Page 49 of Be More Octopus

'Yes, I'm just running through what you said, looking for clues that he still fancies you. He definitely said a date?'

'A cheap date. It's just a phrase. I don't know. I think it's just wishful thinking on my part. He's embroiled in all this mess, trying to extricate himself from his marriage. I don't think hooking up with another woman is high on his to-do list.'

'But he must be wondering when he'll get his next shag.'

'Not everyone has a sex drive as rampant as yours.'

'Men think about sex several times an hour. You want him to be thinking about getting naked with you, not someone else. You need to be more obvious. He's probably holding back because he thinks you're still getting over Connor.'

'I would have thought snuggling up to him in the cinema and holding hands whenever we had a chance was obvious enough?'

'Given that he's not been tearing your clothes off, no. Try kissing him.'

'What if he doesn't want to be kissed?'

'I don't mean snog his face off. A chaste peck on the cheek should be enough to show him you're interested.'

Em went back to her easel after Lucy's phone call. It was getting hot in the flat, and the paint was drying too quickly. She packed all her brushes and materials away. Lunch outside in the shade would be good. She headed to the garden with a sandwich and the crime novel she was keen to finish.

'Mind if I join you?' Jack walked towards her with a bundle of papers and a mug.

'Be my guest. What's all the paperwork?'

He sat down at the table and pulled a red pen out of his pocket. 'I've finished the first edit on the laptop. I usually do the second one on paper. I spot more errors that way. Sorry, it's antisocial, but I wanted some fresh air.'

If Lucy were here, she'd say it was an excuse for him to be with Em, but she must stop thinking like Lucy. It was perfectly reasonable for Jack to want to work outside on a hot day without having a hidden agenda.

They both sat reading in companionable silence.

Ten minutes later, Em finished her book and put it on the table with a sigh.

Jack looked up. 'Good ending?'

'No - it was a bit of a cop-out. I was convinced there would be another twist in the final chapter, but it turned out to be the person I suspected in Chapter 3. You can borrow it if you like.'

'After that stunning review, I think I'll pass.'

'How are you getting on?'

'I've got to do another five pages to keep on schedule.'

'Do you want some tea?'

'That would be lovely. I could make us both one if you like?'

'No, you carry on with your editing.'

A few minutes later, she was back, carrying two mugs.

'Your phone buzzed while you were in the kitchen,' Jack said.

She checked it. A new text had arrived.

'Oh wow!' Em exclaimed

Jack looked up. 'Good news?'

'It's the owner of the gallery down by the harbour. He's asked me to bring some of my work in for him to look at.'