Chapter Eight
Sam
Sam stepped out of his car and locked it, the soft beep echoing in the quiet evening air.
The Loch View Hotel stood ahead, its pink facade glowing under strings of fairy lights that winked to life against the dusk.
The place had a kind of understated grandeur and was well known around Glenbriar, but he’d never been here before.
Straightening the cuffs of his white shirt, he took the steps two at a time, trying to convince himself he didn’t feel out of place. Then he saw Clara.
She stood near the entrance, half in shadow, half bathed in the spill of golden light from the doorway.
She was checking her phone, clutching a small handbag like it might float away.
The deep red of her dress caught the light and shimmered as she shifted – a dress that hugged every curve and plunged just enough at the neckline to make his throat tighten.
Her hair, normally smooth and practical, had been coaxed into soft waves that brushed her shoulders. And her eyes—
He tugged at his collar. Hell. She was stunning. Always was, but this… this was another level. A walking fire hazard.
Not that it meant anything. He could appreciate a beautiful woman without reading more into it. Clara was a friend, and he wasn’t about to let his brain rewrite that. He’d learned his lesson the hard way.
His ex, Olive, had texted that morning. Again. Almost one hundred per cent certain she’d be moving that summer. Didn’t expect him to move because of her, of course, but she’d understand if he wanted to because of the boys. The phrasing alone made his teeth grind.
He’d do it, though. Of course he would. Those lads were his world.
Maybe not his by blood, but in every other way that mattered.
He’d been there for scraped knees, late-night homework, and to fix broken toys…
and hearts. If anyone knew what it was like to lose a dad, it was him.
He wasn’t letting them go through that while he still had a say.
But still – the injustice of it simmered under his skin. Olive got to call the shots, and he was supposed to smile and nod. It wasn’t about her anymore, but it still felt like she had a remote control for his life.
He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to roll his shoulders back. Not tonight. Tonight wasn’t about any of that.
He glanced towards the hotel again – towards Clara, still scrolling her phone, her lips curving in a tiny frown of concentration. Warmth stirred low in his chest.
Tonight was a celebration. And he was damn well going to act like it.
Clara looked up and caught sight of him. Her face lit up, and she waved.
‘Oh, thank goodness you’re here.’ She took hold of his arm as soon as he got to the top of the steps. ‘I don’t know if I’m early or late… or what, but—’ She shook her head, a little laugh escaping. ‘I hate walking into places on my own, and I can’t see if anyone is already in.’
‘I think we’re a bit early.’ Sam moved his arm that she still had in a grip to check his watch. ‘As we usually are.’
‘Ah, true. We’re always first at school, aren’t we?’
‘We are.’ He eyed her over. ‘You look… good.’
‘Oh.’ She glanced at her feet, her cheeks going pink. ‘Just thought I’d make an effort.’ Her eyes rose again, and she took him in as she went. ‘You look pretty fine yourself.’
‘No tux, I’m afraid. Lissa will be disappointed.’
‘Can’t go wrong with the old white shirt and black jeans though.’ She grinned.
He peered in the door. ‘Let’s go in together, shall we?’
‘Yeah.’
Sam opened the door and waited for Clara to go in, then followed. As they stepped into the grand entrance hall and approached the restaurant door, a young server came over, glancing between them with a polite smile.
‘Table for two?’
Clara caught Sam’s eye, looking like she might burst into giggles. It made him smile too.
‘Er no, we’re here for the Glenbriar High School staff night out.’
‘Ah, right. Follow me, please.’ The server led them past the restaurant to another door. It opened onto a large private function room with two long tables set up with balloons and champagne coolers.
‘This looks amazing.’ Clara beamed.
‘Clara! Sam!’ a loud and unmistakable voice shouted from where they’d just come.
Sam turned to see Lissa sweeping in, wearing a long, glittering gold dress that dazzled him.
She was such an amazing advocate for being true to yourself.
She wore what she liked, and the fact she was shorter and curvier than a traditionally beautiful woman didn’t bother her, and it was amazing to see; she looked stunning.
‘She’s so wonderful.’ Clara grinned at her.
Beside her was a short, stocky man with gingery hair and a huge grin. Lissa bounded over and grabbed Clara, pulling her into a huge hug.
‘You look bloody gorgeous.’ Lissa squeezed her, then turned to Sam and pounced on him. ‘And you are volcanic as always, Mr Addison. Didn’t I tell you he was a hotcake?’ She turned to her husband, and Sam glanced at Clara, barely holding back a laugh. Lissa was so wild.
‘Ah, so you’re the man I need to look out for.’ Lissa’s husband eyed Sam with fake annoyance through a huge grin.
‘Shut it!’ Lissa nudged him. ‘This is my husband, Duncan.’ She patted his arm. ‘Meet Sam and—’
Duncan gave Sam a hearty handshake. ‘Pleasure to meet you.’
‘Likewise.’
