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‘I can’t think of anything I’d love more, but you’re right. I’ve only got the guys for two weeks so I’ve got to make the most of them or Graham will kill me. Technically they work for North Property Management.’ She dug her fork in and twirled the pasta until she had the perfect amount. ‘Oh yum. This is perfection.’
‘It’s my go-to quick supper. It lifts my heart. Salty, spicy, punchy.’
‘Well, I really appreciate it. I’d have been making cheese on toast otherwise.’
‘You’re not a cook?’
‘I can cook. I’m just not very good at cooking for myself. Which, as I’m on my own most of the time, means I don’t experiment in the kitchen much. But maybe I should. I mean this took you, what – fifteen minutes?’
‘Exactly. Don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing wrong with a cheese toastie every now and then. But you should nourish yourself properly. I mean, if you don’t care about yourself, who will?’
He was looking at her intently. Nikki liked the feeling of someone being concerned about her.
‘I’ve never thought of it like that.’ Now was not the time to mention the stack of ready meals she kept in the fridge. Or the fact that if she was really in need of feeding up, she just went to Mariners, or the Neptune for fishcakes and mushy peas.
‘I could give you a few recipes for instant gratification.’ Adam raised his glass to her and there was a twinkle in his eye replacing the earlier tears.
Was he flirting with her? His demeanour was naturally flirtatious, though not in a creepy way. He was charming and generous of spirit and quick-minded, which, combined, was rather irresistible.
And confusing.
She put down her fork.
‘That was so delicious. Thank you. But I’d better go – I’ve got to hoover up the living room before bed now the dust has settled.’ She hesitated, then took the plunge. ‘By the way, a friend of mine is opening a new bar on Friday night, if you’d like to come? It’s the most glamorous thing to happen in Speedwell since …’ She tried to think. ‘Well, ever.’
He smiled, and she loved the way his eyes crinkled and his face lit up. ‘I’d love that. It might give me a chance to meet a few new people.’
Nikki felt a bit lightheaded. ‘Exactly.’
‘Is there a dress code?’
‘We don’t really do dress codes in Speedwell. Just … clean?’
He laughed. ‘I think I can manage that.’
‘Can I help you clear up?’
‘No!’ He laughed at her. ‘It’s two bowls and a couple of pans. I can manage.’ He leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek. ‘See you Friday.’
As she felt his cheek brush hers, her heart quickened and a shot of something pierced her belly. Whatever it was, it slid further down her insides like hot coffee poured over ice cream. Oh help, she thought.
She had read somewhere that, physiologically, it could take less than a second to fall for someone, if the chemistry was right. Of course, there were other steps to the process, but the trigger could be there from the start. A bright flame that was almost impossible to ignore. And she recognised it. That mood-lifting, pulse-raising, spine-tingling sensation that, if it went unchecked, catapulted into euphoria and then you were done for.
‘Are you OK?’ Adam was peering at her, concerned.
She jumped off her stool.
‘Oh, fine. Just my to-do list whizzing through my head. Thank you so much for the pasta and I’ll let you know about the office space.’
She needed to leave before she made a fool of herself. She headed home on a cloud of Albariño and something in her veins she couldn’t quite identify. As she stumbled up the stairs to bed, she suddenly remembered what it was.
Lust.
25
The problem with wedding themes was they could get out of control and become too gimmicky and a bit trashy. It was about balance. Enough of a touch to make people smile, and for everything to feel held together, but not overdone and twee.
Later that week, Nikki was fine-tuning her presentation for Phoebe and Alec, trying to make sure she wasn’t running away with the celestial brief and turning their wedding into a theme park. She was with her mum at Mariners going through cake options. Jess was there too – she had a late shift so she’d come to join them for coffee and a catch-up.
