Читать книгу Mills & Boon Christmas Delights Collection - Джанис Мейнард, Rebecca Winters - Страница 23

Chapter Fourteen

‘You look like your dog just died,’ Janey said as she answered the door. Her hand flew to her mouth as she realised where I often spent my weekends. ‘Oh shit!’ she said from behind it. ‘One of the dogs didn’t die, did it?’

I leant in and gave her and the bump a hug. ‘No, it’s fine. One of them just got rehomed.’

She closed the door behind me and gave me a look as I took off my coat and hung it on the coat rack.

‘So, isn’t this the point, you go “yay, one of them got rehomed.”’ She did a sort of jazz hands thing to add illustration.

‘Yes. No, I’m thrilled. Obviously.’

‘Obviously.’

‘It’s just that…have you spoken to your brother today?’

‘Michael?’ she asked, turning away to rummage in the cupboard for teabags. ‘Earlier, yes.’

‘Did he say we went out yesterday?’

‘You went out?’ She spun round.

‘Yes, to the rescue centre.’

‘Oh. Oh yes. That. Sorry, I thought you meant…never mind. Tea?’

‘Yes please. And the other? Definitely not going to happen.’ I half laughed, remembering how yesterday he’d categorically stated he would never ask ‘someone like me’ out.

‘Because of Calum?’

‘Because of a lot of things.’

‘He’s not that bad, you know.’ Janey’s voice had a defensive note.

‘Oh God, Janey, I know!’ I leant over and caught her hand. ‘I didn’t mean it like that. Honestly I didn’t. I know he’s not. For goodness’ sake, the waitress in the pub tipped my dinner over me yesterday because she was so busy gawking at your brother.’

‘No!’

‘Yes.’

‘I do wish he’d tidy himself up a little.’

I took a sip of the tea she’d placed in front of me. ‘He’s fine. But him and I? Not happening. We’d drive each other bonkers in no time for a start.’

Janey shrugged her shoulders. ‘So, what’s with the look you had when I answered the door. Is it to do with yesterday?’

‘Kind of. Remember we had suggested to him about getting another dog?’

‘Mmmhmm,’ she said, disappearing behind her mug of tea.

‘Well, there was this dog at the centre and I knew he’d be perfect for Michael. I got him to go down there and we had a really lovely walk together.’ Janey looked up. ‘With the dog,’ I added hastily. ‘It all seemed to be going really well. It was clear he thought Rooney was great.’

‘Rooney?’

‘I know. But apart from the name he was perfect! And he just took to Michael like he’d known him for ever. I really thought he was going to take him. And then, when we got back, he just handed me the lead, gave him a hug and left, saying he had a phone call to return.’

‘Oh.’

‘And then Mark’s just texted to say they’ve found him a new home.’

‘But surely that’s good?’

‘It is. Of course. I know, I know! I sound mad. I just really wanted it to be with Michael. Oh Janey you should have seen them together, it was so cute!’

She smiled. ‘I can imagine.’

Pushing the biscuits towards me, Janey snagged one herself and took a bite. ‘Things will work out for the best Katie. Don’t worry.’

‘Yeah, I know.’

‘Did I hear you have a date tonight?’

I stopped chewing.

‘What’s that look for?’ she asked.

‘Nothing.’

Janey raised a disbelieving eyebrow.

‘Fair enough. Michael and I sort of had an argument yesterday, and he was worried about me running to you to tell tales on him, which I told him I would never do. But apparently it doesn’t work the other way around.’

‘Bollocks. He’s not worried about you telling me anything. When you come from a family like ours, it’s pretty much the rule that whatever you say will, sooner or later, be known by all the others. And Michael’s not one to say things he doesn’t stand behind, so he doesn’t tend to mind who knows, and certainly not me.’

‘But the only way you know I have a date with Calum tonight is because Michael told you.’

‘That’s true. And you know why he told me?’

‘Do I want to know?’

‘I don’t know. But I’ll tell you anyway. He said you got pinned down to a time that wasn’t really convenient – ’

‘I wouldn’t exactly say “pinned”.’

Janey gave me that look that she and Michael did so well. The one that seemed to see right through me.

‘OK.’

‘So he offered for you to change at his place and go from there, right?’

