In fact it had felt more like making love than all the times she’d believed she’d been doing exactly that, with men who’d turned out to be bitter disappointments.
‘That’s one of the ladies in my life sorted.’ Luke stood in the bedroom doorway, Pickles resting snug against his chest, the rabbit’s blissful expression surely that of every woman who’d ever had the fortune to be cuddled up against him. ‘How’s the one without floppy ears and a twitchy nose doing?’
One of the ladies … it’s a joke, get over yourself. If she really wanted to give this a go with Luke, she’d have to. She gave him a bright smile. ‘Dressed and ready. Thanks for the coffee. I’ll see you soon?’
‘I hope so.’ He looked like he wanted to say something more, but then clearly thought better of it. They walked together to his door, where he planted a soft kiss on her lips, Pickles making Mia laugh as her whiskers tickled her chin. ‘I’m working most of the weekend.’ Another feather-light kiss. ‘Any chance I can persuade you to sit on a bar stool and let me stare at you all evening?’
Her parents were coming down. Her sister. This was the time to tell him. Yet Mia hesitated. Was she ready for him to meet them? Her sister, okay, but parents seemed like a huge step, for both of them. Her, because she’d introduced too many guys to her mum and dad who’d later turned out to be duffers. Yes, her parents loved her. No, they didn’t judge. It didn’t stop Mia feeling like a failure, though. Elle had found the jackpot with boyfriend number one, and while Mia was still trying to find a man who wouldn’t turn out to be an utter prick, her sister had provided their parents with two gorgeous grandchildren.
The next man Mia introduced to them, she wanted it to be The One.
Besides, Luke hadn’t been in a relationship since he was eighteen, so he’d surely freak out at the thought of meeting her family. ‘I’m not sure what I’m doing yet.’ It sounded weak, like she was fobbing him off. The flash of hurt that crossed his face told her that’s how he saw it, too, so she reached up to kiss him. ‘I’ll drop in if I get the chance.’
As she walked down the corridor, still arguing with herself over whether she should have mentioned her parents’ visit, she heard a click, and the door of the neighbouring flat opened.
Immaculate Woman stepped out, living up to her name in a smart deep green suit teamed with high heels, her long brown hair neatly coiled into a bun. Mia, blue-striped sex hair, wearing yesterday’s jeans and T-shirt, tried not to feel inferior.
‘Well hello.’ Freya gave her a cool smile.
Mia couldn’t deny the woman was extremely attractive with almond-shaped hazel eyes and killer cheekbones. That smile though? Yeah, Mia reckoned she could also be a hard-nosed bitch if she didn’t like you. ‘Morning.’
The other woman’s gaze skimmed over Mia’s geek T-shirt before resting back on Mia’s face. ‘It’s Mia, isn’t it? I guess if you’re coming out of Luke’s flat at nine in the morning, you must be his latest.’
Okay, she’d been right. Freya was a bitch. ‘And you must be Grace’s mum.’
Freya lifted a dark brow. ‘He’s told you about us then?’
‘Why wouldn’t he? He’s very proud of his daughter.’ Mia smirked to herself. Apparently she could do bitch too, given the right incentive.
Freya gave her a cool look. ‘Most of his relationships don’t last long enough to discuss more than whose bed to use and how many condoms are needed.’
Ouch, there was bitch, and mega bitch. ‘Well, it’s been … interesting talking to you.’ Mia faked a smile. ‘I must dash, I’ve got to replenish my condom stocks.’
Head held high, she walked towards the stairs. Then scampered down them as fast as her trainers could take her. It didn’t seem to matter how many times she told herself not to take any notice of the bitch’s words, she felt rattled. Enough that when she came to Naomi’s café, she pushed open the door and went inside.
Naomi greeted her with her usual wide smile, though it slipped when she saw Mia’s expression. ‘Hey girl, what’s got into you?’
‘Freya,’ she blurted without thinking.
Understanding dawned on Naomi’s face. ‘You mean the Freya who’s mum to Grace.’
Mia shook herself. ‘Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. Truth is, she didn’t say anything new. I just wasn’t prepared for her.’ She gave Naomi a considering look. ‘And how come you know who Freya is?’
Naomi chuckled. ‘Damn girl, I’m the café owner, the daytime equivalent of the bartender. I see everyone, talk to everyone and they talk to me.’
Mia screwed up her face. ‘Freya’s a customer?’
‘Occasionally she comes inside.’ Again Naomi laughed. ‘Usually she toddles right on by on those killer heels.’ Naomi gave her a sympathetic look. ‘From what I hear, the woman is obsessed with her career and has no time for anyone else, male or female. I wouldn’t take any notice of her.’
‘I won’t. Next time I’ll be on my guard.’ After checking nobody was behind her, Mia leaned in and whispered, ‘How did it go with Stan? Did you have a good night?’
‘You mean after you’d ditched us to go and sit at the bar and flirt with the owner?’
‘I’m not having that. You were itching for me to get lost.’
Naomi’s dark eyes twinkled. ‘Let’s just say Stan’s dry humour appeals, and he’s a real gentleman. Walked me back to my place after we left.’
‘And?’
Naomi hooted with laughter. ‘Our generation doesn’t rush things, not like you young things. We take our time, savour the journey, rather than being focused on reaching the destination.’ She gave Mia an appraising look. ‘Seems to me you reached your destination, judging by the way you’re wearing the same clothes I saw you in last night. Question is, do you get off now, or do you stay on board and see where it takes you next?’
Mia opened her mouth, closed it, then opened it again. ‘Café owner and philosopher, huh?’
Naomi winked. ‘More like nosey old woman.’
Mia laughed. ‘You’re not old.’
Again Naomi’s rich laughter filled the café. ‘Neatly done. I’ll not expect an answer to that question, but maybe you can answer this instead. Did you have a good time last night?’
Mia willed herself not to blush. ‘I did indeed, thank you.’ Dear God. Next she’d be saying, I bid you good day. She caught the glint in Naomi’s eye and burst out laughing. ‘Crap, Naomi, I don’t know what to say. It’s all a bit … new. We’ve been mates for a while, but now we’ve crossed a line and I’m still trying to work out how I feel, you know?’
‘I do know.’ Mia had the feeling Naomi was in a similar place with Stan. ‘My advice, don’t think too hard, it ties a person up in knots.’ She patted her chest. ‘The heart is usually the best guide.’
‘Not in my experience.’ Yet for the first time, Mia questioned whether she’d ever actually been in love. For all the pain the likes of Pete et al. had caused her, she’d never experienced with them what she’d felt last night. Or this morning. A sensation of being out of control, like jumping from a plane and falling through the sky; exhilarating, yet terrifying. Desperately hoping for a working parachute to slow the fall, and a soft landing.