Page 47 of Another Lucky Number (Lucky Number #2)

Chapter Forty

A fter another delicious night of snuggling up to James, exploring every bit of each other, I wake up slightly later than usual to find he’s already in the shower.

Stretching indulgently, I giggle at him singing away to himself.

This is what holidays are about: relaxation, lying in, sexy men in your shower.

Not intense interview preparation, nervous knots and sweating so much that you pass out from anxiety and dehydration.

Unfortunately, however, my brain doesn’t appear to have got the memo that I’m happy as a pig in shit, because these sumptuous thoughts are chased closely by a now familiar feeling of disappointment over not getting the job.

But it’s fine. My slightly wounded pride will recover quickly.

Because job or no job, I’ve ‘hit the jackpot’ for the second time in as many weeks by making a professional contact in Sébastien.

Oh, and there’s that sexy man in my shower as well.

A billow of steam escapes from the bathroom as the door is hauled open, and a grinning James emerges, looking super sexy with a towel wrapped around his waist.

‘Ah, you’re awake, finally,’ he says.’ I was thinking of pouring a glass of water on you. ’

‘That’s how you would wake a sleeping woman?’ I raise a judgmental eyebrow. ‘And there was me wondering why you’re single.’

‘You should see what I do to you when you’re asleep.’

I blanch and playfully hurl a pillow at him.

‘Anyway, am I single?’ He asks. ‘Is the jury still out on that one?’

‘No, I think we’ve reached the “seeing each other” stage. But the terrain’s tricky after that, so mind how you go.’

‘Noted.’ He taps his nose. ‘So… are you ready for our big day out?’

‘Sure am. It’s so good to be free from the shackles of my interview.’ I hop out of bed and kiss him teasingly on the lips, then pad across to the shower – totally naked – knowing full well he’s watching me as I go.

‘ Oh wow . This is incredible.’ I gasp in awe, drinking in my tropical surroundings, which are even more incredible than those of the resort itself.

We’re standing on the deck of a catamaran, which has dropped its anchor not far from the shore of a small, apparently unpopulated – and unbelievably beautiful – paradise island.

The sparkling turquoise water around us is even more mesmerising than it is at our resort, fuelling me with an overwhelming urge to jump straight in.

‘Don’t know about you but I’m dying to get in there,’ says James.

‘Like I’ve never felt before.’ I’m unable to tear my eyes from the hypnotising ebb and flow of the water.

We grab the snorkelling gear provided to us and ‘suit up’, laughing at how daft we look in our masks and flippers.

‘Shall we step off together?’ says James.

‘Erm… yup. Let’s do it.’ I squeeze my eyes shut then quickly reopen them because falling blind will be worse than seeing where I’m going.

‘One… two… three… go .’

We step off the side of the catamaran together and plunge below the surface before emerging side by side, laughing.

‘That was amazing .’ I beam at him while treading water.

James smiles back at me, then gently pulls me towards him, allowing me to float while he does the legwork (quite literally).

‘How good is this, eh?’ He kisses me softly, then turns me around so that he’s behind me, his head resting on my shoulder while we take in the exotic view together.

There’s nothing man-made in sight, save for a few yachts and catamarans in the distance.

It’s all stunning shades of blue and green, from the almost indigo depths of the open sea in the distance, to the turquoise waters around us and the crystal clear shallows at the shore, where the powder white beach is framed by dense green shrubbery.

I let out a sigh of pure contentment. ‘It’s unreal. Like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.’

I pop in my mouthpiece and briefly duck my face into the water, letting out a peep of delight as I re-emerge. ‘ James, we’ve got friends. ’ I point below the surface.

‘Let’s go under so we can see them then,’ he says.

He adjusts his own mask and mouthpiece, and we swim along together, partially submerged, our periscope-like breathing tubes sticking proudly out of the water.

The change to my breathing is weird and this distracts me at first, but as I get used to it, I’m able to focus on the clusters of tropical fish swimming curiously around us.

There are loads of them in a kaleidoscope of colours with different patterns and markings.

Some big, some small, some long and elegant, some short and stubby looking.

But all so alive and utterly fascinating.

It’s way better than watching a David Attenborough nature programme and those are hard to beat.

We swim until our tour guide gives us the signal that it’s time for lunch, and we reluctantly return to the boat.

‘Can I ask you something?’ says James, when we’re halfway through our Bahamian fayre and a couple of Rum Punches, the catamaran gently rocking on the waves while we eat and drink.

