The non-date invitation had been loitering in my thoughts, and after my conversation with the Gals, I was wittering about whether I could handle a day out with Gideon and keep my growing feelings in check. It was new territory for me, the solid weight behind my ribs that ached with a constant need for something I’d never known I was missing until now.
In eight years meeting different people, other men, any attraction had complied with the rules to keep things simple, shallow, safe. Now this man, and the offer of a cup of coffee, had thrills tumbling through my veins.
I made a jumbled excuse about fetching another mug, and when I returned, Hattie was asking Gideon about his weekend.
‘I was working today.’
‘Working on a Sunday?’ Hattie pulled a face. ‘Not here, I hope.’
He shook his head, taking the mug and pouring me a drink. ‘Reuben asked if I’d help clear a fallen tree up at Hatherstone. It was blocking the drive so he needed it doing as soon as possible.’
Handing back the full mug, he glanced up, eyes smiling. ‘It does mean I’ll be taking Friday off in lieu.’
‘Good.’ Hattie nodded in approval.
‘Would Friday work for our visit to the forest?’ he asked, just as I took a sip of coffee, the jolt sloshing painfully hot liquid into my mouth.
‘Are you asking me or Sophie?’ Hattie asked, with a faux-innocent smile. ‘Because this is the first I’ve heard about a forest visit.’
‘I was meaning to mention it,’ I said, unable to hide my fluster. ‘Gideon offered to show me around Sherwood Forest, but I wasn’t sure what days you wouldn’t be needing me.’
‘On Friday, Lizzie and I have a meeting with someone, somewhere, that’s going to take all day. We’re catching an early train and there’s a dinner in some fancy place, so we won’t be back until late. It’s perfect. You can enjoy the whole day to yourselves.’
‘That does sound perfect.’ Gideon grinned, raising his eyebrows at me in question.
‘Yes. I guess that’s a… non-date.’
‘That reminds me.’ Hattie stood up. ‘Thanks to the Gals’ carefully spread propaganda about our sessions, the Shine course is back on. I’ve got to be up early to start prepping, so I’ll bid you both goodnight.’
She started trudging away, Flapjack’s trot a sharp contrast to her stooped shoulders as they disappeared into the shadows.
‘How’s your mum?’ I asked as Gideon got up and used a stick to coax some life into the dregs of the fire.
He moved to sit on the stump beside mine. ‘She had another dizzy spell yesterday. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s been more while I’ve been out. She refuses to see the doctor, but I’ve booked a phone consultation, so maybe he can persuade her to get seen properly.’
‘Are you sure you don’t mind leaving her, on your day off?’
He sighed. ‘I was hoping Hattie or Lizzie might call in, but that won’t be happening if they’re out.’
‘Is there anyone else you could ask?’
He nodded. ‘I can find someone to pop in. I wasn’t expecting us to be out longer than I’m usually at work for, though. Were you planning a grand day of adventures?’
I ducked my face behind the coffee mug. ‘I wasn’t planning anything. You’re the Sherwood Forest expert.’ I paused. ‘Maybehalfa day of adventures?’
‘How about a late morning until mid-afternoon of adventure, although please don’t get your hopes up, it’s pretty rare to catch a glimpse of Robin Hood or a Merry Man these days, and then dinner back at mine, seeing as Hattie’s away? Hopefully that part will be adventure-free, despite Mum being with us.’
‘That sounds…’ Like a really long day for a first non-date with someone. But the thought of spending a whole day with Gideon was alarminglyunalarming. And whenever I was with him, what Ishoulddo felt increasingly irrelevant. ‘…perfect. How about I pack a picnic, if you’re providing dinner?’
He grinned, the shine of a rogue remaining flame dancing across his cheekbones. ‘Perfect.’
We continued chatting until the fire offered no more protection from the night nipping at our fingers. Gideon sorted the ashes while I collected the remains of our feast, and then he walked me back to the boot-room door, my heart skittering in my chest the whole way.
‘Goodnight, then. Thanks for letting me join the party.’
‘It was Hattie’s party, not mine.’ I cringed at the hint of breathlessness in my voice.
‘I’ll see you Friday. Or maybe earlier. You know where to find me.’
