15 | Trust your heart
15 | trust your heart
CARA
The flat was practically sparkling when I returned from the gym, the scent of citrus and a hint of chlorine permeating the air. It brought a smile to my mouth, as it reminded me how pleasant it was to live with Jason. He always pulled his weight. I hadn’t once been made to feel like his maid or mother.
‘Hello,’ Olivia called from the living room, the sound of the telly mingling with her voice.
‘Hiya,’ I replied, dropping my bag on the floor.
‘There’s a turkey sandwich for you in the fridge,’ Jason said. ‘We couldn’t be bothered to cook, so we ordered some as we tidied up the flat.’
My smile widened at their thoughtfulness. ‘How sweet,’ I said, kicking off my shoes and sauntering toward the doorway. I found them sprawled on the couch, Olivia cuddled up against Jason’s side, her leg draped over both of his. It was somewhat surreal to see them like this – lounging with the familiarity of a long-time couple – but it also made me glad. I would have hated for things to have been awkward between them instead.
‘How’s the hangover?’ I asked, leaning against the doorpost.
‘Not too bad,’ Jason replied, reaching for the remote to pause the show they were watching.
‘Just tired,’ Olivia added with a yawn.
‘Didn’t get much sleep, huh?’ I teased, my smile warping into a wry version.
She gave me a humoured look. ‘No.’
‘Maybe you should have a nap. You definitely deserve it after tidying up the place so well,’ I said, my eyes flickering around the room.
Jason snorted. ‘Bare minimum,’ he murmured. ‘But yeah, a nap sounds like a good idea. How was the gym?’
I shrugged. ‘The usual – William getting eyed up by loads of gorgeous women.’
A laugh slipped from Jason. ‘Jealous, Cara?’
‘Maybe I would have been if it weren’t so obvious that he doesn’t notice them at all.’
Olivia grinned. ‘Why would he, when he’s already dating the most gorgeous woman of all?’
I chuckled. ‘Well, that’s an outright lie, but I’ll take it anyway.’
‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ Jason argued. ‘I know for a fact that Will would agree with Livy.’
‘Then that’s all that matters,’ I said amusedly. ‘Anyway, I’m going to hop in the shower.’
‘Enjoy,’ Olivia said, snuggling closer to Jason.
I made my way to the bathroom, turned on the shower, and let the warm water cascade over me, soothing my muscles and washing away the remnants of my workout. Within minutes, I was refreshed and changed into a pair of cosy joggers and a soft, oversized jumper.
Heading to the kitchen, I opened the fridge and found a neatly wrapped turkey sandwich waiting for me. I unwrapped it and sat down at the kitchen table, savouring the first bite. The blend of turkey, crisp lettuce and red pesto was just what I needed.
Moments later, Olivia sauntered in, her footsteps light and unhurried. She plopped down in the chair opposite me, a contented smile on her face.
‘Jason’s gone to take a nap,’ she said, stretching her arms above her head. ‘Thought I’d keep you company.’
‘Tell me everything,’ I replied, my gaze fixed on her as I took another bite of my sandwich. ‘Who made the first move?’
Chuckling, she leaned forward, propping her elbows on the table. ‘He did. I was just as surprised as you probably are.’
I swallowed my mouthful, completely unable to mask my curiosity. ‘How did he do it?’
She averted her gaze, a dreamy look on her face. ‘Well, we were flirting a bit earlier in the evening, but I didn’t think much of it – you know how Jason is. He’s always so kind and affectionate with everyone, and he’s naturally touchy-feely, so I didn’t see it as anything special. I thought he was just being his usual self.’
‘But?’
She stood up, went to the counter, and grabbed a glass from the cupboard above the sink. As she filled it with water, she continued, ‘But after everyone had left, I realised I was wrong. I stayed behind to help him clean up the worst of the mess and planned to crash in your bed. As we tidied up together, he started getting a bit playful, in a different way.’
My eyes were riveted on her figure as I absorbed her words, picturing everything. ‘Different how?’
