Lottie bumped into Cressida outside the village shop. Glancing into Cressida’s shopping basket, she raised an eyebrow.
“Always had you down as more of a Good Housekeeping girl myself. Care to explain the offside rule to me?”
Cressida blushed. “Tom and Donny are coming down this weekend.”
“And you’re going to challenge them to a game of soccer?”
“Don’t make fun of me. They’re staying in the spare bedroom,” Cressida explained. “I’ve just put fresh sheets on the bed and made the room as welcoming as I can, but there wasn’t much for Donny. If he wakes up early, he might want something to read. And he likes soccer.”
“He’s thirteen,” said Lottie. “He’d probably prefer Playboy.”
“Oh yes, I’d really do that, march into Ted’s shop and buy a copy of Playboy.” Cressida pulled a face. “Anyway, Donny’s only a young thirteen. He isn’t like that.”
Lottie didn’t have the heart to shatter her illusions. “Only teasing. You’ll have a great time. Are they coming down on Friday evening?”
“They are.” Barely able to contain her excitement, Cressida said, “I can’t wait. Nothing’s allowed to go wrong this time. I know it’s silly, but I can hardly believe I’m going to see Tom again. I haven’t felt so excited for years! It’s like being back at school and getting into a tizzy over the Christmas dance.”
“Except this time try not to get drunk on cider and end up covered in love bites.”
Cressida was shocked. “Is that what you did? Surely they didn’t serve alcohol at your school dances!”
Lottie loved it that Cressida was so law-abiding. “Of course they didn’t serve it. We brought our own and drank it secretly in the cloakrooms. Otherwise how else could we bring ourselves to hold make-out competitions with the boys?”
“Speaking of make-out competitions,” Cressida said playfully, her gaze following the progress of an approaching car. “How are things at work?”
Lottie turned her head as Tyler drove past, raising a hand briefly in greeting. He was on his way into Cheltenham for a business awards lunch and had even dug out his dark blue suit in honor of the occasion. Damn, he looked good in it too. Distracted, Lottie said, “Sorry, what?”
“That answers my question.” Cressida nodded with satisfaction. “Mind you, I expect I’d find it hard to concentrate with someone like that around all day. It must be like having to work in a truffle shop when you’re on a diet.”
Lottie nodded sadly. “It is a bit.”
“You must be so tempted to have a nibble.” Her imagination working overtime, Cressida said daringly, “Or just grab him sometimes and tear his wrapper off!”
“Now you’re getting carried away. Besides, I have Seb.” Lottie felt it was only fair to point this out.
“And? Am I allowed to ask how it’s going?”
“Everything’s fine.”
Playfully Cressida said, “Everything?”
She was implying sex. Which was fine, of course it was, it was just that if Lottie were honest, sleeping with Seb wasn’t quite the thrilling, heart-stopping experience she’d been hoping for. It was nice rather than spectacular, adequate rather than dazzling. Oh well, maybe they just needed more practice. Anyway, she couldn’t tell Cressida this; it wouldn’t be fair on Seb. Lottie smiled and said firmly, “It’s all great.”
“So,” Cressida went on, “which one do you prefer?”
“Honestly? Marks out of ten? Seven for Seb, nine for Tyler.” Lottie paused, wondering if Tyler was actually a ten. “But it doesn’t matter which one I prefer. Nat and Ruby adore Seb. They can’t stand the sight of Tyler.” She shrugged and said, “So they’ve made that decision for me. It’s not as if I have the choice.”
“And you’re happy with that?” Cressida looked concerned.
“Hey, it’s not as if they’re making me go out with some hideous old guy. You haven’t met Seb yet. Just wait until you see him,” said Lottie. “He’s gorgeous.”
* * *
Lottie was downloading the addresses of potential clients who had requested brochures via the website when the door opened and Kate Moss walked into the office.
Not really Kate Moss, but similar enough to bring the name instantly to mind. This girl had long, wavy, light brown hair, a delicate heart-shaped face, and incredible cheekbones. She was wearing a slithery olive-green dress, high-heeled boots, and a billowing cream wool coat with a burnt-orange silk lining.
Lottie, wondering whether a film crew, a stylist, and a makeup artist were about to burst in behind her, said, “Hi there, can I help you?”
“I sure hope so. I’m looking for Tyler?” The girl was hesitant, American; she had the face of Kate Moss and the voice of Jennifer Aniston. Now how could that be fair?
“He’s not here. He’s gone to an awards lunch in Cheltenham.” Lottie scooted sideways away from the computer and picked up a pen. “Can I take a message? Or maybe I can help you?”
