Page 30 of Playing for Keeps

“See! You agree it was a date of sorts … a first date … and it was bad …”

“Okay. I walked into that.”

His smile faded and he dragged his teeth along his bottom lip. “Look, I know you’re not looking for a relationship or anything, but I just want one fun date. I want to prove I have it in me.”

“You really think you’ll be better at a second date?” She couldn’t quite believe she was considering going out with him again, but there was something in her gut telling her to go for it. Maybe it was the mention of fun, which had been lacking in her life in recent times.

“I’m fairly sure of it.” Hugh's left eyebrow twitched. “Let’s be honest, it couldn’t be much worse.”

That got a laugh from her. “And was Rebecca also considered for this experiment of yours?”

“No. You’re my top pick.”

“I’m not sure I even want to know why.”

“Rebecca’s got a kid. It’s a lot of baggage. Very off-putting.”

She laughed again. “Maybe I should be put off by your child.”

“No. My kid is awesome. She’s not off-putting at all.”

Allie released a long breath, trying to gather her thoughts. “I have to go to work,” she said.

Hugh squinted questioningly. “I don’t know if that’s a yes, or a no, or if you’re dodging the question entirely.”

“It’s …” She took a few steps backwards, tempted to agree to a date even though it felt like going against her better judgement. “Are you free tomorrow evening?” she asked eventually.

“Yes.”

“Pick me up at seven?”

Surprise flashed in his eyes. “Where do you want to go?”

“You decide. I really need to get to work now.” She started towards the entrance, then looked back at Hugh wandering to his car. “Hey!” she shouted after him.

He turned back, looking thoroughly pleased with himself. “Yeah?”

“It’s only fun,” she said, mock sternly. “You’re not allowed to fall in love with me or anything …”

“That’s slightly arrogant,” he said, eyes sparkling. “But yeah, sure, I promise not to fall in love with you. In return, you’re not allowed to get any grand ideas about a relationship.”

“It’s a deal,” she called across the car park.

“Good.” He opened the car door without taking his eyes off her. “See you tomorrow.”

This time, when she turned away from him, she was positively beaming.

CHAPTER 13

The emergency shopping trip on Sunday afternoon was a last-minute idea, but Leo and Damian had been keen to join. Hugh needed all the help he could get to choose something new to wear for his date. Currently, his friends were chatting away on the low grey couch outside of the men’s fitting rooms while little Alice snoozed in her buggy beside them.

Within the confines of the cramped cubicle, Hugh shrugged a green T-shirt into place and frowned at his reflection in the full-length mirror. Turning, he snatched the curtain aside and stepped out.

“I don’t like it,” he said, interrupting Leo and Damian’s conversation.

“Something’s weird about it,” Leo mused.

“Clothes never look good on me.” Irritated, Hugh smoothed down the front and turned to look sideways in the mirror.

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