Beneath This Man(27)

'I know,' His eyebrows rise. 'It was quite a surprise.'

'Was she okay?'

'Yes, she was fine,' He kisses my nose and slaps my bum. 'Out you get.'

I jump out of the shower, set about drying myself and use Jesse's toothbrush after he's finished with it, being too lazy to cross the landing and retrieve my own. I walk into the bedroom to find him ready, looking delicious in some worn jeans and a simple white t-shirt. He's still quite overgrown, though.

'I'm going,' He smothers my face with kisses. 'Have lace on when I get home.' He winks and leaves.

I waste no time. I grab my phone immediately to call Dan, and we arrange to meet at Almundo's, a little coffee house in Covent Garden. I run across the landing and dress in record time, calling down to Clive to order me a cab between drying my hair and pinning it up. I'm super excited.

When I walk into Almundo's, I scan my eyes across the masses of people having their Sunday morning brunch and spot him sat in the corner with his face in the Sunday paper. He looks so well, all tanned and dazzling. I fly across the cafe and all but dive on him.

'Whoa!' he laughs. 'Pleased to see me, kid?' He wraps his arms around me, and I fall apart all over him. I'm so happy to see him and all of the built up stress and emotion of the last few weeks just spills out of me...again. 'Hey, stop that.' he scolds me.

'I'm sorry.' I peel myself away from his body and sit beside him.

He takes my hand in his. 'Get rid of those tears, right now.' He smiles. 'This will be the best thing that ever happened to you. You're well shot.'

Oh, he thinks I'm in a state over Matt? Should I let him carry on thinking that? The alternative is explaining a whole lot of other shit, and I can't do that. I would be here for months. I wipe my eyes. 'I know. It's been a shitty few weeks. I'm fine, really.'

'Forget about him and get on with your life. You've got a lot to catch up with.' He rubs my arm affectionately. 'What about this other bloke who Matt's been whining on about?'

Damn, I was hoping to avoid all questions relating to Jesse's involvement - wishful thinking, obviously. 'His name is Jesse. It's nothing. He's just a friend.'

'Just a friend?' He eyes me suspiciously as my hand reaches up to find a stray tendril from my up-do.

'Just a friend.' I shake my head. 'Kate had a spat with Matt and thought she would shut him up with a few stretched truths.'

'So, there is an element of truth in it then?' He raises his eyebrows.

'No,' I need to change the subject. 'How are Mum and Dad?'

He gives me a warning look. 'Threatening to pay a visit to London and sort you out. Mum mentioned a strange man answering your phone last week. I suspect he might be the stretched truth?'

Okay, my attempts at diversion have failed miserably. 'Yeah, okay. Can we change the subject please?' I sound ratty.

Dan holds his hands up in defense. 'Okay, okay. I'm just saying, be careful, Ava.'

I sag and consider exactly what my parents will make of Jesse. Without even The Manor and his small drink issue, they still won't be happy. He is obviously older than me, he might be stinking rich, but that won't cut any cloth with Mum and Dad, and the fact that he likes a trample every now and again will not help matters. It's near on impossible to hide my frustration when he's being challenging. Mind you, his quick acceptance of my reluctance to go with him this morning might be the breakthrough I've been waiting for.

We order coffee, water and pastries and chat about Dan's job, Australia and his future prospects. He's doing well. His friend is expanding the surf school business and wants Dan to partner him. I'm pleased for him, but quietly disappointed for my own selfish reasons. He won't be coming home anytime soon.

'How's Kate?' he asks, while picking at the corners of his pastry. He's blatantly feigning disinterest.

I should refrain from mentioning Sam. I can't imagine Dan would appreciate such information. I abruptly remember I've not taken my pill and start rummaging through my bag. 'She's still Kate.' I say casually, feeling incredibly uncomfortable talking about her with Dan. It doesn't feel right anymore. I locate my pill packet and pop one out before taking it with some water, watching over my glass as Dan drops into deep thought. I need to snap him out of that immediately. 'What about you? Are there any female interests?' I ask on an arched brow, swapping my water for coffee.