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  I held his gaze a moment. ‘OK,’ I said, seeing that really was all it was.

  Why I had even thought for a moment that there might be anything more was just ridiculous. A couple of glasses of wine and the summer heat and I was already losing it. It was just that, occasionally, Charlie’s undeniable yumminess caught me by surprise.

  I’d opened my door all those days ago to an accountant who could fill in for Adonis on his days off. Obviously, I wasn’t blind. I’d seen immediately how gorgeous he was, but I’d been doing a good job of being distracted by the accounts. Stealing a glance at him now, I could see that I’d done an excellent job of being distracted. Had it been too good? All right, Charlie hadn’t exactly made any moves, but I got the impression that sometimes he wasn’t as sure of himself as his looks and – oh, my – that body should make him. A little encouragement might have resulted—

  ‘You’re quiet.’ Charlie broke into my thoughts.

  ‘Am I?’

  ‘Yes. Unusually so. What’s wrong?’

  I ignored the second part and focused on the former. ‘That makes it sound like I talk all the time!’ I said, turning to look at him.

  ‘Well, you are quite chatty.’

  I carried on looking at him.

  ‘I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. Not with you. It’s nice. It’s good. It saves me from having to think of anything to say.’

  My mouth dropped open. ‘So, you’re saying I talk so much that you don’t even have the chance to speak?’

  ‘No! Not at all.’ He searched my face. And then he saw it. The twitch on my lip. ‘You little rotter,’ he said, wrapping an arm around my waist and squeezing me up against him. ‘You had me really worried I’d actually upset you then. Don’t do that to me.’

  ‘Sorry. But you were making me out to be rather a chatterbox.’

  ‘You are. But in a good way.’

  ‘You and your “good way”.’ I eased out of the squeeze, feeling a little warmer than I probably ought to.

  Charlie released me as I started to move. ‘Libs, are you all right? Maybe we should get you into the house. You look a bit flushed.’

  ‘Wow, what an attractive picture that paints,’ I said, standing up, away from what was possibly the main cause of the flushing. ‘I’m fine, Charlie. Really. But I am going to nip into the house and get another drink, if that’s OK?’

  ‘I can get that for you.’

  ‘No, it’s all right. Like you said, it’ll give me a chance to cool a little. Maybe I did get a bit hot out here. I shall take your advice.’

  ‘Want me to come with you?’

  Maybe.

  ‘No, I’m fine. Go on,’ I said, flapping my hands. ‘Do your thing. Schmooze. Mingle. Whatever.’

  He shook his head at me and laughed. ‘It’s my parents’ back garden barbecue, not a power networking session.’

  ‘To-may-to, tomato,’ I said. ‘Now, go! But try and avoid getting caught up in any more conspiracy discussions. There’s no guarantee that your mum will be able to spare her best operative for a second mission today.’

  He grinned at me, then gave a little mock salute. ‘Understood.’

  ‘All righty, then,’ I said. A phrase I had never once employed before. Clearly my chatterbox brain was having a moment. ‘I’m off.’

  ‘All righty, then,’ Charlie echoed, laughter in his voice.

  I began walking away, then turned and stuck my tongue out in a show of maturity. I heard his laughter as I turned back, my eyes focused on where I was going, my mind having trouble focusing at all. I stepped through the patio doors and made my way to the sink. Filling a glass with water, I guzzled it down, trying to cool my body and my thoughts. Away from the heat and the alcohol, my thoughts seemed to fall back into order. I wasn’t entirely sure what had come over me – although two large glasses of wine were a fairly good bet – but, thankfully, the moment seemed to have passed. I was just washing up the glass when Amy peered in.

  ‘There you are,’ she said, coming up to me. She tilted her head. ‘You all right? You look a bit funny.’

  ‘There’s a lot of that going around today,’ I mumbled, thinking of how I’d said the same thing to Charlie a short time ago.

  ‘Huh?’

  ‘Nothing. I’m fine.’ I beamed. ‘I just got a bit hot and needed a glass of water. Did you come in to get a drink?’

  ‘No, I came to find you.’

  ‘You found me!’ I said, smiling as I flung my arms wide. ‘Come on, let’s go back out.’

  Amy linked her arm through mine, her deliberate movements confirming that she was several steps ahead of me on the Slowly Getting Mildly Plastered Path.

