Page 20 of Starting Over at Halesmere House
‘Thanks.’ Zac found his keys and tossed them to Neil, who disappeared from the garden. ‘Thanks for the lunch; that was a bonus. If there’d been homemade cake as well I’m not sure I’d have got my dad back to work.’
‘Maybe next time – I’d hate to disappoint your dad twice. Who doesn’t love cake?’ Rain was falling steadily, so she pulled her hood up, making it harder to see Zac’s face.
‘Next time? Do you have more trees in need of my services?’
‘Nothing came up on the survey, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a look over them,’ she replied casually. ‘Some of the pears are very old.’
‘You want me to check them out? I don’t mean to presume; I know you’re a qualified horticulturist.’
‘On paper at least – I still have a lot to learn.’ They’d reached the patio and Alice paused outside the door. ‘And I’m no expert when it comes to trees.’
‘I could find a couple of hours next week, if that works for you?’
She was fairly sure her trees were okay, but she nodded, just as nonchalantly as he had. ‘That sounds great, thanks, if you’re sure. You’ve got my number so maybe you could message me when you have a date in mind.’
‘A date?’
She didn’t need to see him to recognise the amusement in those two words, and her face flushed. ‘You know what I mean. A meeting, then.’
‘Right. A meeting. Doesn’t sound quite so much fun, though. I probably won’t bring my dad; it sounds like he’s going to be busy with Sandy anyway. He used to walk with a men’s group, but they disbanded after a while so I’m sure he’ll love the company.’
‘Sandy doesn’t walk with just anyone so they must have really hit it off. And if your dad won’t be here then I don’t need to bother with the cake,’ Alice finished, and Zac laughed.
‘Luckily I don’t find cake much of an incentive.’
‘An incentive for what?’ She really ought to have L plates when it came to navigating a newly single life with someone like Zac making plans to see her again, even if it was only in a professional capacity. He was clearly in the fast lane while she was trundling in the learners’; how would she ever catch him up?
‘To come back and check out those trees.’ He turned and she had to tilt her head to see his face, making her hood fall back. ‘I think you might be all the incentive I need.’
He slowly raised both hands and Alice stilled, realising he was going to touch her. And more than that, she was going to let him. ‘May I?’ Her breath caught as she nodded, and he carefully slid her hood back up. ‘No point in you getting soaked as well.’
‘Thanks.’ She was trying to process his words, the intimacy of those last few seconds. She might be out of practice, but she knew what desire looked like when it was mirrored in someone else’s eyes. ‘Do you want to come back in for more tea before you go?’
He glanced at the T-shirt sticking to his chest, the trousers darkened by rain still sliding down his face. ‘Better not – I need a shower,’ he said ruefully. ‘And my dad’s waiting.’
‘Of course!’ How had Alice so easily forgotten about Neil? ‘Both of you would be welcome, but obviously you need to leave and…’ And what? She’d very nearly said he could shower here. ‘Thanks again for today.’
‘You’re welcome.’ He paused, shoving both hands into his pockets. ‘Alice?’
‘What?’
‘Sorry, doesn’t matter. I’ll find a couple of hours next week and let you know, yeah?’
‘Thank you.’
Zac nodded once before heading around the side of the house and Alice went inside, dumping her wet things in the utility room. What had he been going to say? Why hadn’t she simply asked him? Why did any of this with Zac matter, when she knew she’d never fall in love again? And definitely not with a man younger than her who might one day want to settle. Like Kelly had said, couldn’t she just have some fun without overthinking it?
She made coffee and took it upstairs. Darkness wouldn’t be long in following and the day was nearly done. It was too wet to work in the gardens now the rain had set in and even sowing in the polytunnel didn’t appeal. She’d make something nice for dinner instead and have an early night.
Her phone was nearby, and she went through her notifications, landing on a message from Zac with a rush of anticipation.
So I don’t date, Harvey, and neither do you. But you owe me a drink
Alice laughed, her fingers already composing a reply. This sounded exactly like flirting, and she was going with it. She needed the practice, and sent the message before she changed her mind. She’d had enough of being sensible for once, always the decision-maker, the one in charge and keeping everything in the air. Gareth had mostly been great, but she’d done the heavy lifting in their relationship.
It seems that I do. Did you have a date in mind for that as well?
She settled back, waiting for a reply.
