Page 75 of Another Lucky Number

‘Me too.’ James’s gorgeous deep chestnut brown eyes finally meet mine. ‘I think that’s why I haven’t dealt with this so well. You’re the first woman I’ve seen any real potential with in a long time, and I don’t want to get into something if there’s a chance it might blow up in my face.’

‘So instead, you turned into adolescent James and froze me out.’ I give him a teasing wink.

‘Any chance you can let that slide?’

‘I already have. Just couldn’t resist a wee jibe. James, I really like you too, and I already know I want this to go somewhere. I can’t believe I’m even able to say that to you. In my experience, most guys would be halfway down the corridor by now, but I can tell you’re different. I love that you’ve been so open and up front with me. Let’s keep being that way, yeah?’

‘I’d like that.’ He leans in and kisses me softly.

‘And when we bump into Sébastien again, I’ll introduce you properly – as the guy I’m seeing from back home.’

‘Good plan. Then I can scope him out, find his superhero weakness and hit him where it hurts.’ The sexy grin I’m used to seeing finally returns to James’s face.

‘There’s the man I’m falling—’ I cut myself off, turning crimson as I realise what I’ve almost said.

Sharp as a needle, James eyes me mischievously. ‘Falling…?’

‘Off the interview prep wagon for.’

‘Good save. So, we’re official then – I mean in a holiday romance sense?’

‘It’s a solid “yes”.’

This time, it’s me that leans in, planting a smacker of a kiss on his lips. It quickly turns into a steamy snog with roaming hands and items of clothing flying left, right and centre, and the good sleep I’m needing ahead of tomorrow’s prep is lookingveryunlikely indeed.

Chapter Thirty

The next morning, I’m awake before James and my mind switches straight into interview prep mode. Discreetly disentangling myself from him, I climb out of bed, grab my presentation notes and quietly open the patio doors, forgetting that the whoosh of the air conditioning powering down could wake him. He stirs momentarily, but doesn’t come round.

Outside, the morning air is less humid than it’s been, which suits me because if offers a refreshing start to my day. Between that, the paradise sea view and the sound of the waves crashing rhythmically on the shore, it’s really quite a pleasant ‘alfresco workspace’.

Sitting down at the table, I finish off my presentation content, then I spend some time quietly reading it aloud to get used to saying the words.

Once I’m satisfied that I’ve made some progress, I peer through the patio doors to see if James is awake and I’m surprised to see that the bed is empty. I then go inside and check the bathroom but he’s not there either.

A mild panic stirs within me: has he got what he wanted and done a bolt? No, can’t be. He’s not the type. Returning to thebedroom, I look for some clue as to where he’s gone and spot a handwritten note on my bedside table.

Morning, gorgeous. I saw you were working on your prep and didn’t want to distract you. Hope it went well. Can’t wait to see you later. x

My stomach does a skip and a jump: partly out of irrational relief that he hasn’t cut and run, but mainly because of the tone of the note. It’s peppered with positive signs for our budding relationship, and it was really thoughtful of him to leave me in peace while I was ‘in the zone’. Of course, a tiny part of me is also disappointed that he’s gone, but I can easily sweep that feeling away when I know I’ll be seeing him again in a few hours.

Because last night wasunreal. After all the weirdness and confusion, it was just me and James, getting to know each other in lots of different ways – and it was nothing short of spectacular. My insides fizz at the memory of his touch and the unmistakable physical and emotional connection between us. It was electric. And my god did he know how to satisfy me. I’m getting hot again just thinking about it.

Checking the time on my phone, I discover I’m running late for breakfast, so I get ready at lightning speed and canter along to the buffet restaurant.

‘Was he a good lay then?’ says Amber, before my backside has even hit the seat.

‘Amber,ssshh.’ I glance around me self-consciously. ‘Can you keep your voice down?’

‘Sorry…how was the sex?’ She puts on a theatrical whisper, attracting more attention from our fellow diners than her original question did.

‘That’s not really what I meant.’

She snickers while Cat pats my arm sympathetically, shooting Amber a look of ‘stop it, please’ and pours me a cup of tea.

‘Did you sort things out?’ she asks me. ‘Amber told me how she sent James to your room with his tail between his legs.’

‘Yes, we’re all good now.’ My face spreads into a wide smile, my embarrassment already forgotten. ‘That I will thank you for, Amber. Wouldn’t have got much sleep otherwise.’

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