Something else dawned on her. ‘Have you been in there long?’
The fact he hesitated gave her the answer. The walls in her mother’s house were paper thin. There was every chance he’d heard her mum shouting.
‘Not long,’ he replied. ‘Just one last check round before handing the keys over to the estate agents.’
Ginny glanced at his chest, trying hard not to smile at her memory of it bare. They locked eyes for a moment, and she was sure he might kiss her. She hoped. But something else took priority. ‘My back hurts,’ she mumbled, unable to remain on the cold, hard pathway any longer, even though she liked looking up at him.
‘Oh yes, let’s get you up.’ Will held out a hand, carefully peeling her from the ground. ‘Are you okay?’
She tilted her body from side to side, groaning.
‘How bad is it? Should I take you to get checked out?’
Ginny raised her palm. ‘Stop fussing. It’s just a bruised back, that’s all.’
Will met her eyes. ‘Where on your back does it hurt?’
After practically carrying her mother to the bath, then falling to the ground, Ginny had only one answer. ‘Everywhere.’
‘Let me take you home. You can put your feet up for the day.’
Ginny burst out laughing, then regretted it immediately, as the jolt hit her back. ‘Fat chance. I’m already late for work.’
‘Rest today.’
‘I can’t. I’m the owner.’
‘Owner of what?’
‘Harbour Light Café.’
Will smiled, and she so wanted to kiss him. ‘I’ve eaten in there. Didn’t see you.’
‘I was probably in the kitchen.’
‘You sure you can’t take the day off?’
‘Positive. I can’t call anyone else in to help. It’s short notice.’
Will’s smile widened. ‘Then it’s settled. I’ll drop these keys off, then head to the café and be your hands for the day. You can sit in the corner and give me orders.’
Ginny warmed from the inside out, hoping her cheeks didn’t flush. ‘You want to help me?’
Will shrugged. ‘Least I can do. It’s my fault you fell.’
‘It’s not, and you don’t have to help me. I’m okay.’
‘I want to.’ His tone lowered, causing Ginny’s butterflies to stir.
‘Looks like we’ve got ourselves a date then.’ Her neck heated as she realized what she had said.
Will pulled in his lips, then met her eyes. ‘By the way, thanks for the other night.’
Thanks for the other night?
Not knowing how to respond, Ginny headed for her vehicle. ‘I’ll meet you at the café.’
‘See you in a bit,’ he called.