  ‘Do you want a quick glass of water before we go back?’ I said, pausing a moment.

  ‘No, I’m all right,’ Amy said.

  ‘OK.’

  ‘Promise. I’m not going to get totally smashed at Marcus’ parents’. That would be a little embarrassing.’

  I smiled and squeezed her arm. ‘You seem happy.’

  She turned, a fleeting veil of total sobriety enveloping her. ‘I am, Libs. I really am.’

  I gave her a hug.

  ‘Better get you back to Wonder Boy, then.’

  She grinned and we stepped back out into the bright summer sunshine.

  ‘Best behaviour everyone, the police are here!’

  ‘Sergeant Ford. Nice to see you.’ Marcus smiled as his dad reappeared from answering the door with a new guest. I made a point of trying to avoid using clichés on my blog, but one popped into my mind right now; Sergeant Ford definitely fell into the tall, dark and hello category.

  ‘Marcus, you little squirt. How are you?’ The new arrival threw a tanned, muscular arm around Marcus’ shoulders and gave him a manly squeeze.

  ‘All right, thanks, mate. How’s you?’

  ‘Good, thanks. How’s the corporate world? Still setting it on fire?’

  ‘Every day.’

  The latecomer laughed, his face radiating joy as he did so. ‘Glad to hear it.’ His eyes shifted briefly to Amy and me before fixing back on Marcus. ‘Are you going to do the honours or shall I do it myself?’

  ‘Ladies, this is Alex, Charlie’s oldest friend.’ He put an extra emphasis on the word oldest and received a flick on the ear in return. Laughing, he continued. ‘Alex, this is Amy, my girlfriend, and this is Libby.’

  ‘Nice to meet you.’ Alex shook our hands. For a moment it felt as if his hand rested in mine a little longer as he met my eyes, smiling. I quickly dismissed it until I caught a glance at Amy, who gave me a look that confirmed I hadn’t been imagining anything.

  ‘So, you work with Marcus?’ Alex asked Amy.

  ‘Yes, that’s right. Well, we’re in different departments so I don’t actually see him all that much at work, to be honest.’

  ‘Probably just as well. Don’t want you to get sick of him too quickly.’

  ‘Oh, ha ha.’ Marcus pulled a face. ‘Hilarious. You know, if policing doesn’t work out for you, you should go into comedy.’

  ‘I’ll think about it, thanks.’

  Marcus grabbed a sausage roll from a nearby tray. ‘By the way, you should really try these, Alex. They’re amazing.’

  ‘OK, th—’ Alex didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence as Marcus rammed the entire thing into his friend’s mouth.

  Alex’s surprised expression quickly turned to mirth, as he attempted to chew and swallow the pastry without choking.

  ‘Touché,’ he finally replied when he could speak again.

  Marcus took a small bow. Amy rolled her eyes at him, laughing.

  ‘So, do you work with them as well, Libby?’

  ‘No, I have my own small business.’

  I was still getting used to telling people that my blog was my business as often they didn’t really get it. A vaguer explanation was easier and generally did the job. But not this time, apparently.

  ‘And what is it that you do?’

  I looked up to rep
ly, finding Alex’s clear hazel gaze fixed on me along with one of the best smiles I’d seen in a long time, besides Charlie’s.

  ‘I run a lifestyle blog,’ I said, waiting for the glazing over to begin. But it didn’t.

  ‘Oh, wow! That’s great! Some of those are really big business now, aren’t they?’

  OK. That was new.

  ‘Yes, a few of them have really taken off.’

  ‘And that’s your full-time job?’

  ‘Yep.’

  ‘So that must mean it’s doing pretty well itself – oh, wait! You’re that girl.’

  ‘Excuse me?’ I said, feeling my cheeks begin to colour.

  He caught sight of three pairs of eyes looking at him, each wondering what was coming next. ‘Oh, no! I meant, you’re the girl Charlie was helping with her taxes, is that right?’

  ‘Yes. He’s helped me with various finance-y bits.’

  ‘Charlie and I were out biking one morning a while back, and when I suggested going to grab a late breakfast, he said he had to go and help a blogger with her taxes. And he’s talked about a Libby. I just didn’t put two and two together until just now.’

