Page 20 of Benidorm Again

Oh, Christ.Here we go. ‘I’m sure it isn’t, but even if it was, there’s no way either of them will want to be invited to the stag do.’

‘Pre-moon spree, dear. And could you at least try to get on board? You are best woman,’ Ged reminds me.

Suddenly, the colossal number of things I need to do hits me. Costumes, hair, nails and song lists to sort for Benidorm next week. Costumes, song lists, pre-moon spree venues and activities to sort for Las Vegas the week after that.

At least it will keep me busy and out of the press.

‘I’ll try and find out.’ I blow him a kiss and see his face light up. ‘I will make sure you have the most amazing time ever. I promise.’

We are disturbed by a gentle knock at my door.

‘Who is it?’ I call out.

‘It’s me, Luke. Can I come in, please?’ he does not sound happy. ‘There are a few things we need to discuss.’

I turn back to my phone screen. Ged is very concerned. ‘Connie. Do not let him in, whatever you do. Okay? I know he saved your life but I have a bad feeling about him,’ he warns me. ‘Send him away. This is no time for politeness or manners.’

Chapter 8

The knocking continues. ‘Connie. Are you there?’

Here we go again. It feels so rude not to answer. But just because he saved my life yesterday doesn’t mean I have to let him in. Or I could just pretend I’m not here.

‘I just heard you talking on the phone.’

Oh, God.I gingerly open the door and poke my head through the crack.

‘I wanted to check you were okay,’ says Luke with a serious expression.

‘Erm. I’m fine. Just a little disturbed at the um… headlines.’

He studies my face before exhaling loudly. While he rakes a hand through his hair, I keep my eyes from noticing his T-shirt riding up to reveal a glimpse of taut stomach. ‘It sure is quite the story. Can we talk about it?’

Cripes.I’m battling with the urge to be polite. It’s not his fault he’s so photogenic, and everyone fancies him. He’s just been blessedwith one of those faces that the more you stare at, the more good-looking it becomes. Especially when you’re singing romantic ballads on stage together, and your noses are an inch apart. He’s a little overwhelming, to be honest. If only he hadn’t been the one to save me. I open the door a fraction wider.

His face softens. ‘I’m sorry you got dragged into it. I don’t know where they got their information from.’

‘Me neither.’

‘You look incredible, by the way.’

‘Sorry?’

He points down at the newspaper in my hand. ‘In the papers. You look vibrant. Timeless.’

I’ve always responded well to flattery. I can literally hear the horn section trumpeting in my brain. Bunting is being liberally strung up around my cerebral cortex. Brass bands are on the march across my cranium.

‘So, should I come in?’ Luke tilts his head. ‘We may need a game plan.’

Oh, Christ.His manners are impeccable. And yet alarm bells are ringing faintly somewhere in the distance of my brain.

‘No. Absolutelynot,’ I say a little too forcefully. ‘I mean…’What do I mean? My mind is like scrambled egg… ‘I’m busy at the moment.’

He raises his eyebrows as though he doesn’t believe me. How did I not notice his blue eyes have flecks of gold in them?

‘I don’t think that would be a very good idea under the circumstances,’ booms Dolly. She’s appeared out of nowhere with my ruby-red dress over her arm. ‘Here. It’s been dry-cleaned ready for tonight. Maestro has suggested you do not go out today in case any press are lurking.’

Relief floods through me.

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