Page 27 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘Can I at least get your clothes dry-cleaned to say thank you?’
‘How about a drink instead?’ he said, his dark eyes glinting. ‘Saturday night?’
‘Oh,’ said Bea, suddenly self-conscious. A drink? Did he mean a date? ‘That would be lovely.’
‘Good,’ said Lochlan, flashing her a perfect smile. Wow, those teeth really were sparkling. ‘Meet you at the Apple Tree at seven?’
‘Perfect,’ she said, beaming at him. ‘See you then.’
Then she watched him walk away, her heart pounding.
* * *
‘But, Jess, this was different, nothing like Rory or Dillon,’ said Bea. ‘It was literally the perfect meet-cute. He didn’t think twice, just jumped right in the river. When he climbed out, his T-shirt was soaking wet, just like Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice. Exactly the same. He was giving off total Darcy vibes. It’s got to be a sign—’
‘Bea, you always say this and it’s never a sign. Real life just isn’t like that; you don’t even know this guy, he could be a total—’
‘He isn’t.’
‘How do you know?’
‘I just do. He’s tall, dark and handsome. He’s an actual real-life hero and how often do you meet one of those?’
‘Well, just take it slowly this time, for God’s sake!’
‘Of course I will.’
‘But you always say that and then by date number two you’re head over heels obsessed.’
‘This time it’s different, Lochlan’s different. I’ve just got a feeling about him.’
‘I hope you’re right, Bea, but just be careful, okay?’
‘Promise.’
As Bea hung up the phone, she couldn’t stop thinking about how she had met Lochlan. It really was like something from one of the romance novels she loved so much, and if that wasn’t a sign, she didn’t know what was.
CHAPTER 8
Bea arrived at the Apple Tree on Saturday at seven on the dot. She spotted Lochlan at the bar and her shoulders relaxed a little. They hadn’t swapped numbers, and a tiny part of her thought he might not show up.
‘Hiya,’ said Lochlan, his face splitting into a grin. ‘What can I get you?’ he asked.
‘Let me get them,’ she said, quickly.
‘Don’t be daft, what do you fancy?’ he said, pulling his wallet out of his jeans pocket.
‘If you’re sure? A rum and coke, please,’ said Bea, slipping off her jacket and flicking her hair off her shoulders.
‘You turned up then,’ he said, tapping his card to pay.
‘Of course! Did you think I might stand you up?’ she asked, surprised.
‘I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t crossed my mind. I forgot to get your number.’
‘Yeah, I know,’ said Bea, ‘I thought the same.’
‘I’m glad it wasn’t just me,’ he said, clearly relieved.