‘Yes. Although I wasn’t entirely sure if that was still on since we sort of had that row last night.’

‘He doesn’t go back on his word, and I’m guessing it is because he mentioned it this morning.’

‘He’s of the same opinion as you about Calum.’

Janey pulled a face.

‘I’m going to talk to Calum tonight about things.’

‘I hate to doubt you sweetie, but you’ve said that before and I’ve not seen a lot of change.’

‘No, I know. I mean it though, I promise. And I think, once he knows that I’m not happy with how things are, that he will try and make some changes.’

‘OK. Good.’

‘How are the kids now?’

‘Much better, thank goodness. Lily’s upstairs having what’s she’s taken to calling a power nap, and Joey’s school has an inset day today so I’ve just dropped him off at a friend’s for the afternoon.’

‘That’s good. I think my previous client might be coming down with what they had. It really seems to be going around. She was looking pretty dreadful so in the end I just told her she ought to go to bed and give me a ring when she’s feeling better.’

‘Why didn’t she cancel before now, instead of dragging you out and risk giving it to you?’

‘Oh, she’s been so excited about getting started. I can’t blame her.’

‘Of course you can’t.’ Janey rolled her eyes.

‘What?’ I laughed.

‘You. You’re impossible. You project this no nonsense, strict school mistress persona – always smartly dressed, hair up, make-up immaculate–’

‘That makes me sound horribly dull, you know that don’t you?’

‘Don’t knock it. Some men love that look.’ She gave me a wink.

‘I sense a but.’

‘But it’s all bunkum.’

‘Excuse me?’

‘Underneath it all you’re as soppy as the rest of us.’

‘Rubbish.’

‘Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone. Although, between you and me, anyone worth their salt already knows anyway.’

I got the distinct feeling that my friend didn’t count my current boyfriend as being amongst this group.

‘Right, I’d better be off.’ I slid off my stool. ‘Thanks for the tea and natter.’

‘Any time. Are you off to Michael now?’

‘No, I’ve got someone else in-between. Just a follow-up, so I’m hoping, unless something’s gone horribly wrong, that it shouldn’t take long.’

Have fun. I hope things go OK tonight with Calum.’

I tilted my head. ‘Do you?’

Janey gave me a squeeze and then held me by my upper arms. ‘I’m afraid I’m too much like my big brother to pretend I like something when I don’t. I am not Calum’s biggest fan, that’s for sure. I think you deserve someone that makes you a whole lot happier and pays you a hell of lot more attention than he does. But I’m not going to fall out with you over him. I’ve a feeling you’ll see the light yourself eventually anyway.’

‘I don’t really know what to say to that. Thank you doesn’t really seem applicable.’

Janey grinned. ‘At least make sure you order the most expensive thing on the menu.’

I shook my head, slid my feet into my shoes and pulled my coat from the rack. Janey tucked a hair behind my ear.

‘We just want the best for you, you know. That’s all.’

‘I know you do Janey.’ I gave her a hug. ‘I’m so grateful for your friendship, and everything you are. You know that. Even if I’m not always very good at showing it, I promise you, I am.’

‘I know you are. Now, go on, be off with you and stop cluttering up my house. And text me later.’

‘I will. I promise.’

Checking my watch, I calculated I had nine minutes to get to the next client. It should only take seven so I was pretty much on schedule.

***

I walked up the steps to Michael’s house and rang the bell. The previous client’s follow-up had taken even less time than I’d planned as they had had done so well and were still happy with the way things were going. I’d texted Michael and explained the situation, suggesting that as I was cutting the appointment this evening shorter, I was happy to come a little earlier, but only if it suited him. He’d replied almost immediately saying to just come whenever I was ready.

To be honest, I was a little nervous after the row and the walking me to the door. I felt a bit odd and slightly awkward. We seemed more than just client and service provider, but were we actually friends? And why was he so bothered about who I dated? I squared my shoulders and reminded myself that this was the very last time I did a favour for a friend. If this was the level of complication it caused, I could most certainly live without it.

I pressed the doorbell and almost immediately Michael opened the door, making me jump.

‘Gosh! Were you hiding behind the door!’

He smiled. ‘No. But I saw you walking up the street from my office.’

