Page 37 of The Best Book Boyfriend
“It’s not romantic,” Hattie scoffs. “It’s bloody insanity. Do you know how much stamps cost these days?”
“He’s a banker, Hattie,” Kara laughs, mediating perfectly. “He can afford stamps.”
“I don’t know how he finds the time if he’s such a successful businessman.”
I know Kara loves a slow burn novel, and it paid off because when these two get it on in the final chapters it’s pretty explosive, and special too. I felt like I’d waited a lifetime for their happy ever after. Kara told me she didn’t want to pick anything too smutty in case it put people off coming, but she has plans to slowly bring them into her world. The same tactic she used on me, the filthy genius.
The hours pass in a blur, the room filled with amiable chatter. There is plenty to discuss, and the people in the room bond over thoughts on second chances, long-distance relationships, and the importance of hope.
And Kara, the way she commands the room is just so impressive. Everyone is on tenterhooks when she speaks. Her face is bright and full and her arms roam as she expresses her thoughts physically. I feel star-struck just to know her. She speaks eloquently about the book, remembering details I’d forgotten not long after I finished it. She encourages everyone, welcomes their views, and I can see new friendships forming from my spot where I hang back by the bar.
It’s only when she realises she’s spent the past minute talking about the key sex scene with a bunch of people she’s never really met that she blushes. I curse my caveman brain when I wonder what else gets her looking flushed like that.
We wrap up with a unanimous vote on the next book, and shortly after 10pm, the inaugural book club members head off in a flurry of swapped numbers and recommendations.
“This was great babes, we’re so proud of you!” Hattie says as she and Megan hug Kara goodbye. I know how they feel. Kara hangs back while I rearrange the furniture back in place for the coffee drinkers of tomorrow morning.
“Do you think it went OK?” she asks me when we’re finally alone.
“Yes babes,” I mimic Hattie, and she laughs. “Seriously though, it was brilliant. I could tell everyone had a great time. Lots of people said they’re definitely coming back next month.”
“Who knew our town had so many love story fans? You’re happy for us to make it a monthly thing?”
“Definitely. I’ll be offended if you don’t.” Even though I probably shouldn’t, I pull her in for a hug before we say our goodbyes.
Chapter 15
Kara
“Claude?”Ianswermyphone on the first ring. “You OK?”
“It’s time to do the guesthouse, darling. Could you pop over this week?”
“I’m on my way.”
This is the best week of my life.
I’m still buzzing from Wednesday’s book club, and now a new contract with one of my favourite clients. I worked on Claude’s house a few years ago, and she always talked about renovating the old stables so she could have people come and visit. Not that she’s short of rooms in her actual house, mind you. Now the guesthouse is complete and ready for my interiors magic.
Claude gave me my first big design project. Five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two living rooms. She’s since sent loads of work my way, but I’ve been secretly hoping I’d get to work with her again. As we walk around the building, she talks me through her vision for the space. She sees a stripped back version of the main house but still keeping the traditional farmhouse style. My mouth hangs open as I admire the gorgeous kitchen and large lounge area that sit beneath exposed original beams. A master bedroom at the opposite end of the property is complete with a freestanding bathtub installed in front of floor to ceiling windows. Beyond them, only fields and sky.
Screw the guests. I want to live here myself. Spend my days soaking in that tub, windows open, book in hand. What more could a girl want? Maybe a man to soak with, to nip my neck with his teeth while I rest against his slick chest, to slip his hands beneath the bubbles and feel how much I want him. A man like Luke.
“Do you think we could get it done in six weeks?” Claude asks, pulling me from my fantasy. “My friends are all dying to come and stay.”
“Absolutely. I’ve already got lots of ideas.” Six weeks is tight, but not impossible. “Do you have a budget in mind?”
“Oh, you know I trust you darling, you spend whatever feels right.” I swear she is my dream client.
We say our goodbyes and back in the car, I ring Megan on the way home and tell her to bring fizz tonight so we can celebrate how great this week has been.
“Shall we invite Luke?” she suggests.
“But it’s girls’ night?”
“Yeah, but since we’re celebrating book club, he might like to join us?”
“What will Hattie say?” I ask.