‘You can ask me anything you like.’

‘OK. But this might be a bit too personal, so tell me to back off if it is. I was wondering, with you having that big lottery win, why you’re keen to get a new job so quickly?

I get that it’s not enough to retire on – not once you’ve bought yourself an apartment or whatever.

And I understand you still having ambition – I can imagine I would too – but could you not enjoy a wee bit more freedom before you get back on the hamster wheel? ’

I set down my forkful of food thoughtfully. ‘I probably could. If I didn’t have parents who continually breathe down my neck.’

‘Perhaps it’s their way of feeling relevant. Maybe they’re worried that if they let up then you won’t need them anymore.’

‘You know, I’ve never thought about it like that.’

‘Here’s a useful piece of wisdom that was once shared with me,’ he says. ‘Every interaction you have with another person is at least fifty per cent about them. Which means your parents probably have more going on in here than you might give them credit for.’ He taps the side of his head.

‘I like that. A fountain of wisdom you are. Is that what happens when you turn thirty?’ I reach across and tweak his nose.

‘ Cheeky .’ He tickles me and I wriggle out of reach.

‘Seriously though. Maybe I do need to look at this differently. How many people get the opportunity to take some proper time out? Perhaps I should use some of the stuff I’ve learned through my interview prep to finally stand up to my parents and do things my way.

Who’s to say that a short career break wouldn’t be a really good thing?

Maybe I could go travelling and see more places.

Learn about different cultures. That would be amazing. ’

‘There you go. That’s one thing you could do. And maybe I could come with you? It’s not long ’til I finish my course. We could take a few months away – if things continue to go in the right direction for us as a couple.’

‘ Yes . We could do that.’ I’m suddenly filled with giddy excitement at the thought. ‘I could pay for us both. We’d need to keep it affordable, but—’

‘ Not a chance .’ James plucks my Rum Punch from my hand.

‘Think the booze and the sun are going to your head. I’ll be paying my own way.

I’ve got savings left from my previous job as I said to you before, remember?

And I’d been considering doing something anyway.

My last bit of freedom before I embark on my own new career. ’

‘OK, fine. Even better then.’ I snatch my drink back. ‘So, it’s a deal? We’re going travelling – if this works out between us?’

‘Looks like it.’ James clinks my glass. ‘We can start planning it and make reservations that are refundable just in case. Though let’s see if you’re still as enthusiastic when the booze has worn off – and after we’ve spent the next few days together.’

‘I get the feeling I will be.’

‘Me too. I like the idea of you as my travel buddy. Now, get some food down you to soak up the alcohol before you have any more crazy ideas.’

After what was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my life, James and I return to the resort and get showered and changed in our respective suites. We’ve agreed to meet in the atrium at seven p.m., so we can go for a drink before dinner.

I take extra time getting ready to make sure I’m as irresistible as possible and I’m quite happy with the result.

With a last look in the mirror, I admire my slinky burnt orange dress (which looks good with the hint of a tan I’m now developing), strappy sandals and shimmery eye makeup.

Perfect. Even my hair looks good – so far.

Hopefully this will have exactly the right effect.

‘ Wowsers .’ James gives an impressed whistle as I totter across the atrium to meet him. ‘You look… wow .’

‘Thank you.’ I offer him my cheek to avoid smudging my lipstick and he threads his fingers through mine.

Across at the reception desk, Charnice shoots me an awestruck smile and clasps her heart. I can’t help but giggle, mouthing a friendly ‘thank you!’ back to her.

‘You look great too.’ I admire James’s smart jeans, shoes and dress shirt as we head out of the side door into the gardens. ‘Where are we off to?’

‘I thought we could start with some champagne at The Cave. That work for you?’

‘Absolutely.’

We chat easily while ambling through the resort gardens hand-in-hand, and as we pass the waterfront, I stop suddenly.

‘Can we FaceTime Lottie? I think she’d love to get a call from the two of us together.’ I open my clutch to retrieve my phone and blanch. ‘Aww, no… I’ve left my phone in my room.’

‘Don’t worry, I’ve got mine.’ James pulls his out of his back pocket and checks the screen. ‘We’re in luck, I’ve got a Wi-Fi signal.’

‘But… do you have her info?’

‘I do. Saved it before I left. I said I’d give her a call at some point so this is perfect.’

‘You did?’ My mouth drops open in shock and admiration.

He shrugs. ‘ Figured she’d get bored as she was recovering, so yeah.’

