Page 34 of Another Lucky Number (Lucky Number #2)

Chapter Thirty

T he next morning, I’m awake before James and my mind switches straight into interview prep mode.

Discreetly disentangling myself from him, I climb out of bed, grab my presentation notes and quietly open the patio doors, forgetting that the whoosh of the air conditioning powering down could wake him.

He stirs momentarily, but doesn’t come round.

Outside, the morning air is less humid than it’s been, which suits me because if offers a refreshing start to my day. Between that, the paradise sea view and the sound of the waves crashing rhythmically on the shore, it’s really quite a pleasant ‘alfresco workspace’.

Sitting down at the table, I finish off my presentation content, then I spend some time quietly reading it aloud to get used to saying the words.

Once I’m satisfied that I’ve made some progress, I peer through the patio doors to see if James is awake and I’m surprised to see that the bed is empty. I then go inside and check the bathroom but he’s not there either.

A mild panic stirs within me: has he got what he wanted and done a bolt? No, can’t be. He’s not the type. Returning to the bedroom, I look for some clue as to where he’s gone and spot a handwritten note on my bedside table.

Morning, gorgeous. I saw you were working on your prep and didn’t want to distract you. Hope it went well. Can’t wait to see you later. x

My stomach does a skip and a jump: partly out of irrational relief that he hasn’t cut and run, but mainly because of the tone of the note.

It’s peppered with positive signs for our budding relationship, and it was really thoughtful of him to leave me in peace while I was ‘in the zone’.

Of course, a tiny part of me is also disappointed that he’s gone, but I can easily sweep that feeling away when I know I’ll be seeing him again in a few hours.

Because last night was unreal . After all the weirdness and confusion, it was just me and James, getting to know each other in lots of different ways – and it was nothing short of spectacular.

My insides fizz at the memory of his touch and the unmistakable physical and emotional connection between us.

It was electric. And my god did he know how to satisfy me.

I’m getting hot again just thinking about it.

Checking the time on my phone, I discover I’m running late for breakfast, so I get ready at lightning speed and canter along to the buffet restaurant.

‘Was he a good lay then?’ says Amber, before my backside has even hit the seat.

‘ Amber, ssshh .’ I glance around me self-consciously. ‘Can you keep your voice down?’

‘Sorry… how was the sex ?’ She puts on a theatrical whisper, attracting more attention from our fellow diners than her original question did.

‘That’s not really what I meant. ’

She snickers while Cat pats my arm sympathetically, shooting Amber a look of ‘stop it, please’ and pours me a cup of tea.

‘Did you sort things out?’ she asks me. ‘Amber told me how she sent James to your room with his tail between his legs.’

‘Yes, we’re all good now.’ My face spreads into a wide smile, my embarrassment already forgotten. ‘That I will thank you for, Amber. Wouldn’t have got much sleep otherwise.’

‘You’re welcome. You still didn’t get much sleep though, right?’ Her eyes twinkle devilishly.

‘Oh, for god’s sake. Fine . As you helped me out, I’ll throw you a bone. We had sex, Amber – as grown-ups do when they have feelings for each other. He even stayed over in my suite.’

‘So technically it was him who threw you a bone,’ she hoots with glee.

I give a withered shake of my head. ‘You’re a sad woman. Makes me wonder if you’re not getting any yourself.’

‘ Huh-uh . I’ve no complaints in that department. I could teach you two a few tricks to—’

‘We’re good, thanks.’ I hold up a hand to silence her. ‘Shall we get some food?’

‘Yes, please.’ Cat puts down her tea and scrambles to her feet.

Leaving Amber chuckling to herself, we make our way across to the breakfast buffet.

‘I’m so glad you and James made up,’ says Cat. ‘How did it happen? After he turned up at yours, I mean.’

I quickly fill her in while we pile fruit, deli items and toast onto our plates.

‘I really hope that’s going to be the end of the Sébastien issue,’ I say, once she’s up to speed.

‘Fingers crossed, honey.’

We return to our table to find James occupying the fourth seat and chatting away to Amber .

‘Good morning,’ I slide into my own seat, which is beside him. ‘How are you?’

‘I’m good.’ He leans in and pecks me on the lips. ‘And you?’

‘ Eh … I thought you two woke up in the same bed this morning,’ says Amber.

‘We did, but not at the same time.’ I beam at James, while tucking into my plateful of food.

‘Emma was studiously prepping on her balcony when I woke up,’ he says. ‘So I sneaked out to avoid interrupting her.’

‘He did. And he left me a little note.’

‘Aww, that’s lovely,’ says Cat.