Duncan’s gaze turned to Clara. ‘And is this your lovely wife?’
Clara blinked, a smile still tugging at her lips.
‘Er, no. Clara’s a teacher too.’
Lissa raised her eyebrows at Duncan. ‘I was just about to introduce her if you would listen. This is Clara.’ She patted her on the arm. Then, with a mischievous glint, she glanced from Clara to Sam. ‘But you could pretend to be married tonight.’ She winked.
Sam frowned and rubbed his forehead. ‘Why?’
Duncan gave him a hearty nudge. ‘For the after-party fun, of course,’
Lissa smacked his arm. ‘Duncan!’
Clara looked up at Sam, and they exchanged a wide-eyed glance before both dissolving into laughter, Clara’s hand covering her mouth. ‘You two are mental.’ Clara shook her head.
‘Us?’ Lissa pulled a face of mock shock.
‘If you’d like to go in,’ the server suggested.
‘Yes, let’s do that.’ Sam put out his hand for Clara to go in front.
‘Oh, this is gorgeous.’ Lissa swooped in, throwing her arms wide like she was about to perform an operatic number.
Sam caught Clara’s eye again, and they started silently chuckling.
‘Hello, hello,’ a voice from the door said.
Adele and Brenna had arrived with a handful of other teachers, all chatting and looking around. Both Adele and Brenna looked ready to step onto a red carpet.
‘You two look gorgeous.’ Clara hugged them both. ‘Those dresses are stunning.’
‘You look amazing yourself.’ Adele gave her a double pat on the arm before turning to Lissa. Her black hair was piled high, heels adding to her height. ‘Thanks for organising this, Lissa. It looks beautiful – exactly what we need after this week.’
‘It really is,’ Clara added. ‘This is exactly why we love you.’
Lissa waved off the praise and introduced her husband.
‘You ladies are all stunning,’ Duncan said.
‘You’ll make Lissa jealous,’ Brenna teased.
‘Not when she’s eyeing up this one.’ He jabbed a thumb at Sam and laughed.
‘Honestly, my husband’s a riot.’ Lissa rolled her eyes. ‘But I’m on my best behaviour. Sam and Clara are pretending to be married tonight, so I’d better not upset his fake wife.’
‘Lissa!’ Clara glared at her.
Adele and Brenna exchanged raised-brow looks and glanced at Sam. He shot them one back that clearly said, It’s just Lissa. Don’t ask.
Adele grinned. ‘If that’s how we’re playing it, maybe Brenna and I should pretend to be married too.’ She gave her an exaggerated once-over. ‘Can you imagine what the parents would say?’
Brenna laughed. ‘Never mind the parents – what about Max? He’d lose it if the “two hottest fuckers” in school got together.’
Adele doubled over laughing. Clara snorted into her hand. Sam just shook his head.
‘I don’t think I want to imagine his reaction. Ever. Too disturbing,’ he said.
‘That whole family’s disturbing,’ Adele said with a grimace. ‘I bet Max’s dad would fancy a go with both of us.’ She winked.
‘Oh God, is he hideous?’ Brenna asked.
‘Not at all. He’s a hot bastard. Just an arrogant dick.’
‘Ugh.’ Brenna threw up her hands. ‘Keep him away from me. I’ve had enough of men like that.’
As more people arrived, they started to fill up the tables, taking seats wherever they wanted. Sam settled in, and Clara claimed the seat beside him, while Brenna took the one on his other side.
‘Is Isaac coming tonight?’ Brenna looked at Sam as she poured herself some wine.
‘No.’ Sam shook his head. ‘He doesn’t really enjoy big gatherings.’
‘Aw, shame.’ Brenna sighed, swirling her glass. ‘He’s such a sweetie, and we’d have looked after him.’
Sam smiled, but before he could respond, Kerr came in. He was so tall he seemed to command a presence. Beside him was his fiancée, looking stunning in a black dress. Behind them were Eddie and his partner, Kenneth, both grinning. Eddie looked dapper in a pale grey suit and white shirt.
Clara gripped the table tightly. Sam glanced down and gave her hand a reassuring pat. She took a deep breath.
‘Oh, you look absolutely beautiful,’ she said as Kerr and Georgie sat opposite them. Sam wasn’t sure which one she was addressing. ‘And your dress is stunning.’
Georgie’s cheeks were tinged pink, and she laughed. ‘Thank you.’
‘Yeah, I managed to steer her away from the white one.’ Kerr put his arm around her shoulder and placed a kiss on her cheek.
‘It’s so nice to meet you properly,’ Clara said.
‘You too.’ Georgie smiled at her. ‘Kerr’s told me lots of wonderful things about you, and everyone. You sound like a great team.’
‘And we smashed the inspection,’ Adele said. ‘We won’t know officially for another few weeks, when the report comes out, but the verbal feedback was all very good. No major things to work on, just the usual small areas of improvement.’