‘Yep,’ Charlie agreed, taking the hand I was flailing as I extricated myself from the taxi.
‘And you think you’re allowed to do that without giving me a hug? I’m not going to see you for ages!’
‘It’s only a few days.’
I huffed at him. ‘Well, I always miss my friends, however long it is. Even if you don’t.’
The next moment I was dangling a foot in the air and enveloped in the biggest hug I’d ever had. ‘Bye, Libs,’ he whispered.
‘That’s better,’ I said, when he’d put me back down.
He chuckled. ‘Take care, and I’ll send you some pictures from Singapore.’ I saw his glance flick to the waiting car and back to me. ‘Have fun and look after yourself.’ He waited whilst I got back in the car then closed the door. I waved out of the window and Charlie raised a hand in response.
Traffic was light and it wasn’t long before we were pulling up outside my block.
‘Thanks,’ I said to the driver, before turning to Alex to say goodbye. He beat me to it.
‘Can you just wait here a minute, mate? I’m going to walk her up.’
The driver shrugged. ‘It’s your meter running.’
Alex looked at me and we exchanged a grin before getting out and closing the doors.
‘So nice to find someone who has such joy for his job,’ Alex commented.
‘Maybe he’s had a long day.’
He pulled a face. ‘I think he’s probably just a grumpy git.’
‘Has anyone ever told you you’re too quick to judge?’
‘Has anyone ever told you you’re too nice?’
They had actually, but I wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of being right.
‘Yeah, I thought so,’ Alex smirked.
‘What?’
‘You’re very easy to read, Libby.’
‘I am not!’ I knew I was ridiculously easy to read. But it was the principle of the matter.
‘OK. Maybe not. Maybe it’s the extra training I’ve had in studying people.’ He made a point of running his eyes over me in a comical way.
I rolled my eyes at him. ‘Yes. I’m sure that’s what it must be.’
He smiled that gorgeous smile and I couldn’t help but respond in kind. ‘You really don’t need to walk me up. It’s only just here,’ I said, pointing. ‘Like he said, your meter is running.’
‘I’d prefer to walk you up for safety reasons. And I’d like to walk you up for… other reasons.’
‘Other reasons?’
‘Lead the way,’ he said, not expanding on his comment.
I did so.
‘This is me,’ I said, stopping at my front door. ‘Thanks for the security detail.’
