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‘What? You don’t fancy your nice, healthy bananas?’

‘Funnily enough, knowing what I bought them for and having seen what some kids do to them makes them a little less palatable. But I was starting to consider it before you turned up.’

‘Glad to be of service.’ He gave her one of his silly bows.

‘You’ve been brilliant.’ Before he realised what she was doing, she’d stepped forward and stretched up to kiss his cheek, her hand resting briefly on his chest. ‘Thank you, Aiden. Seriously. You really bailed me out today.’

‘Any time, Princess.’ He wrapped his arms around her waist in a quick hug. ‘Go on, off you go. I’ll follow you back. I have a limit of one rescue callout per day.’

‘More than fair.’ She headed back to her car while he tried to scratch his shoulder through his leathers.

5

Katie clapped her hands together and hugged Mia round the shoulders. ‘You look wonderful, Mimi.’

‘You’re sure you don’t mind me borrowing this?’ She smoothed her hands over the velvety skirt that swirled in bronzy colours, skimming over her hips and grazing her ankles.

‘I’m sure. But I’m borrowing that top another time. It’s perfect with the skirt.’

Mia smiled. ‘Not like we’ve not switched clothes often enough over the years.’

‘True.’ Katie laughed. ‘Did you ever find that yellow scarf of mine?’

‘Wasn’t it an orange jumper of mine that you lost?’

‘Honestly, I can’t remember any more.’ She laughed and checked the clock. ‘Let’s get you downstairs and into a taxi.’

The wolf-whistle from Aiden pierced the shop floor as soon as she reached the bottom step. ‘You look gorgeous, Mia.’

‘You don’t think it’s too much?’ She ran her fingers over the skirt again. ‘I mean, it’s May and I’m in velvet.’

‘Definitely not. You look positively strokable. I’d struggle to keep my hands off you!’

‘Don’t even think about it!’ Katie warned. ‘Mia’s not one of your playthings.’

‘Kitikat.’ Mia rested a hand on her friend’s arm. ‘He’s just teasing.’

‘Yeah.’ Aiden grinned unapologetically. ‘I know she’s way too good for me. But a man can dream, can’t he?’

‘Don’t you have a home to go to? I’m sure we already kicked you out once.’ Katie rolled her eyes.

‘Got halfway there and realised I’d forgotten my phone.’ He leaned over the shop counter, before waving the device at them both. ‘Mia, whoever your would-be-prince-charming tonight is, he’s lucky. I hope he knows that.’

‘She could be coming out with me,’ Katie pointed out.

Aiden looked Mia over again. ‘If she was, it would be a criminal waste.’ He flashed Mia a wink. ‘You’re beautiful. Good luck with project Triple D.’

‘Thanks, Aiden.’ Mia felt oddly shy at the compliment. ‘Have a good night.’

‘You too, Princess.’

‘Triple D?’ Katie asked as Aiden left. ‘Princess?’

‘Disney Dream Dude. He’s teasing.’

‘I like that one.’

‘I’m hoping I like this one. I’m getting really, really fed up of frogs.’