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘Probably would have helped if he hadn’t left out the fact that you were gorgeous. Now I can definitely see why breakfast with me was far less appealing.’

  I gave him a look but his smile remained firmly in place, and in fact only widened when I looked back at him. ‘I can also see why he might have wanted to keep that extra bit of information to himself.’ I shook my head, still smiling, and looked away.

  ‘So where is that ugly brother of yours, anyway?’ He turned to Marcus.

  On cue, Charlie detached himself from a nearby group of people. ‘Alex! Glad you could make it, mate.’ They exchanged a quick, brotherly hug.

  ‘Wouldn’t miss it.’

  ‘Mum would be devastated if you did. Have you seen her yet?’

  ‘No, not yet. She looked engrossed, so I didn’t like to interrupt. I’ve been meeting these two lovely ladies and being assaulted by your baby brother.’ He turned to Marcus. ‘You know that’s actually an offence, assaulting a police officer? I could arrest you for that.’

  ‘Like to see you try, mate.’ Marcus offered up his bottle in a salute and laughed.

  ‘Still a cheeky little git, isn’t he?’ Alex turned to Charlie.

  ‘Afraid so.’

  ‘Luckily the other company has made up for it.’ He grinned at Amy and me, his gaze resting a little longer on me. This time I was sure. As was everyone else, by the looks of it.

  ‘Right. That’s good, then.’ Charlie smiled, his gaze resting on me for far less time than Alex’s had. ‘How was your shift?’

  ‘Fairly quiet, thank goodness.’

  ‘Would you excuse us for a minute?’ Amy interrupted. ‘We’re just going to sit down for a bit.’

  We are?

  ‘’Course. You all right?’ Marcus brushed his fingers across the small of Amy’s back.

  ‘Yes, just need a little sit-down. These shoes, you know.’

  I had a funny feeling there was nothing wrong with Amy’s feet.

  ‘OK. See you in a minute.’ Marcus dropped a kiss on the top of Amy’s head and let her go.

  Amy took my hand and led me over to a bench overlooking an ornamental pond, its waters half shaded by the swaying branches of a willow tree. Plants and flowers, none of which I knew the name of, spilled around its edges, making it look lush and beautiful, providing hiding places for the fish that flashed in the sunlight.

  ‘Oh. My. God.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Alex is hot! And he’s totally into you! You can’t tell me you haven’t noticed!’

  ‘No. I did. I mean, notice that he’s hot. That’s pretty hard to miss.’

  ‘And the other?’

  ‘I don’t know. Are you sure he’s not just being friendly?’

  ‘Yes, I’m sure. And I think you’re sure too. You’re just afraid.’

  ‘I am not afraid,’ I replied almost automatically before following up. ‘Afraid of what?’

  ‘Seeing someone again.’

  ‘Of course I’m not afraid of seeing someone. Why would I be?’

  ‘Because you got hurt. And, I don’t know, it hasn’t seemed like you’ve wanted to put yourself out there all that much since.’

  ‘Yes, I did get hurt. But it happens. I haven’t been avoiding things. I’ve just been really busy with trying to build the blog and business up. Time’s just sort of got away from me. And it’s not like I’ve really met anyone that’s caught my eye.’

  ‘Right.’

  I looked at Amy. ‘Wow. That was loaded.’

  Amy let out a sigh. Glancing around first, she leant closer to me, her voice low. ‘It’s just that Marcus and I really thought something might happen between you and Charlie.’

  ‘Why? Did Charlie say something to him?’

  ‘No. Not that I know of anyway.’

  ‘Then what made you think that?’

  ‘It’s just the way you are together. You get on so well, and clearly enjoy each other’s company. Charlie’s much more chatty with you than he is with most women, apparently. Most people even.’

  I nodded. ‘I think that’s because he’s not interested in impressing me. I’m just another friend. He’s relaxed enough with his mates.’ I nodded to where Charlie, Alex and Marcus were now laughing uproariously at something. ‘I guess I just fall into that category which means he doesn’t get himself tongue-tied trying to say the right thing. Which I’m happy about,’ I added quickly.

  ‘Are you?’ Amy questioned.

  ‘Of course!’

  ‘He’s pretty gorgeous.’

