Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 115737 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115737 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
‘But half the price?’
‘Subject to final measurements, which I’m sure are quite accurate. So yes.’
‘Then it’s a no-brainer.’
‘Fabulous!’
Colin stands and collects his briefcase. ‘I’ll leave it in your capable hands, Annie. Just let me know what you need and when. And I could do with a copy of those drawings to send to my contractors so they can give me a final quote. It’ll be helpful if you give me the details of this French company too, so they can liaise with them.’
‘I’ll sort it this evening.’
‘Or you could just bring them along to the meeting on Monday morning? I’m due at the auction house at ten, so what do you say we meet at the bistro around the corner at nine thirty?’
‘Sure.’ Gathering up my things, I offer my hand and receive a solid shake. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow night, then?’
Colin frowns. ‘What’s happening tomorrow night?’
‘I invited you to my housewarming?’ I smile, throwing my bag over my shoulder. ‘But don’t worry if you’ve forgotten.’
‘Damn, I have a dinner arrangement with the contractor who’ll be undertaking the work here.’ He thumbs over his shoulder. ‘Something informal before we kick things off on Monday at the meeting. I’ll sneak away as soon as I can.’
‘Hey, bring them along. I can do informal before Monday too.’
‘Yes, that’s a great idea!’
‘That’s that sorted then. I’ll see you tomorrow.’ I smile and get on my way.
Bringing the tablespoon to my lips, I slurp the concoction loudly and roll the liquid around my mouth. ‘More rum,’ I declare to myself, tipping the bottle over the bowl and stirring it as it glugs out. I lift the spoon and slurp again, this time wincing. Strong. Perfect! I transfer the bowl of punch onto the big table and lick at my sticky fingers before collecting glasses from the cupboard and lining them up for easy access. I want everything in sight so I don’t have to be running around all night playing hostess at my housewarming. I want to enjoy myself and get drunk enough to stamp out the lingering memories of Jack. I need tonight – my friends, alcohol and some laughs.
There’s a knock on the door and I run to let the gang in, but when I swing it open, I find only Lizzy. No one else, just Lizzy. ‘Where’s everyone?’
‘On their way.’ She pushes her way in and heads for the kitchen. ‘I wanted to talk to you before they all get here.’
‘Why? What’s up?’ Has something happened with Jason? I follow her and crack open a bottle of wine, pouring us both a glass.
‘You, Annie. You’re what’s up! You’ve been weird this week. Quiet. What gives?’
I clam up, my eyes darting. I can’t deny I’ve been off sorts. Even Micky passed comment at lunch, and when I responded to Nat’s text message with a one-word answer yesterday, she was on the phone asking me what was up too. ‘My head is full, that’s all,’ I say lamely, sipping my wine.
‘Of what?’ Lizzy sounds suspicious and curious. I like neither.
‘Work. Things to do around this place.’
‘Bollocks,’ she spits, insulted. ‘You’ve not been the same since Saturday night. What happened? And please don’t insult me by saying it was just a pleasant drink.’
‘It was a pleasant drink,’ I mumble on a shrug.
‘Annie!’
‘Okay!’ I slam my glass down in frustration. ‘I fucked him. Or he fucked me. It was unbelievably good. He was unbelievably good, but aside from his capabilities, there was . . .’ I fade off, a string of shocked gasps coming from my friend. ‘Something.’
‘“Something”?’ she asks quietly. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I don’t know,’ I grate, reclaiming my wine and taking a long slug. ‘Chemistry. A connection. Something I haven’t experienced before.’
‘Oh shit,’ she breathes.
‘That doesn’t help.’
‘I can’t believe you kept this from me, Annie!’
‘Well, with you and Jason—’
‘Bollocks to me and Jason. He’s a cheating dick. How was it left? Did you give him your number? Arrange a date?’
I cringe all over my kitchen. ‘I sneaked out when he was asleep.’
‘What?’ Lizzy screeches, slamming her own glass down. ‘Are you fucking shitting me?’
‘No. I wish I was.’ I surprise myself with my willing answer, and the fact that yes, I regret walking out and leaving no line of possible contact. ‘I can’t stop thinking about him, Lizzy. It’s driving me fucking loopy.’
‘Wow. That good, huh?’
I collapse to my arse on a chair, exhausted after my confession. ‘It’s crazy, isn’t it?’ I wonder for the millionth time whether Jack has thought about me. I want to believe he’s as tummy-tied as I am, reliving the night, obsessing about the connection we had and what it might mean.
‘Have you looked him up?’
I laugh. ‘I’ve hardly got much to go on. His name’s Jack and . . . well, his name’s Jack.’
‘Do you want to find him?’