thumb had been. It wasnât a big deal that heâd offered to walk her to the lab. He always did that if she was walking anywhere alone at night. She had thought it was sweet. But what if it led to something more? There was definitely something in the air that night. If he kissed her, would she object? She thought about the creases by his eyes and how solid heâd felt next to her and she had butterflies in her stomach. No. She wouldnât object. Not at all.
In a corner of her mind, a voice reminded her about Gordon. It was unfair to muddy the waters with her friend when her heart was still bruised. But this sort of flirting meant nothing to Hibs. He would carry on as normal tomorrow. All she had to do was do the same. Besides, she reminded herself sternly, she was over Gordon. It would all be fine
She fidgeted, full of nervous energy. If she didnât get a move on, sheâd be late for her next time point. âTell Hibs Iâm heading off. He can catch up with me.â She started walking across the pub.
âBeth.â
The voice connected to something in her hind-brain and her heart picked up speed. She caught her breath â she would know that voice anywhere. Gordon. But how?
Someone caught her round the waist and spun her. âBabe, Iâve missed you so much.â
Before she could say anything, Gordon kissed her. For the briefest moment she thought to protest, but her body responded to the familiar taste of him. His arms tightened around her, pressing her to him and it all felt so like old times, so right. She had missed him so much. Without pausing to think, she kissed him back.
When he finally drew away, thoughts tumbled in her head. What was he doing here? When had he come back? Why was he kissing her? âGordon. You ⦠I ⦠Why arenât you in America?â
âI missed you,â said Gordon, with one arm still holding her to him. He moved a wisp of hair off her cheek and her skin tingled at his touch.
She wanted to say sheâd missed him too. But if heâd missed her that much, how come she hadnât heard from him in six months. Beth frowned. âYou didnât call. Or e-mail.â
He smiled, lifted her hand to his face and kissed it. âI thought it might be too painful for you.â
He was wrong, but it was sweet that heâd worried. It didnât matter. He was back. Her heart lifted. His kiss left her so breathless and giddy, she couldnât believe sheâd ever thought it was wrong to be with him. She made a last effort to get answers out of him. âYou didnât send me a birthday card.â
âI did!â
She raised her eyebrows at him.
âDidnât it arrive? I posted it in good time.â
âNo.â
âOh, babe, Iâm so sorry. Did you think Iâd forgotten? How could I forget?â Gordon looked so concerned that her heart melted. He was still holding her round the waist. She realised suddenly that she was not over him. She was
so
not over him.
âBeth, you didnât seriously believe Iâd forget your birthday, did you? Oh, babe.â He gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
Beth didnât know what to think. âI ⦠Weâd split up,â she said. She suddenly remembered Hibs and flushed deeper. She shouldnât have led him on like that.
âOnly because it was for the best. We were so far apart, we thought it would be best if we tried to get on with our lives,â he said, slowly, as though talking to a child. âRemember?â
âWe? You decided.â
âYou agreed with me.â Gordon shook his head, as though saddened by how sheâd forgotten that. âListen, letâs not quibble about that now.â
Beth didnât want to quibble either. She wanted to kiss him and hold him and make up for all the months sheâd spent without him. But how long was he back for? Was this one night, before he disappeared again?
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