Page 95 of Be More Octopus

When she'd finished, she sat next to him. 'Have you brought many people up here?'

'No, you're the first.'

'Really? Not even …'

'No - no one,' he interrupted.

'Thank you for sharing it with me.'

'It's a pleasure. You're the only person I've ever wanted to share it with.' He sounded sincere.

'I'm going to miss having you around. This summer's been …' Em struggled to find the right adjective. 'Interesting.'

'That's one word for it. It's been an emotional roller coaster ride for me. But it's not over yet. I'm still here for another week.'

Somehow they'd moved closer to one another. Em could feel his breath on her cheek. 'What happens when you go back to London?'

'Let's not worry about that yet. I'm more interested in what happens now.' That puppy dog look again. She so wanted to know what his lips felt like on hers. She kissed him tentatively on his jawline. The feel of his stubble against her skin sent shockwaves through her body.

'I know I said we should just be friends,' he said. 'But can I change my mind?'

'I'd like that,' she said.

CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN

Em stirred as a ray of sunshine squeezed through the gap around her bedroom blind, and warmed her skin.

She looked at the clock. Shit! She normally got up earlier than this on a Saturday. She must've forgotten to set the alarm. Then she smiled as she remembered why.

There was a dent in the pillow next to her. She rolled over and inhaled the distinctive scent of Jack's aftershave. All the memories from last night came flooding back. Making love in the field. Walking back to the courtyard, thinking everyone must know what they'd just been doing. And then heading to her bed to pick up where they had left off until they both fell asleep exhausted.

'Hello, you. Why were you sniffing that pillow?'

Em rolled back onto her side and saw Jack walking into the bedroom wearing her short flowery bathrobe and nothing else. He was carrying two mugs. 'I love the smell of your aftershave.'

She sat up and took one of the mugs off him. 'Hmm. Just the way I like it.'

'I aim to please.'

'You certainly do. I don't have any complaints.' Jack had proved to be a skilled and generous lover.

'Neither do I. Perhaps you do deserve that 5-star review on TripAdvisor after all.'

'Even though I hit you with the hoover?'

'A certain type of client might see that as a bonus.'

'I do have one complaint,' Em said with a serious expression.

Jack looked worried.

'That robe looks awful on you.'

He grinned, put his tea on the bedside table, and slipped the robe onto the floor. 'Better?'

Em took in the view. 'Much better.'

'What time do you need to get up?' He was already snuggling back under the sheets.