She paused, a small smile playing on her lips as she recalled the moment. ‘At first, it was just little things, like brushing his hand against mine when he passed me the bin bags. But then he started teasing me, flicking water at me while we did the dishes and bumping his hip against mine as we moved around the kitchen. It was all in good fun, but there was something different in his eyes, a spark that wasn’t there before.’
She took a sip of water and looked thoughtful. ‘As we were picking up bottles and glasses, he began making jokes about how messy everyone was, and he kept reaching intimately around me to grab something when he could have easily avoided it.’
Suddenly a giggle leaped from her lips. ‘He even started a little game, pretending to be an overly dramatic French maid, making me laugh with his exaggerated accent and sighs. And then, as we moved back to the living room to straighten things up, he kept finding excuses to be close, leaning in to say something funny. When he finally suggested we take a break, he sat down next to me on the sofa, his arm resting casually behind me.’
My cheeks were starting to hurt from the size of my grin. ‘This is so cute.’
She nodded profusely. ‘It was then I really started to notice the way he looked at me – a bit more intensely than usual. He even tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear.’
I burst out laughing. ‘No way! How textbook, Jason!’
She laughed too, a gleeful sound that came from the depths of her belly. ‘Right? And then he leaned in, his face just inches from mine, and said something about how much he enjoyed spending time with me. That’s when I realised he might actually be flirting with me, not just being his normal, affectionate self.’
‘So what did you do? How did you respond?’ I asked, having forgotten all about my sandwich. My stomach was already full of butterflies.
Her face turned scarlet as she held my gaze. ‘I stared at his lips like a bloody idiot. I’m convinced my expression screamed “kiss me!”’
I cackled. ‘And did he?’
‘Yes. Thank God.’
‘I’m so happy for you guys,’ I said, feeling an exhilarating warmth spreading through my whole system. ‘So what’s next, then? Are you going to start seeing each other?’
Nodding, she turned away and grabbed another glass from the cupboard, filling it with water. ‘That’s the plan. We’re going on a proper date on Friday.’ She returned to the table, setting the glass of water in front of me.
I murmured a quick thanks as she sat down opposite me. As I watched her, a wave of memories and thoughts washed over me. Seeing her so happy with Jason made me think of her past with Colin. Their relationship had been tumultuous, and I remembered the countless times she’d confided in me about their arguments and his unpredictable behaviour. I couldn’t help but wonder if she was truly ready to move on.
She seemed to notice the shift in my expression, as her eyebrows knitted together.
‘What is it?’ she asked gently, her concern evident.
I shook myself from my thoughts and gave her a reassuring smile. ‘I’m just thinking. It’s really great to see you this happy. You deserve it after everything with Colin.’
Her eyebrow quirked upward. ‘But?’
Sighing, I looked absentmindedly at my sandwich, taking a moment to find the right words. ‘Are you sure you’re ready for it?’ I asked, meeting her gaze again. ‘Dating, I mean?’
‘Yes.’ She reached over the table, clasping my hand tightly. ‘Cara, I would never have touched Jason if I wasn’t sure about that. He’s your best friend – I’d never use him as a rebound. Is that what you’re worried about? Because I could never hurt either of you like that.’ Her face was grave, her eyes full of conviction. ‘I genuinely fancy him, Cara.’
‘Good.’ I huffed with relief, squeezing her hand in return. ‘Then you have my blessing.’
‘Thank you.’ She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper, ‘On another note, I just have to tell you this – he’s fucking fantastic in bed.’
My eyes widened in surprise. ‘Is he?’
‘Yes.’ She nodded repeatedly. ‘Best I’ve ever been with.’
‘No way!’ I giggled. ‘Maybe it’s a genetic thing, then.’
She grinned widely. ‘Maybe. He’s definitely got some moves that remind me of what you’ve said about William. Or maybe they’ve been exchanging tips.’
‘One way or another, we’re both winners.’ I raised my glass, and so did she. Then we clinked them together with a smug laugh.
As we set them back down, my phone rang from my bag in the hall. I glanced toward the sound, then back at Olivia.
‘Feel free to answer it,’ she said, standing up. ‘I’m going to join Jason for a nap.’
