Page 44 of The Clockmaker's Cottage
‘No,’ she said gently. ‘It’s about me. And the fact that we never quite fit.’
There was a long pause, the silence broken only by the soft sound of waves crashing somewhere behind them.
‘Please, Pip, can we talk some more? This can’t be the end.’
‘Look, I’m currently in the street, trying to get out of the rain. I’ll ring you back later on.’ She hung up and the screen went dark.
‘I’m so sorry about that,’ she said, glancing at Theo.
‘You probably do need a proper conversation with him.’
‘I know. Ultimately, heisa good guy; he’s just notmyguy.’ She smiled. ‘Did he really call me a horological hussy?’
‘He did,’ Theo confirmed, grinning. ‘With confidence.’
She laughed despite herself, brushing wet hair off her face. ‘Good to know what he really thinks of me. Let’s go back to the cottage,’ she murmured. ‘We’re soaked.’
They started walking again, falling into an easy rhythm, shoulders brushing now and then. The silence between them felt comfortable.
For the first time in ages, her thoughts weren’t stuck on what she’d left behind.
They were on what she might be walking towards.
ChapterTen
Pippa stepped inside Clockmaker’s Cottage with Theo right behind her, both of them dripping onto the hallway tiles. They kicked off their boots in unison.
‘Right,’ she said, shrugging out of her raincoat. ‘Before we flood the place… bathroom.’
Theo headed for the small downstairs bathroom and flicked on the light. ‘I’ll run you a shower,’ he offered, already reaching for the tap.
‘Thank you.’
Warm water began to cascade as Theo grabbed two clean towels from the cupboard. ‘Here. One for you. One for me. Because, well… look at us.’
‘We do look like we’ve lost a fight with the weather.’
‘And lost badly.’
‘It was your idea to go jumping out of windows!’
He handed her the towel and their fingers brushed, just briefly, and Pippa felt a ridiculous little jolt shoot up her arm.
‘I’ll go and use the upstairs bathroom.’ He turned towards the stairs, already loosening his tie. As he climbed, he peeled his wet shirt over his head, tugging it free from his back.
Pippa froze as she took in his broad shoulders. Damp curls. Skin still flushed from the cold. She looked away immediately, chastising herself.Don’t be ridiculous. He’s married and you’ve just run away from a wedding. You are not that girl and it is far too soon for… whatever this is. She disappeared into the bathroom and shut the door.
When she emerged minutes later, wrapped in a towel and feeling marginally more human, Theo was waiting in the kitchen, now in dry jeans and a soft jumper, hair still slightly damp.
‘You look warmer,’ Theo said.
‘I’ll just get dressed. Switch that kettle on, will you?’
‘You’re very bossy today.’
‘Trauma response.’ She grinned.
He obeyed.