‘Oh.’

‘Here.’ He took my coat and hung it on a spare hook. I stared. For the first time, I could actually see most of the hall floor.

‘When did this happen?’

He rubbed his hand over his stubble. ‘Last night. I couldn’t sleep so I thought I’d get up and do something useful. I mean, I know it’s not perfect, but I tried to remember everything you said and put it into practice. And I took all those boxes to the charity shop and the dump this morning. That’s made quite a lot of space.’

I couldn’t help smiling. The house was really coming together. For the first time since we started, I was actually feeling sure that we could really make the Christmas deadline.

‘I bet it has. Are you pleased?’

‘Huh? Yes. Yes, of course.’

‘Oh. Good.’ I struggled to maintain my smile. Michael didn’t look as pleased as I’d hoped he would, which made me worry about the longevity of the organisation. I’d never had anyone totally ‘relapse’ yet, but, then again, I’d never had a client come to me in quite the same set of circumstances as he had.

‘Is everything all right?’

‘Yes. I need to show you something.’

‘All right.’ I bent, took off my shoes and tucked them against the wall, then turned back to Michael.

‘Lead the way.’

To my surprise, he merely took a few steps and then stopped outside of his office.

‘Oh no!’ I put my hands up to my mouth.

‘What?’ he asked, concern creasing his face.

‘You messed it up?’ I raised my eyes to his.

‘You know, a lesser man might be hurt at your complete lack of faith.’

I rolled my lips together. ‘Sorry.’

‘I’ll forgive you. This once.’

He put his hand on the door handle, and hesitated, looking down at me. ‘About last night…’

‘Let’s just forget about it. Now, what’s in here?’

‘I never meant to upset you.’

‘You didn’t.’

‘Katie. Even I can see when I’ve made a woman cry.’

‘Look, I was tired, I was a bit upset about saying goodbye to the dog and I had a steaming headache. I know you meant well so let’s just leave it at that, all right?’

He opened his mouth to say something, looked at me, then closed it again. ‘Sure.’

‘Now, please! What’s this big surprise?’

Michael opened the door and I stood for a moment, shocked. I looked up at him and he couldn’t keep the grin off of his face as Rooney scooted towards us, tail wagging madly, toenails clicking on the floorboards. I dropped to my knees and he barrelled into me for a cuddle, rubbing his head on my shoulder and my cheek, making me laugh as he practically pushed me over in excitement.

‘Steady on mate.’ Michael eased the dog back and helped me regain my balance. Standing, he held out a hand to help me up which I took. We walked further into his office and I noticed a dog bed now sat between the easel and the desk and there was a blanket on the sofa where I assumed the dog was now also allowed.

‘I don’t understand. Yesterday…’

‘I had to be sure I could have him looked after when I have to go away, meetings I can’t take him to, etc. And I had to be sure he was good with the kids. My neighbour used to look after Monty sometimes and she was chuffed to bits when I asked her last night about the possibility of some more dog-sitting.’

I cast my mind back to our first meeting and his neighbour flirting with him in front of me.

‘The…yummy mummy dog-sits?’

He screwed his face up a moment. ‘Tamara? God no! The other side. Retired couple.’

‘Oh, that makes more sense.’

‘Yeah. To be honest, I’d rather not be beholden to Tamara for anything, if you know what I mean.’

I could take a wild guess. Then I remembered my text from earlier.

‘But Mark said this morning…’

‘Yeah, I kind of spoke to Mark on my way out last night and explained the situation. Don’t be mad at him,’ he added, seeing my eyebrows shoot up. ‘I asked him to keep it a secret. If I’d known you were going to be so upset about it all last night, though, I’d have told you. I thought you were just upset about me slating your boyfriend.’

‘Let’s not talk about that. And I promise I’m not mad at Mark. I just…does Janey know?’

‘Of course. She and the kids came with me this morning to meet him. He was brilliant with them. So that was that. With a stop for food, bedding and, by the time the kids had finished, pretty much every toy in the place, we were done.’

‘Sneaky moo.’

‘Excuse me?’ he laughed.

‘Your sister. I was round there earlier! I had a break between clients close to her house so I stopped in for a cuppa and she never mentioned a thing.’

