‘Actually, no.Thebest. Life has been a bit tough recently and tonight has been the ray of sunshine I needed to remind me what living is.’

Nick smiles on hearing this, but still appears somewhat troubled.

‘I’m just sorry we’ll have to call it a night sooner than planned.’

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