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“I don’t often get the chance to let my hair down. Have to make the most of it while I can.”
“So I see.”
Kate turned to the barman and gave her order, wondering what other surprises Bob was keeping up his sleeve.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
A BUZZING BESIDEKate’s head stirred her out of deep sleep. She grabbed her phone and squinted at the screen. A FaceTime call from Alex? Wow, his timing was impeccable. She let the call ring out, doing the same again for his second and third attempt. Kate pulled herself up against her headboard, catching her reflection in the mirror and groaning. Her hair was sticking up in all directions. The remains of yesterday’s makeup lay smudged across her face, and although she’d removed the dress, her feet were covered by crimson suede.
She kicked the boots off and downed the pint of water beside her bed. Every detail of the previous night lay fresh in her memory, so she couldn’t have drunk that much. It had been three a.m. before she and Bob had dragged themselves back up the hill. What time was it now? Eight. Oh well, Kate thought, five hours’ sleep is better than no sleep.
Wrapped in her cosy dressing gown, Kate padded through to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Bob would be grateful for it, she was certain. He’d drunk far more than she had, although he was still acting pretty sober by the end of the evening. He must have sweated all the booze out of his system with all that dancing. Kate smiled at the thought, making a mental note to check Facebook for video evidence of his impressive moves.
Coffee in hand, Kate wandered upstairs to the guest room. The door was ajar, and poking her head round she could see the bed made and no sign that anyone had slept in it. Kate was certain Bob stayed last night. It had been far too late for him to go home. She wandered into the bedroom and picked up a note from the bed.
Thanks so much for last night. Had to leave early. See you on Boxing Day! x
Kate lay the coffees on the bedside table and slumped down onto the pillows. She had hoped they’d be able to talk today. He’d been so close to opening up to her. Plus, she wanted to put her mind at rest that there was no atmosphere between them.
Eyes closed, the memory ofthatdance played in her mind. It had all been so fun up till then. Bloody Ed Sheeran and his soppy bloody pop songs. They’d been having a laugh on the dance floor when the DJ announced it was the last dance. Most people had gone home by then and the few stragglers coupled up, leaving Bob and Kate awkwardly facing each other. He’d given her a shrug of resignation, before taking her in his arms.
It was fine, she told herself.Just a friendly dance between friends. But the churning in her stomach screamedit was more than that.She’d had her hands against his back, damp from all the energetic dancing, but warm and comforting at the same time. He held her so lightly it was as though he was scared she’d break. Kate remembered laying her head on his chest and his arms closing in around her. She felt so safe in his arms she’d stopped dancing and just breathed him in. Her stomach did somersaults at the thought.Don’t be stupidshe told herself.It’s just the booze making everything feel soppy. But she hadn’t imagined the look they’d shared, as she’d lifted her head and his had bent down closer to hers. His eyes had drilled into hers, but without warning, something had changed. He’d taken her hands and spun her around in one of the jokey dance moves he’d been pulling all evening.
Kate shook her head to rid the thoughts. He’d made it clear in that moment they were just friends, which was exactly as she wanted it to be. Besides, in the light of day, she would have seen him as he really was, a middle-aged man with a beer belly who was a wonderful friend but nothing more. Her romantic interests lay elsewhere, and it was about time she took some action to move things forward.
Back in her bedroom, Kate found Alex’s number on her phone and dialled it. He answered on the second ring.
“Kate, I’ve been trying to get hold of you all morning. Where have you been?”
“I slept in. I was at a Christmas party last night and it was a bit of a late one.”
“Who were you with?”
“Just Bob and his workmates.”
“I see.”
“Yeah, so I’m feeling a bit rough this morning, not through booze, but lack of sleep.”
“Is Bob there with you? Is that why you didn’t want to face time?”
“No, of course not. I’m here by myself, as usual.”Why don’t you tell him Bob stayed the night if you’re just friends? “Anyway, how are you?”
“Fine. Had a small Christmas bash myself last night. Lots of fun with the lads, as usual. What are your Christmas plans?”
“Nothing much really, just a quiet one on Christmas day, then a few friends are coming over on Boxing day.”
“Will Bob be there?”
“Yes, and Maddie and my friend Joy.”
“The old lady?”
“Yes, that’s right,” said Kate, wondering how Alex knew about her. She must have told him and forgotten. “How about you? What are you up to over Christmas?”
“Oh, the usual, spending it at Mum and Dad’s. You know what they’re like, making Christmas into such a big deal.”
Actually, thought Kate,I don’t know because you never invited me. “That sounds nice.”