  ‘Amy. We’re friends. That’s all. And I’m really happy with that. If something had happened and then went wrong, it’d just make it really weird and awkward with you seeing Marcus, and those two being so close, so I’m glad that it’s this way. Honestly.’

  ‘OK. I just wanted to check because Alex has hardly been able to take his eyes off you the entire time we’ve been sitting here.’

  ‘Oh, don’t talk rubbish.’ I laughed it off, bumping my arm against hers on the seat. But as I glanced up and back at the group of men, my gaze immediately met Alex’s. He held it and smiled at me. I smiled back briefly, but flicked my own gaze away, unsure. Amy was right. And I was completely out of practice with all this.

  ‘Told you,’ whispered Amy.

  ‘All right, Miss Smug Pants.’

  Amy laughed. ‘Come on, let’s go and rejoin the boys.’ She stood up and pulled me behind her.

  ‘Feet better?’ Marcus asked, his arm winding around Amy’s waist as we returned.

  ‘Yes, thanks. Just needed a little rest.’

  ‘And a little gossip?’ he teased.

  ‘I don’t know what you mean,’ Amy replied.

  ‘No. Of course you don’t.’

  ‘Would you excuse me a moment?’ I said to no one in particular. ‘I’m just going to get another drink.’

  ‘I can get that for you,’ Charlie said.

  ‘Oh, no, it’s fine.’ I touched his arm. ‘Thanks, though. You stay here and catch up. I’ll be back in a minute. Does anyone else want anything?’

  They all answered in the negative. Apart from Alex. ‘Actually, I’m getting a bit low. I’ll come with you.’

  Before I had a chance to think up an excuse, Alex had moved and was waiting for me to step ahead of him.’

  ‘Oh. Erm, right. Thank you.’

  Amy caught my eye and raised her eyebrows, a wide smile on her face. I sent her a blank look, which made her grin even more. She knew it was killing me not to be able to respond.

  I walked back up the garden, aware that Alex was right behind me and not entirely sure how I felt about that. I stepped through the patio doors and made my way to the table where drinks had been laid out in the Richmonds’ kitchen diner.

  ‘What are you having?’ Alex asked me.

&nbs
p; ‘Oh, probably just an orange juice this time.’

  ‘You’re driving?’

  ‘No. Well, yes. I drove here, but I’m getting a taxi home later.’

  ‘Marcus and Amy seem like they’re getting on pretty well.’

  I smiled, happy for my friend. ‘Yes. They do.’

  ‘You seem pleased about that. I take it you approve of him, then?’

  I looked up at Alex. He was grinning down at me. ‘Are you teasing me?’

  ‘Just a little. I know how women are about approving their friends’ choice of bloke.’

  ‘That’s because so many of you are a pain in the bum!’

  He laughed and I smiled, before focusing my attention back to the drinks table.

  ‘You should really try the punch,’ Alex said, coming to stand beside me. ‘It’s legendary.’

  I turned to him, laughing. ‘Legendary? Oh, dear, I’m not quite sure if that is good or bad.’

  ‘It’s definitely good,’ he replied, expertly serving me a cup. ‘So long as you’re not driving.’

  ‘No, I’m not,’ I said, taking it from him. Suddenly I remembered what he did for a living. ‘I’m really, definitely not! I promise!’

  I could hear the earnest tone in my voice and saw that Alex hadn’t missed it either. His brows shot up.

  ‘I believe you,’ he replied, laughing, something I was beginning to see that he did easily, and comfortably.

  I shook my head and rolled my eyes at him. ‘Sorry. I always get nervous around police. I feel guilty even though I know I haven’t done anything!’

  He grinned. ‘Well, how about if I make a promise not to arrest you all afternoon? Would that make you feel better?’ He hadn’t moved since handing me the drink, and I could smell the tang of shower gel and see the outline of hard muscles under his semi-fitted T-shirt.

  ‘Umm, if you extend that promise to include the evening too, then we might have a deal.’

  He shifted his weight, apparently considering the option, his eyes not leaving my face. ‘I may be persuaded to include the evening as part of the deal.’

  ‘Oh, yes?’

  ‘Maybe. It’s all on the condition of good behaviour, though.’

  ‘Oh, crikey. Then I’m sunk.’ I chinked my punch glass with his beer bottle and took a large gulp. Immediately my eyes bulged and I looked in panic at Alex, who was once again laughing.