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It was just gone nine when Gemma finally got the ping on her phone that she’d been waiting for. Her stomach fluttered with nerves as she opened it up.

Wow. Gone in the morning before we even confirmed a proper date. That’s harsh.

A smile curled at the corner of her lips.

Some of us have jobs to go to.

She replied.

We can’t spend all morning lying in bed. Even if we want to.

There was enough there for him to get that she was interested, but she could also brush it off like he was referring to general lie-ins if he wasn’t.

It was only for a few seconds, which is not that fun, but it’s someone to share it with you. Why don’t you call in sick? I’m sure your boss won’t mind.

She couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle.

He definitely will, he’s a complete arse.

Really? Then maybe I should have words with him. I can be quite intimidating, you know.

Once again, Gemma couldn’t help but let the laughter out, although this time, it attracted Dawn’s attention, who was busy making a cappuccino for one of the customers.

“Who are you flirting with?” she asked.

“What?” She was trying to feign innocence. “What are you on about? I’m just messaging one of the book club girls, that’s all,” Gemma said.

Jessica raised an eyebrow. “That is a flirty laugh if ever I heard one. Trust me, it’s been a long time since I was given the opportunity to flirt. I would know that sound anywhere. So, tell me who he is.”

“Seriously, there’s nothing to tell,” Gemma pressed again, yet she could see that Dawn wasn’t buying it.

“It’s nothing, really, it’s not. Just a bit of silliness, that’s all. I’m sure it will fade into nothing soon enough.”

“All I hope for your sake is that it doesn’t. It’ll be nice to see you happy with a nice guy. You deserve it.”

“Well, I’m not thinking too much about it,” Gemma said. “I’m sure he’s not that into me.”

CHAPTER 59

There was no way around it. He was smitten. If Kent had thought he was into Gemma before, it was nothing compared to how he felt now they had kissed. Who knew kisses could be like that? It was like thousands of fireworks going off simultaneously inside him, and even though she’d broken away, her hand had stayed in his all night, their fingers fitting perfectly together.

Never could he remember feeling such a complete sense of excitement. His cheeks were already aching from smiling through their text conversation and he couldn’t wait to kiss her sober, too. For her to know the attraction wasn’t because of the drink. It wasn’t just physical, though. He honestly couldn’t remember the last time he had laughed so much talking to someone. Although he had told her one lie that evening.

Despite what he had said to Gemma, Kent had been fully aware that the yacht club had slowly emptied of all its patrons, but he just hadn’t been willing to let the night end. He could have stayed there until dawn, listening to her talk, watching her laugh, as he regaled her with stories of embarrassment from his youth. It had felt like a punch to the gut to wake up and find hergone without so much as a quick peck on the lips, but then he knew how seriously she took her job.

Part of him thought about waiting until the end of the day to message, but he didn’t want to pressure her. Especially not if she regretted what had happened. Still, the idea of waiting to contact her was more than he could bear. It took him over half an hour to write a text he was happy with and hit send, but it had been worth it. Her replies had told Kent everything he needed to know. Gemma liked him as more than just a boss or a friend. She didn’t regret the kiss, date, or anything that had happened between them. Which meant there was a real chance she could fall for him like he’d fallen for her. Now, he just had to do everything he could to avoid messing it up.

CHAPTER 60

“If this is an emergency book club meeting, shouldn’t Sophie and Graham be here?” Fleur asked. “Do you want me to text them? See if they’re running late?”

“No!” Gemma’s response had been a little more visceral than she’d expected, but she couldn’t have Sophie there. That was the last thing she needed.

They had met in the Blue Boar’s pub garden, where they, along with several others, were enjoying the warm weather.

She had sent the message out on a whim, expecting that only two or three people would be able to make it. Instead, almost all the book club was there. Nina, Jules, Flick, Marie, Fleur, and even Eunice had come to her SOS meeting, which made Sophie’s absence even more noticeable.

“Sophie can’t know about this,” she said. “I need you guys to promise you won’t say anything to her.”