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‘Oh. But aren’t you here for work as well?’
He looks conflicted for a second then says, ‘Yes.’
‘Well, it all needs to get done eventually. And it’s not like you can do this work back home, can you?’
‘No.’
‘Then there’s no point beating yourself up about it. All any of us can do is our very best.’
‘You are amazing. And absolutely right. Which is why the department can fuck right off.’
I laugh as he clambers over me again. ‘And we will enjoy ourselves while we’re here. Making the most of it.’ He starts nuzzling my earlobes and finding his way to my mouth where he kisses me until I feel dizzy.
We are almost like a real couple sitting there on the sofa, drinking our warming cups of tea and staring out across a lush green garden, even in these cold, damp November days. As I sit there curled in his arms, I make certain I remember this moment, this juncture of time with us both blissfully sequestered away from the ills of the world.
That evening, I gaze at myself in the full-length mirror, checking that I look perfect from every angle. The dress I’m wearing is electric blue and hugs every curve. I hope it’s appropriate for where we’re going. Jack had simply said, ‘Go on, get dressed, we’re going out to eat.’
I put on the oversized black blazer and grab the silver clutch. Just don’t trip in these heels, I tell myself.
I walk towards the staircase and can hear Jack on his phone.
‘I’ll be there tomorrow,’ I hear him saying as I walk down the wooden staircase, my high heels clicking like castanets.
‘All ready?’ I ask.
Jack turns around and takes me in his arms and buries his head in the crook of my neck. ‘God, I wish we didn’t have to go out. I wish we could just stay here all night long.’
‘We don’t have to go—’
‘Yes, we do. I promised you a nice dinner.’
Once outside Jack flicks the button on the key chain he’s holding. A garage door opens. ‘I keep this one here. I like the way it drives around the Lakes.’
What’s this? A second car now? ‘If I didn’t know better, Jack Stanhope, I’d think you were a secret billionaire.’
He laughed heartily. ‘Not quite. But I do have a few things I like to indulge in. Hop in.’
The tiny sports car handles the narrow, winding roads with ease and it’s not long before we are pulling into the first town.
‘Here we are, in Keswick,’ he says. I love how he says it,Kezzick. I could listen to his voice all day long.
Jack parks the car directly in front of the restaurant. ‘Oh, we’re getting out here?’
‘Yeah, it’s fine.’ He hands the keys to a man in a suit who seems to know him. Valet service in Keswick? I don’t know why but that seems... surprising. The Lake District is lovely, but it’s also quaint and welcoming, a rustic simplicity. It isn’t London, after all, and I’m certain that’s the point. I tell myself to stop overthinking everything. You’re just not used to second houses and exotic sports cars.
Jack looks at me, ‘Okay there’s just one rule tonight. You have to be completely honest. About everything. If you think the music is too loud, or the service is poor, you need to tell me. But first, what do you think of the exterior?’
I’m puzzled by his remarks, but I just go with it, chalking it up to his quirky nature. Remember, don’t overthink anything. Just be in the moment and enjoy it.
‘I think it looks great. I like the plants creeping up the side and the lighting. Looks very inviting. I’d probably eat here,’ I joke.
The joke isn’t lost on him. ‘Come on,’ he grins.
