Chapter 58
CHAPTER 58
G emma stretched out in the bed, yawning widely as she twisted her neck from side to side, trying to ease the cricks in her neck. Kent was still asleep in bed, soft snores rising from his lips. It had been one kiss, that was all, and yet it had left its mark on her. Even as she woke, she could feel the echoes of it buzzing through her skin, like a static shock that had struck every part of her body. One kiss was all they had shared, and then she broke away and lay back on the bed while their fingertips remained intertwined.
After rolling onto her side, Gemma grabbed her phone from the nightstand. She still had enough time to get home, get showered, and get to work as if nothing had happened. That way, she could leave all the cards in his hand. It was up to Kent to decide what would happen next. As she stood in the doorway, ready to leave, a flicker of guilt struck her. She would have felt devastated if she’d woken up and found he was gone, but he knew she was working. He’d understand, wouldn’t he?
On the drive back, she contemplated sending a message, only to change her mind. She had drunk a fair bit, and while she didn’t blame alcohol for her action, Kent might. It was a far wiser decision to pretend nothing had happened until she knew where she stood.
“That’s your second coffee this morning,” Dawn said, as Gemma stood by the machine, trying to breathe in as many coffee fumes as she could. “I take it you had a good night?”
Gemma was grateful it was Dawn and not Sophie working with her. Both Sophie and Nina had sent several messages, to which Gemma had only replied that the yacht club was lovely. She knew they’d want more at some point, but that was all they were getting for now.
“It was nice,” Gemma replied to Dawn.
“And from how you’re constantly looking at your phone, can I assume a man was involved?”
Gemma shook her head.
“Just book club gossip,” she lied, though it was hard not to keep checking for messages. It was all very well, leaving the ball in Kent’s court, but she wanted him to do something with it.
It was just gone nine when Gemma finally got the ping on her phone that she’d been waiting for. Her stomach fluttered with nerves as she opened it up.
Wow. Gone in the morning before we even confirmed a proper date. That’s harsh.
A smile curled at the corner of her lips.
Some of us have jobs to go to.
She replied.
We can’t spend all morning lying in bed. Even if we want to.
There was enough there for him to get that she was interested, but she could also brush it off like he was referring to general lie-ins if he wasn’t.
It was only for a few seconds, which is not that fun, but it’s someone to share it with you. Why don’t you call in sick? I’m sure your boss won’t mind.
She couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle.
He definitely will, he’s a complete arse.
Really? Then maybe I should have words with him. I can be quite intimidating, you know.
Once again, Gemma couldn’t help but let the laughter out, although this time, it attracted Dawn’s attention, who was busy making a cappuccino for one of the customers.
“Who are you flirting with?” she asked.
“What?” She was trying to feign innocence. “What are you on about? I’m just messaging one of the book club girls, that’s all,” Gemma said.
Jessica raised an eyebrow. “That is a flirty laugh if ever I heard one. Trust me, it’s been a long time since I was given the opportunity to flirt. I would know that sound anywhere. So, tell me who he is.”
“Seriously, there’s nothing to tell,” Gemma pressed again, yet she could see that Dawn wasn’t buying it.
“It’s nothing, really, it’s not. Just a bit of silliness, that’s all. I’m sure it will fade into nothing soon enough.”
“All I hope for your sake is that it doesn’t. It’ll be nice to see you happy with a nice guy. You deserve it.”
“Well, I’m not thinking too much about it,” Gemma said. “I’m sure he’s not that into me.”