‘I’m learning that anything to do with love or romance is less of a deal than everyone makes out. Like this bootcamp. I can’t think of anything less romantic than meticulously planning your next encounter.’
‘So, this hasn’t turned you into a hopeless romantic yet?’ he asks. ‘The universe will be disappointed.’
‘Not really,’ I reply, wishing I’d brought out the G&Ts. ‘I mean, the thought of being with someone again isn’t as alien as it once was, so maybe that’s something.’
‘Oh, really?’
‘Yeah, but I’m in no rush. The idea of a relationship is always more exciting than the actual thing. It’s a bit like Nando’s – spicy at first but bloody boring underneath. My kid is my priority, I just need to remember that I’m important too. If I do get involved with someone, they’ll need to have their shit together. I’ve had enough of being the before, the during and the after. I want to be the one.’
‘The what now?’
‘Ignore me. I know what I mean.’
‘You should be with someone,’ he says, catching my gaze. ‘He’d be lucky to have you.’
I smile, but he doesn’t break eye contact right away. Oh God, are we having a moment?
‘I should get going,’ Will says abruptly, indicating that the moment is over. ‘It’s been fun though… Ah shit, we didn’t bring out any robes outside, did we? Bare-arse time.’
The look of horror on my face speaks volumes.
He laughs. ‘It’s fine. I’ll grab them. Um, I’d look away now, if I were you.’
Before I even have time to avert my eyes, he stands to climb out.
‘Will!’
‘Nora, my dick has been in front of you for the past hour.’
‘Yeah, underwater, not eye level! I mean, I can’tnotlook at it when it’s right there.’
‘You’re so weird. Back in a minute.’
He climbs out and I hear him soggily make his way inside. I internally squeal. His body! That torso! It’s better than I thought it would be. He has a tattoo on his hip bone. Massive penis now confirmed. Ugh, why couldn’t he have been as wobbly as I am? Why couldn’t he have just been plain and uninteresting so that when he gets dressed, I won’t be thinking about ripping his damn clothes off again? WHY IS THIS MY LIFE?
Will, oblivious to my inner turmoil, returns in a robe and hands me the spare. He turns his back as I climb out and cover myself.
‘You good?’ he asks.
If by good you mean stupidly aroused, then sure. Why not?
‘Yep, I’m good!’ I reply enthusiastically, trying to drown out the voice out of my head. ‘All robed up. Nothing to see here!’
I’m so uncool I want to die.
We both move back inside where the fire is still going strong. I sink down onto the couch and sigh. ‘It’s been a fun night.’
‘Definitely,’ he replies, picking up his clothes. ‘That was a blast. Give me two seconds and I’ll be out of your hair.’
‘Or you could stay?’
The words fall out of my mouth before I’ve even had a chance to consider their impact.Shit. He pauses, staring at me. He doesn’t look impressed.Oh shit, here we go with the inevitable awkward knockback. Nice work, Nora.
‘I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking. It’s the wine! Forget I said anything.’
He still doesn’t reply, but his trousers are on now.
‘God, say something, Will! I feel like an idiot.’
