Page 34 of The Seaside Cocktail Campervan

‘And?’

There was another pause, while Lucy figured how to mention the near-kiss.

‘Go on, tell me you’ve had wild sex in the sand dunes or something.’

A near-kiss at her doorstep sounded rather tame compared to that. ‘No, not quite. Just, well … we had a chat for a while, sat in the dunes … then he walked me back, and … I think he was about to kiss me …’

‘What do you mean, about to? He either did or he didn’t!’

‘Didn’t,’ Lucy confessed. ‘Daisy yanked us apart at the crucial moment. So, I’ll never find out now, will I?’ She gave a mock groan.

‘Hah, well that’s just typical of you, Luce. And Daisy, what a naughty girl, spoiling your fun like that. Well, what are you going to do about it then?’

‘What do you mean? Nothing much I can do, I suppose.’

‘Of course there is. Organise another meet-up, get yourselves on a date. I can tell you like him. There’s a spark there, for sure.’

‘Oh, I’m not sure about that. A spur-of-the-moment kiss is one thing, but organising a date, that’ll give him all the wrong signals. Nah, I’m not going down that route.’ She thought of all his flirting and flattery with a host of women from behind his bar. He probably wasn’t even the dating sort. She might have got it all wrong about this kiss anyhow, misread the signals. How downright embarrassing would that be?

Becky, despite her excitement, had helped her get it all back in perspective. No way was Lucy going to take it any further. It had just been a very special afternoon, nothing more, nothing less. A few stolen hours to think about, and perhaps savour on her own for now.

‘Anyway, how’s your head?’ Lucy deflected, neatly.

‘Ah, not bad. Nothing a couple of paracetamols couldn’t fix. Mind you, Darren had me dragging around Homebase this afternoon, looking for paint and new shelving for the second bedroom. Normally, I’d be right up for that. That he’s at last come round to the idea of decorating that room, but today of all days …’

Lucy chuckled. Back to real life. Safer ground. No daft daydreams about bar guys and summer kisses. She’d keep all that romantic stuff for her books.

Chapter 17

Back at his lodgings, Jack was also dwelling on the day. It was a long while since he’d spent such a relaxed time with a woman. There were no strings, no expectations, just the chance to chat and chill out together as they’d started to get to know each other. He’d really enjoyed her company, and she was pretty damned gorgeous too – all dark bouncy hair and those soulful brown eyes. They’d talked easily, yes, but he instinctively knew there was so much more to this woman. She played her cards close to her chest, about her past, her feelings, who she really was. But that just made him all the more intrigued.

He still felt a bit mortified about that daft attempt at a kiss. He wondered what would have happened if that bloody Devil Dog hadn’t pulled her away? The jealous little mutt. But maybe it was for the best. It might only have served to confuse matters. It wasn’t like he was looking for anything more from her.

Maybe he’d get to see her again at an event in the coming weeks. He hoped her venture would soon get off the ground and thrive; she deserved that. She was ambitious; a hard worker.

Jack sighed and made his way to his laptop; no rest for the wicked. He’d jazz up his social media business pages. He’d taken a few shots of Ruby in full swing at his last event, with some close-ups of his summer-style cocktails to pop on his Insta and Facebook pages. He had some great online supporters, and loved the chat and banter there. It had also helped to get Jack’s Cocktail Campervan noticed.

Later, he made a couple of calls confirming this week’s bookings; a professional and friendly approach. He liked to check timings and details, giving the clients a chance to go over any last-minute requests too. He’d only once been let down – the organiser having totally forgotten about booking the event, and due to a change in circumstances hadn’t asked any guests along either – and fool that he was back then, Jack had taken no deposit. He’d learnt from that mistake.

‘Hi, it’s Jack from the Cocktail Campervan,’ he said cheerily, launching into his call for a 40th Birthday Bash. ‘Is that Nikki?’

‘Hello, there. Yes, yes, it is.’

‘Hi, I’ve got a booking with you for this Friday evening, so it’s just a courtesy call to double check timings and any last-minute details or requests you might have.’

‘Oh, hi Jack, thanks for the call. Thank heavens you’re still okay to come.’ She sounded rather stressed on the other end of the line.

‘Well yes, of course. Why, has there been a problem or something?’

‘Bloody hell, yes, you could say that,’ she huffed. ‘I had a call earlier from the caterer who was meant to be doing the buffet. They’ve only gone and had a case of suspected E-coli. Got to shut the whole thing down for a couple of weeks and totally disinfect. I’ve been making calls frantically, trying to get a new caterer, but to no avail. Where the hell do I find someone good, who isn’t already booked up, this late in the day?’

‘Well then …’ This was it, Lucy’s chance. Jack was sure she’d step up to the mark. ‘I think I might just be able to help you there.’

‘You can?’ The woman sounded relieved and a little surprised.

‘Yeah, I’ve a friend who’s just set up her own pizza van – well, horsebox, in fact. It looks really great. Got that cute vintage feel. So, how does pizza sound? I mean they’re amazing, top-quality, homemade, stone-baked, and delicious. I’ve tasted them, so I can definitely vouch for them.’ He was doing his best salesman pitch.

‘Umm, pizza’s a start, but I really need a bit of variety. I had a full buffet booked with this catering company: starters, salads, dessert, the works.’