‘Your words, not mine.’ But she was sitting down. It was his smile that did it. That even grin surrounded by designer stubble just past its spiky stage, yet soft looking. It made a rugged statement rather than one that said can’t-be-bothered-to-shave.
‘Can we start over?’
She smiled at him genuinely for the first time. What was the harm? ‘I suppose that would be fine, yes.’
When the drizzle of the day started again, they moved to another café. They’d chatted so long at the first that Sally and Greg had already sloped off, most probably back to the house to have sex with wild abandon, and now Lydia found herself sipping a hot chocolate and thoroughly enjoying the company of this man who she’d thought arrogant and totally full of himself at first. He was confident, no doubt about it, but behind that confidence there was kindness, gentleness and a man she could talk to and have a laugh with.
By the time Lydia and Theo left the café it was dark, and he insisted he walk her home.
‘I’ve walked through the city plenty of times at night, you know,’ she told him as they made their way towards Oldfield Park.
‘I’m sure you have. But hey, I need an excuse to prolong our date.’
‘It’s hardly a date.’ She laughed, and when he didn’t say anything she knew all his bravado was his confidence willing something to happen, and the quiet demeanour that now replaced it told her he wouldn’t push it too much more. ‘We could go on one though.’
‘A date?’ Grinning, he began walking backwards along the pavement in front of her.
‘Not a rugby match and nothing involving pom-poms, but I’d see you again.’
‘You fell for my charms.’ He fell into step alongside her.
‘As if.’ She denied his allegation but knew how true it was.
Lydia Walters was falling for Theo Morgan and what’s more, she was loving every minute of it.
