Page 3 of Twin Flames

York, present day

Cara opened her eyes and realised she was back in the bookshop. She didn’t understand what had just happened. One thing was for sure; the prison had seemed so real that she could still smell the damp cell. The vision must have been caused by blacking out. She tried to recall the details, but they were fading fast.

Get a grip, Cara.

She gawped at the man who towered above her.

Confusion engulfed her normally rational mind as their eyes locked. A jolt ran through her like a current of electricity.

‘I’m George Cavendish.’

She accepted his outstretched hand, and he helped her up. Cara’s heart pounded, and she feared he must surely hear it.

‘May I get you something? Let me see if I can bring you a glass of water. Perhaps you’re dehydrated; it’s a hot morning.’

He dashed off before she could reply. Cara stared after him and patted her messy hair.

I must look a right state.

She stood in the same spot, feeling awkward, uncertain what to do. She contemplated dashing downstairs, but it would be rude to leave without saying thank you, and she would probably bump into him on the way out, anyway. A few minutes later, he reappeared, smiling as he walked towards her.

As she sipped the water, she attempted to come up with something sensible to say.

‘I wish I’d been able to catch you,’ he said, ‘I just missed you as you toppled off the stepladder.’

‘Oh no, really, it was all my fault. I was clumsy.’

Her cheeks flushed, and she shuffled from one foot to the other.

‘How’s your head?’

He seemed truly concerned and in no hurry to leave.

‘It’s fine. I must get going. Thanks for the water. I’m so sorry for the inconvenience.’

Cara was reluctant to tear herself away, but she couldn’t think of a good reason to stay. She tried not to stare at him, but she was mesmerised. A force beyond her had taken over her senses, and she was compelled to be near him.

‘Oh, yes, of course. Are you sure your head’s okay? May I call someone for you, or drop you home? I could get my car.’

His smile caused her heart to flutter.

’No really, thank you, I’m absolutely fine. I was only out for a second. I can drive home, no problem.’

Cara looked towards the stairs, torn between making a quick exit and an ominous foreboding that she might never see him again.

‘Well, it was lovely to meet you,’ he said, looking into her eyes.

She stared back at him: neither of them broke eye contact.

‘How about I take your number? That way, I can check in to make sure you’re okay. It’s the least I can do if you won’t let me drive you home.’

His charm was irresistible. She rummaged through her handbag for a business card but couldn’t find one, so she scribbled her number on to the back of a crumpled receipt and passed it to him. As he held out his hand, their fingers brushed. His skin was smooth and warm. Cara’s hand tingled, and a fierce sensation surged through her. She had trouble breathing and maintaining an appearance of normalcy. Her lips moved in an unsuccessful attempt at a smile, she croaked a quick goodbye, rushed towards the stairs and then turned to give him a quick wave.

To her relief, the proprietor was nowhere in sight, and she spotted her textbook on the counter. An assistant took herpayment and didn’t try to engage her in conversation other than a brief, perfunctory exchange.

Smooth Cara, smooth.

She made her way along the cobbled street towards the car park. She couldn’t have handled herself with less grace.