‘I’m more impressed that Emma was taking the initiative,’ says Amber ‘Which reminds me, you’re meant to be doing your presentation run through right now.’

‘I know.’ I nod. ‘I was practising it this morning.’

I look expectantly at James, but he doesn’t seem like he’s going anywhere.

‘Where are your buddies?’ My eyes roam the restaurant, hoping that’ll encourage him to move on.

‘Still in bed. Couple of lightweights. Amber wins the prize for the best stamina.’

‘Damn right.’ She fist bumps him. ‘James, how do you fancy being panel member number three this morning? Emma needs to get used to having an audience, so bringing you into the fold will be a good start.’

I eyeball Amber, trying to reach her with the message of ‘no, send him on his merry way’, but she’s either oblivious or intentionally ignoring me.

Finding no help there, I lock eyes with Cat, and with one look, her thoughts are clear: I do need to get used to presenting to others, and do I really want to rock the boat with James again so soon?

‘That OK with you, Emma?’ James, at least, has the decency to check in with me. ‘I’d like to see what you can do and hopefully offer some support and encouragement.’

‘Eh… yeah, sure. Why not.’

Though I’ve managed to keep my tone casual, my heart is hammering like I’ve downed three double espressos, because this isn’t just adding another audience member into the fold.

It’s James: the guy I played bedtime gymnastics with last night, and who I hope is going to fall hopelessly in love with me.

I don’t want him seeing me stumble my way through my presentation content.

Gathering myself together as best I can, I pull my notes out of my handbag, clear my throat and start my introduction. However, three sentences in, I look at James and it throws me off completely. I begin to stammer and stutter, eventually casting my notes aside in frustration.

‘I can’t do it with you guys watching me like that.’

‘Watching you like what?’ asks James.

‘Like… really intently.’

‘Emma, everyone on the day is going to be watching you intently,’ says Amber. ‘That’s the whole point. You’re delivering it.’

‘I know that. But you’re literally right in front of me. It’s off putting.’

‘Would you like to stand over there and do it.’ She points to an empty spot about six feet away. ‘Because I’m happy with that if you are.’

‘ What? No . Then everyone will be watching me.’

‘Exactly. This is the best you’ll get, so quit your whining and get on with it. You need to do this or you’ll totally flake this afternoon.’

‘What does that mean?’ My ears prick up in alarm.

‘Huh?’ Amber looks at me innocently.

‘You said something about this afternoon. What’s happening this afternoon?’

‘No, I didn’t. Go .’

I’m reluctant to move on, given what I’ve just heard, but she’s gesturing for me to get on with it, and neither Cat nor James are reacting to what she said. Putting a hand on my churning stomach, I take a deep breath and start again, but within a minute I’m stumbling once more.

‘Emma, stop,’ says James and I happily oblige. ‘I think I know what’s going on here. You’re faltering whenever you make eye contact with us.’

‘You’re right, she is,’ says Cat.

‘Eye contact always seems to be my downfall.’ I sigh. ‘It’s the same when I try to assert myself with difficult people, that kind of thing.’

‘Here’s a tip for you,’ says James. ‘Don’t make eye contact with any of us.’

‘OK, but I can’t do that tomorrow, can I?’

‘Yes, you can. Look here.’ He points between his eyebrows. ‘If you do that, everyone will think you’re looking them in the eye, and as you’re not, you should be more comfortable. Try it now.’

‘OK…’ I launch into my introduction once more, and this time I get right through it. ‘Wow, that worked. Great tip. Thanks, James.’ I blow him a little kiss and he grins back at me.

‘Good one. But you weren’t meant to stop for self-congratulations.’ Amber hurries me along, killing my moment with James. ‘Go again, and keep going .’

I restart my presentation and this time I manage all the way through. I’m still a bit rusty with the flow, but it’s better than this morning in my suite, and as I wrap things up with a theatrical gasp of relief, my audience of three give me a mini-round of applause.

‘ Well done, honey .’ Cat keeps clapping after the others have finished. ‘You got right to the end. That’s brilliant for your first dry run with us.’

‘Yeah, good start, Emma,’ says Amber. ‘We’ll have you slick as they come by tomorrow.’

‘Thanks,’ I say and turn to James. ‘What did you think?’

‘I think you’re making great progress and you deserve a walk on the beach as a reward.’

His gorgeous dark eyes are almost hypnotising, and the idea of a romantic stroll with him couldn’t appeal more right now. However, I’m aware that today’s prep schedule is tightly packed, so I look to Amber and Cat.

‘Is there time for that?’

‘Meet us by reception in an hour,’ says Amber. ‘Think you’ve earned yourself a break.’

‘Amazing, let’s go, James.’