Page 34 of Snowed In with You

‘No,’ said Lucy, deciding not to get into the details of Anthony and Marco the way she had with the women in the kitchen earlier. ‘I’m very much single.’

‘OK,’ he said, his brow furrowing briefly, which Lucy put down to confusion about the filthy text message he’d seen on her phone earlier. ‘Why are you still in Bristol?’

Lucy felt breathless for a second, wondering if Nate suspected how deep that question went. ‘That’s two questions,’ she replied, playing for time.

‘I know, but the first one provided very limited information.’

‘Why would you want information?’

‘Because I’m trying to work you out, that’s all. And I was wondering why you’re not in a bigger agency. Like in London or New York, or whatever.’

Lucy shook her head. ‘Why would I be?’

Nate stopped pumping and looked up at her. ‘Because you’re the most talented copywriter I’ve ever worked with, and I think you’re totally wasted on overpriced designer condoms.’

‘Wow,’ said Lucy, her eyes widening. ‘Is this how you get women into your inflatable bed?’

Nate threw back his head and gave a full-bodied laugh that made his dark eyes sparkle. ‘No, Lucy, I’m definitely making you a bed of your own. But I find you interesting, and you don’t give much away about yourself.’

‘Don’t I?’ Being the focus of Nate’s attention in this way was making Lucy feel a little uncomfortable, like he could see into her soul.

Nate started pumping again, but slower this time. ‘No. You and Jonno, you’re a tight unit, you know? You don’t really let other people in.’

‘He’s a good friend,’ said Lucy. ‘I’ve known him a long time.’

‘I know,’ said Nate. ‘I’m not suggesting it’s anything else. Is that why you don’t leave? Because of Jonno?’

Lucy thought for a moment, wondering how open to be. Talking about Leo made her heart hurt, but she’d already told Nate most of it and, all things considered, she had nothing much to lose at this point. ‘OK – honesty time?’

Nate stopped pumping and nodded.

‘I like it in Bristol. It’s where my brother lived before he . . . died.’ Lucy faltered, then took a deep breath and carried on. ‘After I graduated I bought a place there, to feel closer to him. LUNA is the best agency in Bristol, and Jonno and I are a really good creative partnership. So that’s why I stay.’

‘Wow,’ said Nate, blinking at her.

‘Well, you did ask.’

‘No, really,’ said Nate. ‘I appreciate you being so honest.’

Lucy shrugged, surprised at how easy he was to talk to. Before today they’d barely given each other the time of day, and yet here she was, telling him her secrets. ‘I’m blaming wine and altitude.’

‘And Jägermeister.’

‘God, the Jäger. Whose idea was that?’ Her stomach still felt a bit queasy.

‘Gunther’s, I think.’ Nate knelt down to remove the pump from the second bed and quickly put the plug in as the air started to hiss out. ‘OK, you can do the bedding now.’

‘Are you going back down to the bar?’

‘Yeah, I need some more food. Monica mentioned a load of ice cream that needs eating. Are you coming back down?’

‘No,’ said Lucy, feeling drunk and exhausted and a bit discombobulated by all this soul-baring and heavy conversation. ‘I’m going to put on some of Monica’s ugly pyjamas and try to get some sleep.’

Nate looked at his watch. ‘Really? It’s not even eight.’

‘I know,’ said Lucy, torn between needing to be alone for a little while, and a strange and powerful desire for Nate to stay so they could be alone together. ‘But it’s been quite a day, and I’m shattered.’

Nate looked guilty, clearly thinking he’d been talking too much when Lucy’s head was full of Leo, probably.