Page 80 of Someone to Love Tracy Corbett

‘Fair enough.’ He checked the road was clear, like the good firefighter he was, and gestured for her to cross with him. ‘Did you get home okay last Sunday?’

It didn’t take him long to bring that up, did it? ‘Fine. You?’

‘No problem. I met with the photographer after you’d left. Nice woman. Impressive portfolio.’

‘Right, yes… well, thanks for meeting with her. Sorry I had to rush off.’ The memory of her stumbling across Bodmin Moor all red-cheeked and flustered – muddy and windswept, with Matt in hot pursuit, calling after her to check she was okay – sent a wave of humiliation rushing through her. It hadn’t been the most elegant of exits. At one point, she’d slid into a ditch in her haste to get away.

‘Headache, right?’

‘That’s right. A sudden headache.’

Ahead, she could see a large banner hanging from the fire station with the slogan ‘Adventure Before Dementia’ – something that did little to eradicate the niggling feeling that Matt was a kind-hearted and decent bloke who arranged fundraisers, and she was a fool for not believing that.

‘A headache that only came on after I’d kissed you?’ He glanced at her as they reached the busy forecourt. ‘Was it that bad?’

A niggle of guilt kicked her in the ribs. Rejection stung, no matter what the reasons, and although she knew why she’d run off, she hadn’t stopped to explain it to him.

‘The two things weren’t linked,’ she said, offering him a weak smile. ‘My headache had been building all morning. I shouldn’t have suggested the picnic, it was foolish of me. I’m really sorry.’

His brow furrowed. ‘No problem. Are you okay now?’

‘Absolutely fine, thank you. Shall we head inside?’ She walked off before he could reply. A few heads turned her way, the guys washing cars glanced over, their eyes darting between her and Matt, grinning and nudging each other.

Great, she was the subject of gossip. Just what she needed.

‘All right, boss?’ one of them shouted. ‘Need a hand showing the nice lady around?’

Beth didn’t see Matt’s response, but whatever it was, it was met with laughter.

She sped up, eager to escape any unwanted teasing, which wasn’t an easy task in heels and a tight skirt.

Matt caught her up by the entrance to the garage. ‘Do we need to talk about it?’ he said, catching her arm.

She kept walking, dislodging his hand. ‘Not necessary, it was just a headache.’

‘I meant the kiss.’

She kept walking. ‘Nice fire engines. How many do you have?’

‘Three.’ He followed her over to one of the vehicles. ‘And you’re deliberately steering the conversation away.’

‘Naturally.’

‘Because you’re embarrassed?’

She pointed to a contraption hooked onto the side of the truck. ‘What’s that?’

‘A water carrier.’ He lowered his voice, seemingly not wanting to be overheard by a few members of staff milling around. ‘Because you regret it?’

‘Do you have a fire pole like you see in the films?’

‘Yes.’ He darted in front of her, blocking her path. ‘Didn’t you enjoy it?’

She stopped and looked up at him. He seemed even bigger in his uniform, more imposing somehow. ‘It was a mistake. It shouldn’t have happened, okay? So if we could forget the whole thing ever happened and just move on, I’d be very grateful.’ She spotted a door with his name on. ‘What’s in here?’

‘My office,’ he said, gesturing for her to enter. ‘After you.’

She really didn’t need to check inside his office, especially when she saw how small it was, but it seemed churlish to refuse.

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