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“That sounds great.”
What? Why did I say that?
“Really?” A beaming smile spread across her face. “Are you sure?”
How could I resist that smile? “I’m sure. As long as it doesn’t involve me having to do anything embarrassing.” I eyed her sternly.
“No, no, nothing embarrassing,” she rushed to say. “Okay. Um. Great. Right. I’ll just quickly text Nick to let him know.”
“You do that.” I stood, stretching. “Since you’re too busy texting to work, I’ll make us a coffee.”
“Thanks.”
“Be right back.” I turned on my heel and strode off to the kitchen. I couldn’t believe how far from the truth my opinion of her had been. I’d been so wrong about her. I’d witnessed just how hard she worked during our time on the Delny project, and to now find out she voluntarily gave up her free time to help others? And when she turned the full force of that smile of hers on me…
I scrubbed a hand over my face, groaning. Get a grip, Luke.
“This place isn’t too far from my gym and Martha’s nursing home,” I told Payne as we pushed the double doors of the youth centre open.
“Oh, really? You must be over this way all the time, then. You’ve got a great body—you look like you work out a lot.” When her brain caught up with her words, she stared at me, horrified. “I—I mean, you seem like you’re fit. Healthy. Argh!” She stopped walking and covered her face with her hands, a bright flush on her cheeks.
“Been noticing my body, have you?” I smirked. “Glad to hear you appreciate it.” I flexed a bicep, and she laughed, still cringing, peeking out from behind her fingers.
“Can we forget this conversation ever happened?”
I shook my head, grinning, and she rolled her eyes. We continued walking and entered a small side room full of tables and chairs.
“For the record, I think you’ve got a great body, too.”
“What?” Her head whipped round towards me, and it was my turn to look away. What was wrong with me today? I needed to keep my mouth shut. Although going by Payne’s mortified reaction to the comment that had come out of her mouth, she was probably thinking the same thing. I laughed to myself.
Payne busied herself sorting through pencils and paper, clearly eager to let the subject drop. Fine by me. “Is there anything I can help with?”
“I think I’ve got it all, but thank you. Nick should be here in a minute, so you can meet him then. He normally pops in before my—oh, here he is now. Nick, this is Luke.” She smiled at the man walking towards us with two cups in his hands. He stood almost a full head shorter than me, with salt-and-pepper hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and a kind, weathered face.
“Evening.” He deposited the cups on the table and held out a hand for me to shake. “Luke. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Cheers.” I clasped his palm briefly. “Good to be here.”
Giving me a nod, he started backing out of the room. “Have fun. You’ve got seven tonight, Olivia.”
“Thanks for the drinks,” Payne called after him. She slid one of the cups across the table to me. “Hot chocolate. It’s only from the vending machine, so don’t get excited.”
“I’m fine with whatever. Unlike a certain woman I could mention, I don’t have to have my drinks made a specific way.” I gave her a pointed look, trying not to smile.
“Hey, I’m not that fussy. I just happen to prefer flavoured coffee to plain. Nothing wrong with that.” She stuck her tongue out at me.
“Really mature, Payne.” We both stood grinning at one another until Payne lowered her gaze, picking up her hot chocolate and taking a gulp. That weird vibe was back again, crackling in the air between us.
“Um…so do you want to sit and watch, or do you want to join in?” she mumbled, staring into her cup as if it was the most fascinating thing she’d ever seen.
“Either. What’s easiest for you?”
She shrugged, still not looking at me. The door opened and a trio of teenage girls piled into the room, talking animatedly. They stopped dead when they saw me, their conversation abruptly grinding to a halt.
“You can come in, girls.” Payne’s voice was full of laughter. “Take a seat, and we’ll wait for the others to arrive.”
“Olivia, is he our model?” A girl with long dark hair spoke up, gesturing in my direction.
