Gabe smiled. “That’s him.”
Hannah narrowed her eyes as she scrutinised Gabe’s features. “I can see a resemblance now you’ve said it.” She sniggered. “Thank goodness I didn’t ring your number.”
“Bet you were tempted though,” Gabe said, laughing.
Hannah ignored the quip. “That does explain your weird response when I thanked you for them.”
“Is that why you turned down my coffee invite?”
Like Hannah needed reminding of that. She’d regretted it ever since. “A new experience for you, was it? Getting knocked back.”
“Hardly.”
Having seen how Francesca and even the sports centre receptionist had responded to Gabe, Hannah didn’t believe him for one second.
Gabe picked up his cup. Putting it to his lips, his eyes remained firmly on Hannah.
Butterflies wreaked havoc in Hannah’s tummy. His stare wasn’t just intense it seemed loaded.
“Maybe I’ll ask you again sometime,” Gabe said.
Hannah wondered if Gabe was flirting with her. She’d been out of the dating game so long, she’d didn’t know anymore.
“You might not have to if Liv has her way,” she said in answer to Gabe’s question.
Gabe’s expression turned quizzical.
“She thinks our team-building activity should be a group meal out, including your friend Quentin and Mel’s new partner Russel.”
“Ooh a triple date?” Gabe appeared to like the idea.
“Which is exactly what Liv said.”
Taking a sip of her drink, Hannah suddenly panicked. It was one thing sitting in her kitchen enjoying a bit of banter with Gabe, but to hear him imply a real-life assignation was something else. “Although it isn’t a date really,” Hannah said. “It’s a group thing. Aunt Dorothy will be there, remember.”
“I should hope so. It wouldn’t be the same without her.”
“As long as we’ve got that straight.” Hannah couldn’t backtrack quick enough.
“Although it sounds like it’s not just Aunt Dorothy who thinks we’d make a great couple,” Gabe said, with a sparkle in his eyes.
Hannah wondered what his reaction would be if she called his bluff and suggested they test the theory. Feeling brave, she opened her mouth to speak, but Gabe’s mobile rang, interrupting the moment.
Surprisingly, he seemed disappointed too. “Sorry,” he said, rolling his eyes.
Hannah watched him pull his phone from his pocket. Discretely craning her neck, she saw the name “Kate” flash up on the screen.
Gabe’s expression turned serious, and he declined the call.
“Everything okay?” Hannah asked.
“Sorry?”
Hannah indicated his mobile.
“Erm, yes. Thank you.” He smiled, stuffing it back in his pocket. “Just a client.”
“At this time of night?” Hannah wondered whatever happened to office hours.
