Page 63 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

‘Hey,’ he said. ‘What’s going on?’

Lily scowled at him as she straightened up. ‘Nothing,’ she snapped. ‘What can I do for you?’

He laughed at her haughty tone. ‘Well, I certainly don’t need a maid. Or a housekeeper, come to think of it. Certainly not one like you.’

She gave a start. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘You need to chill out,’ he told her. ‘Don’t you realise how on edge you make everyone? Nobody can relax with you around.’

‘That’s not true,’ she told him, her cheeks heating up.

‘Arthur’s eating outside because you won’t let his dog into the house!’ said Jack. ‘Nobody else can rest because you’re constantly fussing and running around them.’

Lily frowned. ‘I have things that need to be done, that’s all. It’s my job!’

‘Rubbish,’ he said. ‘I’ve heard all about your lists. You’re not living any kind of life except by the book. “My list of things to do today”, by Lily Harper!’

He shook his head. Whatever had happened to make her so different from the young, spirited girl he had once known?

‘I’m doing whatever I think necessary to hide myself from any more hurt,’ she hissed at him. ‘Haven’t I been through enough?’

‘You’re just so stiff,’ he told her. ‘That red hair is supposed to mean fire, you know.’

She put her hands on her hips. ‘No, it just means that I need factor 50 on my skin at all times.’

He shook his head. ‘Have you smothered your soul in it as well?’

She gave a start. ‘My what?’

‘You’re frozen. Cold,’ he told her. ‘Like a robot.’

He realised he had gone too far as he watched her reaction. The blush quickly faded from her cheeks as she stared at him in horror.

Then she pushed past him, away down the corridor.

Too late, he realised that she looked just the same from the back as she had done all those years ago. Long-legged, red hair swinging behind her as she went.

She was still the girl that he hadn’t taken to the prom on the worst day of his life. One of many he had endured.

He’d run away from her and everyone. And he hadn’t stopped running since.

And he had just hurt Lily as much as he had done all those years ago.

*

Lily rushed into the kitchen, shocked at what Jack had just said to her.

He had called her a robot. Just like Mark had done. Were they right? Was it true?

Seeing Annie at the table, Lily quickly brushed the tears from her cheeks. But Annie didn’t even realise how upset her housekeeper was. Instead, she was staring at her mobile, which was shaking in her hand.

‘I don’t believe it! What have you done?’ she was saying, looking up at Lily and holding out the phone for her to take.

‘Me?’ said Lily, confused. ‘I don’t understand. What is this?’

Lily looked down at the screen at what appeared to be an email.

‘Somebody has sent their RSVP,’ said Annie, still sounding shocked. ‘All the rest of the emails have also been received, apparently.’