Lisa stretched her arms above her head, attempting to shift the baby into a more comfortable position. ‘I’m here to celebrate my thirtieth. I can’t drink, I can’t go in the hot tub, beyond the protection of this umbrella itis too bloody hot, and I could not be happier.’ She raised her glass to Felicity. ‘We’re finally on our girl trip, just the two of us, I’m so pleased we found each other again, and … hello, who is that?’
The sound of tyres against gravel drew their attention towards the driveway, but being at the back of the building, they couldn’t see who was there.
‘It’s too early for Pete. He said they’dbe at least another hour.’
‘And that’s not a motorbike, so it’s not Dom.’
Felicity stood up and grabbed her towel. ‘Whoever it is can’t see me like this. I’ve got enough rolls to open a boulangerie.’
Lisa giggled. ‘Wait, don’t leave me.’ Realising Felicity was heading inside, she swung her legs out of the paddling pool, hurriedly rubbed her feet on a towel, and followed, closing thepatio door behind them before panicking about the fact they were dripping water on her mum’s floor. From their vantage point behind the sofa, the two women watched as a suave man wandered round the garden. Dressed in a smart-casual style, he wore navy fitted jeans; an untucked pale blue, tailored shirt; and tan, leather-weave jute loafers without socks. His tanned skin, along with his dark hair,which occasionally flopped across his sunglasses, made Lisa think he was French.
‘Who the hell is Monsieur Hottie?’ Flick asked. ‘Do you think he’s a thief? The place is supposed to be empty until your parents return.’
‘No. The hire car is on the driveway, it’s broad daylight and … well, look at him.’
‘Perhaps he’s—’
‘A very posh gardener?’
With a couple of athletic strides,the man ascended the steps of the terrace. He walked towards the door and lifted his sunglasses before knocking and peering in.
Lisa and Felicity attempted to stand still, but the fact he lifted his hand in a single wave and offered a smile revealing a fine set of white teeth made it obvious he had seen them.
‘Well, now we look stupid hiding behind here.’ Felicity nudged Lisa towards thedoor.
‘I can’t go. I’m only in a T-shirt and pants. At least you’re in a swimsuit and towel.’ Lisa pulled the bottom of Nathan’s T-shirt down, attempting to cover her bump and knickers.
Felicity edged forward. ‘What if he’s dangerous?’
‘Nobody that good-looking could be dangerous.’
Felicity looked admonishingly at Lisa. ‘And that’s why he’s dangerous! You’d better stay behind me.’
‘Wait!’ As they were about to open the door, Lisa grabbed Felicity’s arm and whispered, ‘Can you speak French?’
Felicity matched Lisa’s hushed tones. ‘I can say my name, age, where I live, and Jean Paul works in the garden.’
Lisa looked at her, dumbfounded, before they both giggled.
‘You cover me and I’ll speak,’ Lisa affirmed.
Felicity opened the door. Both women took in thesight of the man’s handsome features. His ice-blue eyes contrasted with his tanned skin, dark hair and the fine stubble that outlined his heart-shaped face.
‘Bonsoir.’
From her position behind Felicity, Lisa spoke, asking, in French, if she could help him in what she hoped was a calm steady voice, but reminded her of her mum attempting to be posh. With an amused grin the man introducedhimself, speaking English with a soft, intoxicating French accent, as Florian. He explained that he was the son of their nearest neighbour and that he taught Lisa’s mum’s art class. As a favour to Lisa’s parents, his father had prepared the hot tub for their arrival, and he was there to check on the chemical balance of the water.
Satisfactory explanations having been provided, Lisa and Felicityran to find some more suitable clothes while Florian directed his attention to the hot tub.
‘I think Flor-i-an’ – Felicity spoke his name with a faux French accent – ‘did something to my chemical balance.’
‘No wonder my mother has taken so well to her art classes.’ Lisa laughed as she pulled on a pair of shorts and left them undone to accommodate her bump. ‘Do you think we should offerhim a drink, being a family friend and all?’
Felicity slid on her maxi-dress. ‘Diet Coke, maybe?’
‘Behave. We will not be encouraging Florian to take off his top like the Diet Coke man. You’re a happily married woman, and I’m—’ Lisa pulled Nathan’s T-shirt down, attempting to cover the open button of her shorts ‘—very pregnant.’ As she let go of the hem, it sprang back up as if to provethe point.
Hurrying back down, Lisa and Flick paused at the bottom of the wooden staircase. Looking across the lounge towards the terrace, the two women tilted their heads in unison, watching from their vantage point as Florian laughed and chatted to a newly arrived Dom. Dressed in black Alpinestars leathers, looking unshaven, with his dark hair slick from where he had removed his helmet,Dom was smiling and seemed obscurely interested in the workings of the hot tub for someone who had just completed an at-least-eight-hour journey.