‘Yeah, that’s kind of my fault too. I wanted to surprise you.’

I laughed. ‘Well, you most certainly got your wish.’

We were sat side by side on the little sofa in the corner of the office, weakening rays of winter sunshine filtering through the window, the dog lying in the middle of them, watching us through sleepy eyes.

‘We had a run in the park earlier, so he’s a bit pooped.’

‘He looks it.’

‘There’s one thing though.’

‘What’s that?’

‘The name. I’m sorry. It has to go. I’ve been calling him “boy” all day. I can’t stand bloody football at the best of times, so his current name really isn’t going to work.’

‘He’s your dog now, call him what you want. He’ll soon get used to it.’

‘That’s the thing. I don’t know what to call him. I thought you might have an idea.’

‘Me? I can’t name your dog.’

‘Yes you can. You’re the reason he’s here. You have a vested interest. Come on, please?’

I sat back on the couch, tucked my feet up beside me, then peered around Michael to look at the dog.

‘You know, one name does come to mind.’

‘What’s that?’

‘Have you read Jane Eyre?’

Michael shook his head. ‘No, sorry.’

Handy.

‘One of the main characters, Mr Rochester, has a dog. He’s called Pilot.’

Michael nodded. ‘Pilot. I like that.’

‘You do?’

He shifted to look at me. ‘Yeah I do.’

The smile broke on my face. ‘Oh my Gosh! I can’t believe you have him! I’m so happy you took him after all.’ Without thinking I flung my arms around Michael’s neck and hugged him. His arms wrapped around me and pulled me closer.

‘I should be thanking you.’ His voice was soft near my ear, and I was suddenly aware of the hardness of his chest against mine, the warmth of his hands through my dress and the way his arms held me tight. It felt…Oh my God. It felt good! Which was bad! So, so bad! That damn dog had my emotions all over the place. I was getting all sorts of confused! I pulled back.

‘Right!’ I said, over brightly causing Michael to wrinkle his forehead.

‘You…OK?’

‘Uh huh! So! Let’s crack on, shall we?’

‘All right,’ he said slowly, standing as he did so. ‘You said before that you normally start with clothes and stuff. So I thought, especially after what you said last night, that maybe it was about time we got to work in the bedroom…on the bedroom. You know. And if you…erm…had any ideas about what you think I could do to make it a bit more…personal, then I’d be happy to hear them.’

I smoothed my dress, remembering what had happened the last time I tried to suggest something to that effect.

‘I know I bit your head off last time you tried to help me. I guess I didn’t see it then. But I do now. And you’re right. You were right last night too, about some of it. But not all of it.’

‘No, I know. I’m sorry.’

‘I just needed you to understand.’

‘I do.’

‘I didn’t tell you everything though.’

I looked up and met his gaze.

‘The reason I didn’t exactly give anyone a tour of the house? Honestly? How could I? You saw the state it was in when you got here. It’s all to your credit that you didn’t turn tail and take off.’

‘I’ve seen far worse than this.’

‘Well, I haven’t. And it kind of mortified me that I’d let it get to this state. I don’t even know how it did. After Angeline left, I guess I didn’t really want to face anything and then when I finally looked up again it was to see all this. And by then I didn’t know where to start.’

‘But look at it now. We’re so far along.’

‘I have something else to apologise for.’

‘Crikey! You’re on a roll.’

‘I know. Take advantage because it might not happen again for a while.’ He gave me a sideways look and I couldn’t help but smile.

‘I dismissed your notion before that all this, this thing you do, could have an effect on more than just my house. But you were right. I’m calmer with work now I can find everything and I’m much more productive. I’m in the running for a really big project, which may well not have happened if I hadn’t been organised enough to pitch. And, of course, this one.’ He bent down and rubbed Pilot’s tummy, at which point the dog rolled completely onto his back with all four feet in the air.

‘Oh, now that’s just charming in front of guests, boy. Really classy.’ His new owner laughed and stood. ‘Come on, Pilot.’

The dog looked at him, cocking his head to the side.

‘Yep. That’s you now. Better get used to it. Come on.’

Scrabbling about for a moment, the dog righted himself and followed us up the stairs to the master bedroom.