Page 45 of Just Like That

‘No, I guess not, given I was convinced you weren’t interested.’

‘I wonder how you got that impression.’ He kicks at the gravel awkwardly.

As he says this, a thought comes to me. ‘So youwerehitting on me that day in the hospital car park. I was right.’

Nick looks appalled. ‘Give me some credit, would you? Being totally honest, you were all red and blotchy that day, so I couldn’t really seewhoyou were.’

‘An ugly crier from the sounds of it.’

Cringing at the thought of what a mess I must have looked, I finally realise how off the mark I was in accusing Nick of coming on to me.

‘I genuinely didn’t look at you from that perspective,’ he continues. ‘Then when you first arrived here – not all red and blotchy – I thought you were pretty, but a bit stuck-up.’

‘Thanks.’ I feel a bit stung by his lack of tact.

‘Sorry. But I’d rather you know the truth than still suspect me to be a “lech”.’

I shake my head in an attempt to digest all this. ‘So when did you decide I was prettyandyour type?’

‘Not sure really.’ He shrugs. ‘You grew on me.’

‘I “grew on you”. What does that mean?’

‘Well, you know…’ He shifts uncomfortably under my scrutiny. ‘Seeing you getting all gooey with Rana, it made you seem more human and… sort of cute.’

‘“Cute”, huh?’ The corners of my mouth twitch as I continue to tease him with his own words. ‘Well, maybe now’s the moment to admit it was Rana that got me to see you in a different light as well. Big gruff man playing with tiny bear cub. What’s not to like?’

Nick seems a bit embarrassed by this comment, so naturally I turn things up a notch.

‘You might even go so far as to say Rana’s secretly playing cupid—’

‘OK, that’s enough of that.’ He cuts me off, his face flaming. ‘Anyway, the point is… actually, I don’t know what the point is.’ He seems at a complete loss for words, making me laugh.

‘I thinkthisis the point.’ I step forward and this time it’s me who pulls him in for a lengthy, mind-blowing kiss, while I push how late I am to the back of my mind.

Chapter 20

Driving home to Edinburgh, I feel alive in a way I haven’t felt in weeks. Basically, since Seth’s stroke. Flitting memories dance through my mind: the feel of Nick’s lips on mine, his firm but gentle touch, the way we moulded together so perfectly in those short moments – and I can’t help but shiver with desire. I’ve never been the kind to need a man to complete me. I’m independent, ambitious, stubborn even. If I allow someone into my life it’s because they fit with all that and add an additional positive element to my being. And boy, did Nick add the latter tonight. It was fireworks-meets-forty-piece-brass-band-playing-the-Star-Wars-theme-tune. He’s definitely the right kind of distraction from the stresses I’ve been experiencing lately.

Turning up the music on the car stereo, I belt out the words to my favourite happy sunny day song, ‘Mr Blue Sky’, grinning to myself as I shoot back along the A1.

At home, my focus swiftly shifts back to reality and I’m full of apologies, especially as it’s now after seven p.m.

‘Jackson, I’m so sorry. I got… held up.’ Hopefully he doesn’t cotton on to the heat radiating from my face as I say this.

‘Hey, Jess, no worries.’ He greets me with a relaxed smile, easy-going as ever. ‘I’ve told you before, I’m good for working later. Being straight, the extra pay helps.’

‘OK, as long as you’re sure?’ I study his expression to make sure he’s not just saying that to make me feel better.

‘I’m sure. Serious. Any point you need me to work into the evening, on a weekend, whenever, you let me know.’

I squirrel this gem of an offer away. ‘Thanks Jackson, I’ll take you up on that, for sure.’ Especially if it helps me with my career-saving endeavours, I think to myself. If Mum and Dad are going to continue to be in absentia, clearing their consciences with international bank transfers, then I may as well make use of that arrangement – so long as there’s no detrimental impact on Seth.

I suddenly have an idea. ‘Actually, seeing as I’m so late, I was going to pop over the road and get an Indian takeaway for dinner, if you fancy joining us? My treat, as a thank you.’

Jackson makes an exaggerated show of weighing up his options. ‘Why not, eh? Saves me cooking.’

‘Great. Why don’t you head back through then and I’ll grab a menu.’

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