AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘As in, the good-looking bloke you’re working for?’
‘That’s the one.’
Beth burst out laughing.
‘It’s not funny.’
‘Are you kidding me? It’s hilarious. Why did you scream?’
Good question. Why had she screamed?
She walked across the gravel courtyard and focused on the views ahead: rolling fields glittering with frost, the surrounding trees clinging on to their few remaining leaves. The serenity of it was enough to ease the thumping in her chest. ‘I didn’t know I had. Shock, probably.’
‘Good shock, or bad shock? Was he hot?’
The heat in her cheeks intensified, despite the chilly November air. ‘No comment, on the grounds that I may incriminate myself.’
‘That good, huh?’ Beth continued to laugh. ‘Oh, well, it’s one way to brighten your day. How are you feeling now? Have you recovered?’
‘Not in the least. I doubt that he has, either. Poor man.’ The recollection of his expression when he’d spotted her standing there made her cringe. ‘He looked kind of unhappy about being gawped at.’
‘Can’t say I blame him. I’d feel the same. But I wouldn’t worry, he’ll get over it. Men don’t have the same hang-ups about their bodies as women do. Not the men I know, anyway. He’s probably flattered.’
‘I doubt that. He looked mortified.’ Kate fanned her face, trying to cool her burning skin. In the distance, a couple of horses galloped across the field, their warm breath visible against the pale sky. ‘Anyway, did you call for a reason?’
‘Only to check up on you. How’s it going? You know, apart from walking in on a hot naked bloke.’ She laughed again.
Kate was glad someone found it funny.
‘Are you making progress with probate?’
She sighed. ‘Not really. It’s painstakingly slow, hindered by my poor accountancy skills and inability to make sense of the business finances.’
‘Why are you getting involved with the business? Don’t they have an accountant?’
‘Yes, but he’s refusing to do any more work until his bill is paid. The business is in debt, but it’s still a viable asset, so it needs to be included in the probate application. Trying to calculate its value is impossible… there’re too many variables. It’s doing my head in.’ Kate watched the horses disappear into the distance. ‘I’ve listed two garage blocks for auction next month, in the hope of freeing up some cash and paying the accountant, but the books need sorting out quicker than that.’
‘Why don’t you ask Alex to help? My brother’s not exactly busy at the moment. He’s still trying to “find himself”. Whatever that means. He could do with something to focus on. Hemust’ve picked up some useful knowledge before quitting his accountancy degree.’
Whether her cousin Alex would prove a help or a hindrance, she didn’t know. He was laid-back to the point of horizontal and partial to smoking the occasional joint. Inviting his input might create another problem she didn’t need. Still, he knew more than she did about balancing books, so maybe it was worth the risk. ‘I have no money to pay him.’
‘I wouldn’t worry about that – it’s not like he’s earning anything lying around Mum’s place, is it? It’ll do him good to get off his backside and make himself useful. Besides, Mum’s eager for some space so she can entertain her latest boy-toy.’
‘Don’t you mean toy-boy?’
‘Not on this occasion. But the less said about that, the better. Anyway, she’ll be glad to get rid of Alex for a bit, he’s cramping her style. Shall I talk to him? No harm in asking.’
Kate wondered if she should check with Calvin first, but that would involve talking to the man – something she was keen to avoid doing for the next decade. ‘Go on then, but tell him I can’t pay him until after probate’s been granted.’
‘Leave it with me. By the way, I have news. Megan and Zac are expecting a baby.’
‘A baby?’ Kate felt the instant prick of tears sting her eyes. ‘Megan’s pregnant?’
‘It’s due in April. How exciting is that?’
‘Super exciting.’ Kate hoped the wobble in her voice wouldn’t betray her.
It was strange how a piece of news could evoke both instant joy and crippling pain. She was delighted for her cousin – of course she was – it was what both Megan and Zac wanted, and she was over the moon for them. But at the same time a slicing pain sneaked between her ribs. She’d wanted children so badly.A family had been what her and Tristan had both wanted… or so she’d thought.
