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‘I’m very grateful.’ She laughed at his silliness. ‘But maybe when I return your very important bottle, we could talk about doing something like this again sometime?’ Her own words surprised her, and she found herself holding her breath – suddenly nervous she’d read the situation wrong.

But then he smiled, and her stomach flipped in the best possible way. ‘I’d really like that. Maybe go out for dinner? Because there’s no way I’m brave enough to cook for you after tonight!’

‘I’d like that.’ She knew she was grinning like an idiot, but didn’t care.

‘I can’t do this one, but what about next weekend?’

‘Yes… Oh, actually, maybe not.’

‘Too short notice?’

‘No, but it’s Valentine’s.’

He chuckled. ‘I’d forgotten for a moment. Now you’ve reminded me, I guess that could be quite a lot of pressure… for friends.’

‘Yeah.’ She was glad he understood. ‘For friends.’

‘And booking would probably be difficult. And even if we could find somewhere, there would probably be lots of loved-up couples. Or the anti-V-day brigade.’ He sighed. ‘Shame. I was looking forward to seeing you.’

‘Me too,’ she admitted, while telling the butterflies in her stomach to behave.

‘I guess we could do something else. How about a drink?’

‘That could be good… unless you think everywhere will be Valentine’s themed?’

‘Probably. How about the cinema? Obviously, nothing too slushy.’

‘Obviously.’ Her smile returned. ‘There’s a multiplex near me that’s not too bad.’

‘Hudsbury has a nice cinema. It’s converted from the old theatre.’

‘That sounds much prettier than the concrete box near me.’

‘Yeah. So, next weekend then.’

‘Yeah. Thank you for a lovely night, Jamie. I really have had fun.’

His smile was so genuine and adorable – and she’d enjoyed spending time with him so much – that she didn’t stop to think. She leaned close and placed a quick kiss on his cheek, lingering just for a second, breathing in his scent: clean, warm, with undertones of lime and vetiver. It felt familiar, and safe.

She realised she’d lingered too long and pulled back quickly, suddenly uncertain. Friendship was one thing, but…

‘Umm.’ His eyes were glazed and slightly unfocussed and his hand went to the spot where her lips had brushed his cheek.

‘Goodnight, Jamie.’

‘Yes. Right.’ He gave himself a shake. ‘Goodnight. Will, umm, you message me when you get safely home?’

‘Do you think it will get through?’

‘Probably. Eventually.’

‘OK. I will. And I’ll see you next weekend. To return your water bottle.’

He chuckled and held her car door open for her. ‘I look forward to it. I’ll check what’s on at the cinema and message you with film options and times. Drive safe.’

5

Aiden sighed as he hung up the phone and rested his elbows on Mia’s kitchen table. ‘Hotel’s already booked for May first.’