Page 76 of The Only Way Is Up

Tom laughed. ‘Well, I’m currently standing outside your front door trying to pluck up the courage to knock, so I guess now?’

Daisy poured Tom a glass of wine – it was definitely 5 o’clock somewhere, and somehow it felt like there was something to celebrate. Also going into the kitchen gave her a chance to run a brush through her hair and pinch her pallid cheeks.

Tom took a sip and perched on the arm of the chair. He was back in his headmaster uniform – dark grey cords, a pale blue shirt and a black coat that could at best be described as an anorak. The whole look was incredibly Rural Dad at M&S and yet somehow oddly sexy.

‘So, you and Christian are officially finished?’ asked Tom, not even attempting to hide his smile. They watched as a confused Henry did a final lap of the cottage, before giving up looking for Hank and flumping onto the sofa next to Daisy.

‘We are. Katie put out a statement yesterday. All very amicable, still friends, blah-blah-blah. The usual stuff. Is everything OK at school though? Not too much outrage from the governors?’

Tom shrugged. ‘Not really. Today has been a bit of a fuss, but what happened on Saturday was nothing to do with me. And apparently I’m no longer being named as the other man in your life.’ Tom raised his eyebrows playfully.

Daisy smiled. ‘It seems I’m now part of some love triangle with Christian and Marcus.’

‘So I’m not the Homewrecking Headmaster any more.’ Tom put his glass down on the table and moved over to the sofa, hoofing Henry off so he could take his place next to Daisy.

‘No, it would seem not.’ Daisy’s heart was racing at how close Tom was. ‘But listen, before you ravish me on this sofa – and I do very much hope that’s your intention – you need to know that this isn’t the end of it. If we’re seen together, they’ll rake over your life. You have to be prepared for that.’

Tom reached over and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Daisy’s ear. ‘Listen to me, Daisy. I want this. I’ve been through more pain in the last three years than most people go through in a lifetime, so there’s nothing the papers can do or say that will make a difference. I’m ready to start living again.’

Daisy nodded vehemently. ‘So. Where would you like to start?’

‘Much as I’d very much like to ravish you on this sofa, sixth form parents’ evening starts in about twenty minutes. So, let’s do what normal people do, and go on a date. What are you doing next Saturday?’

Daisy thought for a second. ‘Nothing. Ruby isn’t home, she’s got play rehearsals.’

‘Then let’s go somewhere. Take a picnic, get in the car, spend the day together.’

‘That sounds lovely.’ Daisy took in every detail of his features, wondering if she’d ever get tired of looking at him.

‘Just so you know – I might ask to kiss you at the end of it.’

Daisy laughed and pulled a face. ‘I know it’s not traditional, but how do you feel about kissing me now?’

Ten minutes later Tom pulled away reluctantly. ‘I need to go,’ he whispered, adding the lightest of kisses to Daisy’s lips.

‘It’s fine,’ Daisy grinned. ‘That will keep me going until next weekend.’

‘Really?’

‘No.’

Tom looked at her, his face tender. ‘I meant what I said on Saturday night. I like you a lot.’

‘I like you a lot too. Is that too forward, considering we haven’t even had our first date?’

Tom laughed and stood up, pulling Daisy with him. ‘Ours has been an unconventional courtship. I’m sorry if I’m not very communicative for the rest of the week. I’m drowning in admin. Luckily my antique secretary is retiring at half-term so I can advertise for someone who knows how to turn on a computer.’

Daisy reached down her jumper and shuffled her boob back into her bra. ‘Or you could just hire Melanie now and save yourself the bother.’

Tom paused for a second, then turned his palms upwards like he’d had a revelation. ‘Oh my God, you’re a genius! Why didn’t I think of that? I’ll call her as soon as I get back to the office.’

Daisy leaned over and straightened the collar of his shirt, then patted his shoulder before stepping back. ‘Go charm some parents and I’ll see you on Saturday. I’ll bring a picnic, but I don’t have a rucksack or anything practical like that.’

‘I’m a Duke of Edinburgh expedition leader,’ Tom assured her. ‘Leave that to me. I’ll pick you up at ten.’ He put his coat on and grabbed Henry’s lead, giving Daisy a final kiss on the lips before checking the coast was clear and sliding out of the door into the darkness.

Daisy breathed out slowly and fell back onto the sofa, a huge grin on her face as she tried to calm the butterflies in her stomach and the hot, throbbing ache between her legs.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE