Page 19 of The Plan
“I’m not flustered,” I protest.
“Whatever.”
“Do it now, Addison.”
“Ugh, fine.”
I hang up, wait for Blake to turn around so he’s looking away, then snap a quick photo. It’s not the worst I’ve ever taken but it doesn’t exactly show off Blake’s perfection all that well. Deciding it’ll have to do—because I have no intention of getting caught trying to snap a second photo of him—I sent it over to Juliette.
It takes all of ten seconds for her to be replying to the message.
Juliette: Phwoar, get in there, Adds!
I’m shaking my head and smiling at her response when my eyes connect with Blake’s through the glass. He winks at me—yes, actually winks—before turning back around to carry on.
Deciding to be a grown up about it and not just hide in the house, I make him another cup of coffee and head out with it.
“Perfect, just what I needed,” he says when he sees me walking towards him with the steaming mug. I tell myself it’s the coffee he’s talking about but the look in his eyes tells me it might be more than that.
“This all looks like…”
“Hard work,” he finishes for me after my words falter when he once again pulls the fabric of his t-shirt up to wipe his face. His abs glisten with sweat in the sun and I just about manage to hold myself back from reaching out and running a finger over the taut muscles.
“Yeah…that,” I agree when he drops his t-shirt.
I stand and watch as he sips his coffee, his eyes dancing with amusement when he sees embarrassment colour my cheeks. I need to get a grip around this man.
“I think that’s the doorbell.”
“Sorry, what?” I have to ask after losing myself in my thoughts again. How do I lose all sense when I’m around him? It’s truly embarrassing. I’m an intelligent woman; no man should have the power to render me stupid like this.
“The doorbell,” he says, pointing towards the house. If the strain on his lips is anything to go by, I’d say he’s trying really hard not to laugh at me. To be fair, if the situation were reversedI’dbe laughing at me.
“Of course. See you later.”
“Later, baker girl,” I hear him say as I walk away from him.
* * *
“Cara! Oh my God, it’s so good to see you,” I exclaim when I pull the front door open to reveal my childhood best friend. I reach my arms out and pull her into a hug. It’s a shame we never stayed friends but we were young and it was inevitable.
“Mum said you were back and gave me your number, but I had a free couple of hours so thought I’d stop by.”
“I’m so glad; come in,” I say, meaning every word of it. I think a friend is just what I need.
I put the kettle on while Cara stands, looking amazed, by my barely started cake. “You still like to cook, then?”
“Yes, love it. But I haven’t had much chance until now.”
“I heard you were a big shot lawyer in London. It must feel like you’ve come back down to earth with a bump being back here.”
“Not really. I never wanted to leave, but when my life went to hell in hand basket it was the only place I wanted to be.”
“I’m sorry about your marriage.”
“I’m not,” I say, shocking the hell out of her. “It was never going to last. I’m just glad I found out when I did that he was a cheating wanker. I’d have hated myself if I stuck around longer and found out it had been going on for years.”
“You don’t miss your old life then?”