‘All right,’ I replied, getting up as well.
She gave me a warm smile as she headed toward Jason’s bedroom. I made my way to the hall, digging through my bag until I found my phone. The screen displayed Mum and I accepted the call, bringing the phone to my ear as I walked to my bedroom.
‘Hi, Mum.’
‘Hi, darling. How are you?’ she cooed as I closed the door behind me.
‘I’m good. Just got back from the gym.’
‘Did you manage a new PR?’
I chuckled. ‘Not today. Deload week.’
‘Translation?’
I sat on the edge of my bed, leaning back against the pillows. ‘It’s basically a phase of lowered intensity, giving my muscles a chance to recover without jeopardising my progress.’
‘Right. And how’s work? You’ve been so busy lately that I’ve wondered whether I ought to send you a postcard with a picture of home.’
I grimaced, feeling a pang of guilt. I hadn’t spent nearly enough time with my parents lately. I needed to get better at balancing my life and making sure I didn’t neglect the people who mattered most.
‘I know, I’m sorry. Work has just been so hectic. I promise I’ll visit soon.’
‘How about later today? Your dad and I would love to have you over for dinner.’
I hesitated, my mind racing. I had a date with William later, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to divulge that. Telling my parents about him felt like a significant step. Was I ready for that? I could already picture their curious faces, the barrage of questions they’d have, and the intense scrutiny that would follow. Did I really want to open that door?
Adding to my hesitation was the fact that William was my boss. I knew my parents would be concerned about the potential complications of dating someone from work, especially someone in a position of authority over me. They’d worry about my professional future and the implications of mixing business with personal life.
Still, perhaps it was time to be open with them. I was an adult, capable of making my own decisions and handling the consequences. And, if they knew about William, it would save me from the stress of hiding things from them. They might even understand the complexities of my situation better than I expected.
Taking a deep breath, I decided it was time to be candid and tell them what was going on.
‘I’d love to,’ I said, ‘but I’ve actually got plans tonight. I’ve… been seeing someone, and we’ve got a date.’
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line.
‘What?’ Mum asked, her voice thick with curiosity.
I rubbed my forehead, huffing. ‘Yeah.’
‘Who? Do I know him?’
‘No, but I’ve mentioned him a few times.’
‘Who?’ she repeated, and I couldn’t tell whether she was excited or wary.
I swallowed hard. ‘Remember Jason’s brother? William?’ I strategically mentioned him in that light, hoping to temper the fact that he was also my boss.
Mum was silent for a moment. I could almost hear her thoughts whirring. ‘William Night?’
‘Yes.’
Another pause. ‘Isn’t he your boss?’ Her scepticism was clear, making me wince. This wasn’t going the way I had hoped. Heat climbed up my neck and flooded my face.
‘Only temporarily,’ I said, clearing my throat.
She was quiet for such a long time that I went on, ‘I really like him, Mum.’ But the words felt strange on my tongue, like a shadow of a greater truth. They felt inadequate, as if they barely skimmed the surface of my feelings. They didn’t convey the way his eyes, with their tender intensity, could dissolve all my worries, nor the thrill that surged through me at his mere presence. They didn’t capture the exhilaration that coursed through me at the sound of his laughter, or the indescribable comfort of being enveloped in his strong, protective arms. Saying I liked him didn’t reflect how my heart raced when he entered a room, how the sound of his voice could calm the fiercest storm within me, or how complete and at peace I felt whenever he was near, as if the universe had finally aligned.
No, I didn’t just like William. I was in love with him.
The realisation struck me like a sudden, brilliant dawn breaking over a restless sea, flooding me with a luminous clarity and a tremor of fear.
It was love. Deep, consuming, and undeniable.
I was still absorbing the shock of my epiphany when Mum’s voice cut through my thoughts, anchoring me to reality.
‘Cara, if William is anything like his brother, I’m sure he’s an absolute daydream, but I won’t lie – I’m a bit concerned about the boss-employee dynamic.’
I groaned, collapsing sideways on the bed and covering my face with my hand. ‘Mum, I’m already halfway through my vacation scheme. After that, he won’t be my boss anymore, and this whole thing started before we even knew he would be my boss.’
