Page 48 of The Loneliest Number
Saff moves around, capturing images of each area as well as some close up shots. Her hand runs along a fancy, carved fireplace. “This is your work?” she asks him with awe.
He nods. “Aye, I’ve been tidying it up. Come up to the next floor.” He leads the way. This staircase is a little less grand and made of wood rather than marble. It turns halfway up with a switchback.
I lean over the balustrade at the top, enjoying the view to the ground floor.
“I’m thinking some grand lighting that starts on this floor and goes all the way down. Some kind of chandelier that twinkles.” Cam stands close to me, our arms brushing as we both look down. I haven’t ever been this drawn to touching someone in a non-sexual way, but my stomach flutters each time he gets close. There’s a pull between us that I don’t want to deny.
“Do you do the décor stuff as well?” I ask.
He chuckles. “No, but I’ll find the best person I can in the budget to do it. I’ve got it open for applications at the moment. I’ve got people I use up in Scotland and I’ve invited them to submit their interest and pricing. But I’ve also opened it up locally as well.”
“You’ve thought of everything,” I tell him, our eyes meeting. “Do you love what you do?” I ask, curious.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else now. I do love it. I enjoy the physical work and being able to stick my hand in. And I like the management of it all and bringing professionals together that make an old building like this shine.”
My face curves in a smile, enchanted by his passion.
He heaves a sigh. “It’s not without its challenges though. I was involved in a project that failed just before we met. It was around the time that Gran died. That’s why I was feeling sorry for myself, and Saff decided to cheer me up.” He glances over at Saff, who’s busy snapping away with a wistful smile, before his chestnut eyes meet mine once more. “I’m really glad she did.”
“So am I.” I may not know exactly what this thing between us is or where it’s going, but it’s time to admit to myself that there issomething.Perhaps it’s time to lean in to that.
“What about you. Do you love your job?” he asks.
I mull the question over. “I’m not gonna lie. I didn’t end up working in a bar because it was part of some grand life plan. But I do enjoy it. I like being busy and the people I work with and I enjoy the social aspect. Sometimes we are so busy, it’s just amatter of serving orders, but other times I end up having deep and meaningful conversations with customers and I love that. I love that pubs can be a haven for some people.”
Saff has wandered over to photograph the two of us chatting. A blush creeps up my cheeks as I tuck my lilac hair behind my ear. “I thought you were taking photos of the building,” I say.
“I’ve taken loads. You’re so photogenic, Abby. And this one,” she hitches a thumb in Cam’s direction, “is used to my candid shots. Do you mind?” she asks, curiosity in her gaze.
I shake my head. “No, but I’m just not used to it. Is it odd that I’ll have sex in front of an audience but feel weird about you taking photos while I’m fully clothed and chatting?” I laugh off my awkwardness.
“Maybe there’s a way we could get you more comfortable with it.” Saff exchanges a cheeky look with Cam.
“Did you go through the door at the end?” Cam asks Saff, changing the subject before I can ask what she means.
“No, I was waiting for you.”
“Good girl.” Even though it’s not directed it at me, it causes a tremble through my spine. It sounds so good in his accent. “Come on, let’s go.”
We both trail behind him as he pushes the door open. We step into a big, airy room with massive windows, and in the corner, there’s the round space of the turret-like structure on the corner of the building.
I let out a gasp. It’s a stunning space. To one side, a rudimentary kitchen has been fitted with a sink and a freestanding oven, and hob. There’s a kettle, a toaster, and a small fridge plugged in. A big sofa takes up space across the room, placed on a giant rug.
“We’ve focused on this area this week because I’m going to move in here for the rest of the project.”
“Where will you sleep?” I ask.
He nods towards the sofa. “That folds out into a bed.”
“No curtains?” Saff asks with a cheeky grin. “You’re never going to lose that exhibitionist streak, are you, honey?”
“As if anyone can see me all the way up here. And I’ll mostly be working. It’s not like I’ll be walking around naked.”
“I’d pay good money to see it though,” I tell him.
“I’d pay good money to take photos of it,” Saff chimes in, leaning into my side. We let out a synchronised sigh of wonder, causing Cam to chuckle as he rolls his eyes at our antics.
He checks his watch. “I don’t think Abby has time today, but how about tomorrow before Saff flies home?” He raises an eyebrow in question.
