Crazy, Undercover, Love (28 page)

Authors: Nikki Moore

‘Why?’

‘Because when I threw Tony out, I kind of assaulted him,’ He admits sheepishly. ‘So he threatened to go to the police and the press.’

‘Hang on. What do you mean, assaulted him? That’s not like you. Didn’t security throw him out?’

‘Yes, but once we got outside I sort of lost control of my better instincts. The things he said about you … I, well—’

‘What did you do, Alex?’ I’m worried now. How badly did he hurt him? And what impact is it going to have on Alex and his family? Their reputation?

His mouth quirks and he mumbles something under his breath.

‘Pardon?’ I move closer.

‘I said I kicked him up the arse and he fell over.’

I snort, ‘Sorry, you what?’

‘It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? A bit like that scene in
Bridget Jones
where the two guys have that girlie fight.’

‘You’ve seen Bridget Jones?’

‘I don’t mind rom-coms,’ he defends, and I think he actually blushes.

‘Oh my,’ I shake my head, ‘I have so much to learn about you. But,’ I walk my fingers up his damp shirt, ‘I think you may be the ideal guy.’ Strong but vulnerable, sweet but sexy. I get serious, ‘Aren’t you worried what Tony will do though?’

‘No, I’ll deal with it if I have to,’ he says, utterly self-assured, ‘and I’m glad it happened.’

‘How come?’

‘Because,’ he tucks my hair behind my ear, ‘that’s when I realised I was in love with you.’

Something soft and gooey uncurls inside me, but I chortle, ‘You knew you loved me because you kicked Tony Ferrier up the arse?’

‘I knew I loved you when the HR Manager bawled me out, told me what the consequences might be, and I told her I didn’t care and realised I meant it. And I also knew I loved you when I decided to get rid of the no-workplace relationship clause from our contracts. You were right. You can’t control people’s feelings. I know that now.’

‘Oh. Wow.’

‘Yes. And as a reward for my selfless actions,’ he says gravely, ‘you’re moving in with me straight away.’

‘No. I’m not, Alex.’ His face falls. But I won’t give into temptation. I need to do this myself. And after doing everything topsy-turvy with Alex so far, I’m in no rush to get it wrong again. ‘I don’t need rescuing.’ Grabbing his lapels, I make a quick decision. ‘But I’ll talk to HR,’ I agree softly, ‘I’ll accept the money, because you’re right, I’m owed it. And I’ll move back in with Jess and get my career back on track now my name will no longer be dirt. I’m guessing I’ll get a satisfactory reference.’ It all falls out of my mouth in a garble, but I know instinctively I’m right. Everything is going to be okay.

‘Yes. Fair enough,’ Alex responds, but there is still a shadow in his eyes.

I wrap my arms round his neck and stand up on tiptoes. ‘I do love you,’ I assure him, kissing the corner of his luscious mouth, feeling him relax. ‘I do want to be with you,' I kiss an angelic cheekbone, ‘and I might even be persuaded to change my mind about moving in with you if you ask me again in a few months’ time.’ I tell him with my eyes how much I adore him. ‘I just want to get this right.’

‘I do too. Very much. Okay. In the meantime, I want to get away, just the three of us; you, me and Layla, once you've got to know each other. How do you feel about a weekend in a villa in Barcelona?’ he teases.

I take a mock swipe at his head, ‘Barcelona? Sure. It’s my new favourite place!’

Giggling, I take his arm and lead him to the pub door, ‘Now you’re going to have to go through the pain of meeting all the locals and letting them drill you. Then we’d better go introduce you to my parents properly and get your daughter.’

‘Which are worse, the locals or your parents?’

I scrunch up my face in thought, then grin, ‘Do you know, I’m really not sure?’

Shaking his head, he opens the door for me and we walk inside. It feels like everything in my life is finally normal, that the nightmare of the last six months is over.

My friends stare at us as we come in, smiling at our joined hands, and it reminds me I need to phone Jess and tell her what’s happened. That I’m coming home.

Alex squeezes my fingers and I look at him, full of relief, full of love, and grateful that over a lost weekend in Barcelona, we found each other.

I was wrong earlier. Some risks are worth taking, even when the odds are not in your favour. Sometimes if you play hard enough and for long enough you might just win. Luck could be on your side.

I started this journey by thinking I should have been smart enough to say no to crazy Plan B. Now I’m glad I was just crazy enough to say yes.

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