‘What? How long has this been going on?’ she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
‘It’s complicated, but kind of since April.’
She went silent again, and the pause stretched out, filling me with anxiety.
‘Mum?’
‘I’m just processing, dear.’
‘Are you disappointed in me?’ I asked, unable to hide the despondency in my voice.
‘What? No,’ she said quickly. ‘I’m just taken aback. This is all a bit unlike you. But it must mean that William is quite special to make you take such a risk. The Cara I know would never date her boss without carefully thinking through all the consequences.’
I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I was holding. ‘He is, Mum. And I have considered the consequences. For a long time, I rejected him for exactly that reason.’
‘And what changed your mind?’
I could hear the underlying concern: Did he pressure you? Did he exploit his position of power?
‘How incredible he is,’ I said earnestly. ‘Really, Mum, he’s the most wonderful man I’ve ever met. He didn’t pressure me at all – on the contrary, he backed off completely. I was the one who pursued him after we started working together.’
‘Really?’ She sounded so surprised that I felt my cheeks heat up again.
‘I’m getting really embarrassed talking about this,’ I admitted, shifting uncomfortably.
She chuckled softly. ‘Oh, darling, I’m sorry. I’m just worried about you, that’s all.’
‘Well, you don’t have to be,’ I said. ‘Let me explain.’ I went on to tell her the whole story, detailing how William had ceased his advances once I told him I was uncomfortable pursuing anything more with him, then how I had changed my mind after we started working together, and how gracefully he had handled it all, always letting me set the pace and take the lead in any flirtation.
‘Darling…’ Mum hesitated, her voice softer now. ‘Are you in love with him?’
I almost choked at her question, caught off guard. ‘What? I…’
‘The way you talk about him,’ she said, a knowing smile in her voice. ‘It’s as if he’s everything to you.’
I pursed my lips, my eyes flitting around the room without really seeing. ‘I think I am, Mum,’ I admitted, my heart pounding as the confession left my mouth.
‘Oh, sweetheart. I suppose love has a way of finding us when we least expect it.’
‘It really does. I never imagined feeling this way.’
‘Well, if he makes you this happy, he’s clearly someone worth holding on to. Trust your heart.’
‘Does that mean you approve?’
She chuckled. ‘Well, you’ve certainly painted him in a good light, and I can tell you’ve really thought this through. Your dad and I just want what’s best for you, no matter what. If you feel that William is right for you, we’ll support you.’
I sat up, feeling as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. ‘Thanks, Mum. Really.’
‘Of course, darling. Now, since you can’t make dinner tonight, how about you come over for lunch tomorrow instead? You can tell us more about William then. Your dad will want to hear about this as well.’
I let out another groan, already dreading it. ‘Can’t you tell him for me?’
‘I can, but he’ll probably have a few questions of his own.’
‘Fine,’ I murmured. ‘I’ll come for lunch.’
‘Good. See you then. Have a wonderful time with William tonight.’
‘Thanks, Mum. Love you.’
‘Love you too, Cara.’
I ended the call, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. I sank back on my bed, the conversation replaying in my mind. My heart was still pounding from the realisation I had just admitted out loud: I was in love with William.
As I stared at the ceiling, memories of our time together flooded my thoughts. His smile, that warm and genuine smile that seemed to be reserved just for me; the way he listened to me, really listened, as if every word I said mattered; his laugh, a sound that could lift my spirits even on the darkest days.
Tonight’s date suddenly took on a new significance. It wouldn’t be just another evening with him – it would be a chance to fully appreciate the person who had become so integral to my life.
I got up and walked to the full-length mirror, looking at my reflection. There was a sparkle in my eyes, a sign of the excitement and nervousness bubbling within me. I thought about what I would wear, daydreaming about the evening ahead. I knew I’d be looking at him from a new perspective, seeing the man I loved in every gesture, every word, every touch.
For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. I was in love, and the knowledge of it filled me with a quiet joy. Tonight, I would bask in the warmth of that feeling, savour the beauty of what we had together, and let my heart lead the way .