‘You are too sweet.’

He gives me a little wink, then dials Lottie and holds the phone out so we can both be in the frame. She answers quickly, her smiling elderly face materialising on the screen in front of us.

‘ Hello! ’ we greet her in unison.

‘Emma, James, how lovely to see you together. How are you both?’

We glance at each other coyly and laugh.

‘We’re great,’ I say. ‘We went on a catamaran cruise today. It was incredible. You should have seen the colour of the water we were snorkelling in. And all the tropical fish.’

‘That sounds wonderful.’

‘It really was.’

‘And now we’re going for champagne,’ says James. ‘It’s a hard life this, Lottie.’

‘Sounds like it.’ She chuckles. ‘And Emma, my love, how are you feeling? Your silence has pleased me because I assume it means you’ve been relaxing finally.’

‘Erm… I’ve certainly been enjoying the resort.’ I give James a side-glance and it’s clear he’s in agreement: I should wait until I get home to tell Lottie about my job interview. ‘Anyway, how are you ? You look like you’re doing well.’

‘I’d say I am. Even managed a short walk outside this morning with Archie and Eva’s help.’

‘That’s great progress. You’ll be running laps of your cottage by the time we get back.’

‘Oh, I think my running days are well and truly over.’

‘Running’s overrated anyway,’ says James. ‘Here, look at this view, Lottie.’ He flips the camera, giving her a panoramic view of the coastline.

‘ Golly, look at that. It’s quite stunning, James.’

‘Maybe we can take you somewhere like this at some point. Though perhaps a bit closer to home.’

‘I’m not sure you’d want an old crow like me tagging along with you.’

‘ Rubbish ,’ he tuts at her.

‘Yeah, rubbish ,’ I repeat James’s objection. ‘We’ll have to make that happen.’

‘Well… that would be divine,’ says Lottie. ‘Anyway, it’s so good to see you together. You do make a lovely couple.’

James and I look at each other somewhat bashfully again, and he slips his arm around my waist.

We continue to chat to Lottie for a few minutes longer, before saying our goodbyes and heading into The Cave.

‘Sir, ma’am, come with me, please.’ The waiter leads us outside to the table closest to the water, which is perfectly situated for watching the upcoming sunset.

‘How lucky are we?’ I say, climbing onto my seat. ‘I’d have thought we’d need to book ahead to get this spot.’

‘I did,’ says James.

‘You booked it? When?’

‘A few days ago.’

I suck in my cheeks to suppress my delight at the thoughtfulness of this gesture. Then I remember that I don’t have to do that with James. I can show him the real me.

‘That’s so romantic. Thank you. I’m glad you didn’t cancel it when I had my mini-meltdown.’

‘I considered it.’ His gaze locks on mine, and I can almost see the indecision he felt. ‘But then I decided I should wait and see how things landed first. I’m not one for knee jerk reactions – unless some herculean creature is trying to steal my woman from me.’

‘Oh, so I’m your woman , am I?’ I raise an appraising eyebrow.

‘ Ah crap , sorry. I didn’t mean it like you’re my property.’

‘I’m kidding. I kind of liked seeing your jealous side. It made me feel like I was worth getting in a tussle over.’

‘You’re worth all of that and more,’ he says, and just as I think he’s about to lean in and kiss me, the waiter comes to take our order, massacring the moment.

Within minutes, we’re clutching two fizzing flutes and a chilled bottle of champagne is nestling in an ice bucket by our table.

‘To the start of something amazing?’ James holds up his glass.

‘I’ll drink to that.’ My eyes flicker to his lips as we clink, and we barely manage a mouthful each before we’re locked in a long sensual kiss across the table.

When we eventually pull apart, I look around self-consciously to see if any of our fellow holidaymakers are grossed out by our PDA.

However, no one seems to have noticed us and there’s an obvious reason for that .

All I’ve done is join the ranks of the many loved-up couples here that I was watching so enviously before. Why would anyone bat an eyelid?

‘Emma, look...’ James points across the water, where the sky now resembles an impressionist painting: streaks of red, pink and orange mimicking brushstrokes across the sky, framing the molten sun which is now skirting the horizon.

‘This just gets better and better,’ I give a contented sigh while gazing at the fiery seascape.

James shifts his seat round beside mine and cuddles into me while we enjoy the dramatic sunset together, sipping at our bubbles.

‘I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be,’ he murmurs, kissing the side of my head, and though I say nothing in response, I feel exactly the same.