The girl shook her head prettily. “No, that’s OK. Do you have any idea when Tyler might be back?”
“Sometime this afternoon. I couldn’t give you an exact time. Give me your name,” Lottie said efficiently, “and I’ll tell him you were here.”
OK, not efficiently. Nosily.
But to her frustration the girl was shaking her head again. She smiled and reached for one of the color brochures Lottie had been preparing to send off.
“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t want to put you to any trouble. I’ll catch up with him later. All right if I take one of these?”
She had perfect teeth—like little pearls—and an Audrey Hepburn smile. Feeling more and more like Hagrid, Lottie said, “Feel free.”
“Thanks. Bye.” The girl flashed another smile and gracefully retreated from the office. Moments later Lottie heard a car start up and pull away. Launching herself across the desk, she seized the phone and punched out Tyler’s number.
It was turned off. Understandably, seeing as he was at an awards ceremony. Hmm, to leave a message or not to leave a message? Hi, Tyler, this is Hagrid. Now listen, I don’t know if you’re interested, but there’s been this absolutely stunning looking American girl here asking for you. Sorry? Prettier than me? Hell, loads prettier than me!
Lottie pulled a face at her reflection in the PC monitor. Maybe not.
Was that immature of her? Oh well, he’d be back soon enough anyway, and then she’d have a chance to find out who the girl really was.
* * *
Two hours later, Ginny Thompsett from Harper’s Barn came into the office to return the bottle of superglue she’d borrowed earlier to fix the snapped heel on her shoe.
“All mended. Thanks for that. They’re my favorites,” said Ginny. “And of course Michael’s thrilled because it saves him from having to dig out his credit card and pay for a new pair.”
“You could tell him you need a new dress to go with them,” Lottie suggested. “To celebrate saving so much money on new shoes.”
Ginny laughed. “Absolutely a girl after my own heart. Listen, we’re having a bit of a party tonight to celebrate Michael’s fortieth. His family is all coming over from Dursley. They’re great fun. If you’re not doing anything else, would you fancy joining us?”
Lottie had taken an instant liking to the Thompsetts, helped along by the fact that when they’d arrived last week they hadn’t whined about the still-damp carpets in the bedrooms of Harper’s Barn and had taken the lingering traces of Trish Avery’s nostril-curling perfume in good part.
“I’d love to.” Even better, Mario was taking Nat and Ruby off to the movies this evening to see some awful sci-fi film. Delighted to be invited to a party instead, Lottie said, “I’ll bring a bottle. What time d’you want me?”
“Around eightish. We thought we’d invite Tyler along too,” Ginny added cheerfully.
“That’s…fine!” It was, Lottie told herself. Nat and Ruby tolerated her working with Tyler because they had to, but they wouldn’t like it if they knew she was socializing with him after hours. Which was why it was extra handy that they’d be out with Mario at the movies.
“So can I ask if there’s a little something or other going on between you and Tyler?” Ginny had her head tilted to one side and an inquiring twinkle in her eye.
“We just work together.” The harder Lottie tried not to blush, the hotter her cheeks grew.
“Call me a nosy witch, but I think there could be more to it than that.”
Damn, was it that obvious? Attempting to sound like a Jane Austen heroine, Lottie said primly, “I have a boyfriend.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize. Well, bring him along with you.”
“He’s in Dubai.”
“OK then, don’t.” Mischievously, Ginny said, “Do you want me to ask Tyler, or will you?”
So much for primness.
“It’s your party, you can invite him.” Lottie gave up; first Cressida, now Ginny Thompsett. Honestly, was Hestacombe awash with meddling women?
“I’ll pop a note in his mailbox.” Ginny paused. “By the way, any idea who that girl is, outside his house?”
Outside Tyler’s house? Lottie’s heart sank. “Is she pretty?”
“Very. And wearing the most gorgeous cream coat.” Ginny gestured with enthusiasm. “I just came past Fox Cottage on the way up here and there she was in her car by the front gate. Just sitting there in the driver’s seat. But I know Tyler isn’t seeing anyone at the moment because I asked him the other day. That was when I decided you two would be perfect for each other, by the way.”
Touched, Lottie smiled and said drily, “She came in here earlier asking where Tyler was.”
“Well, I’ve got to nip up to the shop for cigarettes. But if you like,” Ginny offered, “I can ask her what she’s up to on my way back.”
“Thanks, but it’s OK.” As she said this, Lottie sensed that it wasn’t going to be OK at all, not from her point of view at least. “I’ll go down there now and check her out.”