‘What?’ He stopped for a moment. ‘You don’t think you are? Because I can tell you, you are – so gorgeous,’ he said and his hands moved down her back.
‘You said just friends. I insisted on just friends and we can’t keep our hands off each other. We’re useless,’ she said and laughed and he joined in.
‘You can’t fight chemistry,’ he said and she sighed.
‘I just know I’ll get feelings towards you besides lust and then I’ll be sad and it will be weird and difficult when I leave. I’m a very sentimental person,’ she said.
‘What if I already had feelings besides desire?’ he said, rolling onto his back and closing his eyes.
Lily hadn’t expected that and she sat up and looked at him. ‘Well that’s different,’ she said.
‘How?’ he asked.
‘I don’t know but it just is.’ They were silent for a while.
‘Is there anything in that basket or is it just for show?’ she asked finally. ‘Because I am starving.’
Nick grinned and sat up and opened it. ‘Roast chicken, some cheeses and dips, a baguette, Greek salad and, for dessert, some brownies and strawberries.’
‘Oh wow,’ she said peering into the basket.
‘And wine,’ he said brandishing a bottle, and he opened it and poured them each a plastic glass of wine.
‘On my days off, I enjoy exploring. It helps to clear my mind.’ He paused and softly stated, ‘I love it here, but I only ever come by myself.’
Lily felt a warm sensation flow through her, unrelated to the wine. ‘What did you mean about your feelings, Nick?’ she asked as she picked up some chicken and ate it. ‘We don’t have to discuss anything if you’re not ready,’ she said quickly.
Nick shook his head. ‘No, I want to. You know I was with Jess, well it wasn’t serious. She thought it was but I never was. She and I are very different. So when we broke up I told myself I would only pursue anyone who had the same values and interests as me. It’s not like I usually meet people at work. I honestly thought I wouldn’t meet anyone. I mean I work with old people most days,’ he said with a laugh.
Lily smiled.
‘And then I met you. I mean the first time I saw you at your gran’s you were just so vibrant.’
‘I was in a nightgown, a rugby top and odd socks,’ she reminded him.
‘I don’t remember that. I just remember your energy and smile and your gorgeous hair.’
Never before had any man spoken to her this way and she put down the food and wiped her hands on a napkin.
‘And the dinner at your gran’s. God you are just so incredibly kind and patient. It’s beautiful and it took my breath away. Kindness is an underrated quality; it’s really beautiful,’ he said.
Lily groaned.
‘Too much?’ he asked. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘No.’ She shook her head. ‘It’s not too much.’ She paused. ‘I’ve just never felt so deeply about somebody so quickly before, and it scares me,’ she said.
Nick reached out and clasped her hand in his. ‘Why does it scare you?’
Lily took a deep breath. ‘I came here for the summer to help Gran while also figuring out my life. I did not expect this. You. And now I don’t know what to do. I thought I would spend my entire life in London.’
Nick nodded, drawing circles on her palm. ‘Can I tell you something?’ When Lily nodded, he said, ‘I’ve never felt this way either. I’ve had relationships obviously, but meeting you, it feels different. It’s as if I’ve been waiting for you without knowing it.’
Lily felt tears build in her eyes. ‘But what happens when the summer ends? What about my career in London?’
Nick was silent for a minute, considering. ‘I don’t know all the answers, Lily. But I understand that what we have is unique. Perhaps instead of worrying about the future, we could just be present, right now. Maybe we just focus on getting to know one another and seeing where this leads.’
Lily looked at him closely. His gentle glance, the way the sun shone on the golden strands of his hair, the way his finger traced her palm. She thought of how much he cared for Gran, how he made her laugh, and how at ease she felt with him. It was almost too perfect.
