‘Jesus, you need anactuallicence to do this? It’s anactualqualification, is it?’ he blurts out all incredulous.
I try not to be offended. This is new territory for us all.
‘From anactualuniversity?
‘Yes,’ I say patiently.
‘A proper one? Anactualuniversity?’ he continues undeterred.
How are we still on the subject of my certification? How?
‘Well, it’s more of an online university. Well, less of a university and more of a… an online centre.’
‘And they giveactualdegrees out in this kind of stuff now, do they?’ he asks, still sounding baffled. ‘After only a couple of weeks?’
Honestly! If he says ‘actual’ one more time… I swear I will slap him. I will slap.
‘Yes!’ I nod. ‘Well, it’s more of a Diploma, if you must know.’ Then I spoil things by blurting rather childishly, ‘Level four. Ofqual approved!’
One look into his wide eyes and I can tell they are filling with mirth.
‘Look, I’m an accountant, well, and a lawyer,’ he says modestly. Then he spoils it by giggling. ‘Ofqual approved, of course.’
He gives me big apologetic eyes when I tut loudly.
‘Now,’ he commands, stepping towards me. ‘Problem-solving and negotiating are my strengths. Tell me what’s wrong.’
‘It’s not the running of the business that has upset me,’ I say. ‘Well, it is, but I’m more upset that you—’
‘Ah,’ he says. ‘Of course. Of course. I understand.’
I’d be amazed if he did.
‘Nell,’ he says, taking hold of my hand gently. ‘I’m not here out of guilt. I haven’t been deliberately hanging around to make up for putting you out of work.’
One look into his soft kind eyes compels me to relax and take a deep breath. Oliver smiles at me. He really does have a set of superior lips. ‘I’m here because I like you.’
Oh. What do I say? What do I do?
I gulp and carry on, as though he has just admitted to needing a haircut or a new pair of slippers. ‘I see.’
He is still holding my hand. He is standing an inch away from me. My entire body is lit up from within like a sky full of stars. I’m drawn to him. I experience a sudden flashback to him lying stretched out on the bed, legs akimbo.
‘Magnificent,’ I say.
‘Sorry?’
‘I mean…’
Yes. What do I mean?
‘I like you too.’
There, I’ve said it. I’ve made myself vulnerable and exposed. And I don’t like it one little bit.
Oliver visibly relaxes. He lets out a gusty breath.
I make him nervous, I realise. I make this gorgeous man-mountain flustered.Imakehimnervous!
