Page 16 of Match Point in Crumbleton
‘Danger?’ said Andy. ‘How?’
‘Start bringing me treats and I’ll get used to it,’ said Cath, smiling at him.
‘Well… that doesn’t sound so bad,’ said Andy with a shrug. ‘I wasn’t sure what to bring you. Is a latte alright?’
‘Pretty perfect right now!’ said Cath. ‘I think I’ve already had about a dozen too many cups of tea this morning. Thank you… for thinking of me.’
‘Of course,’ said Andy easily, setting the cup down on a ledge so that he could take the box from her. ‘Anyway, the drink gave me an excuse to check you hadn’t been buried alive under a pile of boxes.’
‘Still alive and kicking,’ said Cath, taking a grateful swig of hot coffee. ‘And refuelled, thanks to you!’ she added, saluting him with the cup.
Andy grinned at her. ‘Where were you heading with this?’
‘Near the door somewhere,’ she said. ‘I’m making a pile of things to be recycled. I’m sorting everything into three categories—display, store, dispose.’
‘And this is in the dispose pile?’ he said with interest.
‘I think I can safely recycle a box of old jam jars without the fear of accidentally chucking away anything of historical importance,’ she said.
‘You sure?!’ said Andy, his eyes going wide.
‘I… well… I was, but…’ spluttered Cath, instantly second-guessing herself. Was she being too gung-ho with the town’s treasures?
‘Relax,’ chuckled Andy. ‘I was joking. I’ll get rid of this for you.’
‘Cheers!’ said Cath, waving him off. ‘And thanks again for the coffee.’
‘I’m not planning on going anywhere just yet… unless you want me to clear off?’ said Andy. ‘I’ve got a couple of hours free if you’d like an extra pair of hands?’
‘Well, I’m not going to say no to a bit of free labour!’ said Cath.
‘Cool,’ said Andy. ‘Be right back.’
Cath turned away from him, clutching her drink and doing her best not to start overthinking things. Part of her really wanted to prove that she could conquer this new challenge on her own. After being under her ex’s thumb and subject to his annoying whims the whole time she’d supposedly been in charge of the gallery, she needed to know that she could stand on her own two feet.
But… that didn’t mean she had to be pig-headed, did it? She liked Andy. He seemed like a kind, thoughtful guy, and he was easy company. Besides, clearing out enough rubbish so that she had some space to start work in earnest was a priority… and something she’d achieve a lot faster with some help.
Of course, it didn’t hurt that Andy improved the view no-end.
‘Erm… Cath? Where are you?’ called Andy.
‘Here!’ Cath laughed. ‘Behind the boxes!’
‘That really helps,’ said Andy, appearing around the corner, his eyes crinkled with laughter. ‘This place is ninety-nine per cent boxes!’
Yup, definitely a very fine view!
Andy had stripped out of the top part of his overalls, and he’d tied the arms around his waist. Underneath, he was wearing a soft grey tee shirt… and Cath would swear she could see the outline of defined muscles through the cotton. His arms were bare and tanned and…
‘Big,’ she sighed.
‘Pardon?’ said Andy.
Cath widened her eyes. Oh no no no!
‘Big… erm… mess!’ she amended hastily, tearing her eyes off him and nodding at the tallest tower of boxes.
‘Yeah. So… where do you want me to start?’ said Andy, folding his arms and practically making Cath swoon in the process. Somehow, she just about managed to stay upright.
