‘Really, that’s fantastic. I’ll pick you up at eight.’ He lifted his hand and briefly touched her cheek. ‘You did really well last night, you know. Look, I’ve a clinic in thirty minutes but that leaves me plenty of time to…’
‘No, that’s alright – I need my bike so…’
‘So it can go the same place my surfboard goes then.’ He ended her sentence, before helping her into the front seat and driving round the back to the bicycle park.
Chapter Twenty Four
Liddy saw him pull up from her lounge window with a deep sigh. While she knew she had to wear a dress she hadn’t quite gathered he’d be in a Tux. What was it about a man’s shoulders anyway that always made her take a sharp intake of breath. Some women liked legs. Sorcha, on the other hand bored her to tears about the benefits of a nice firm set of buttocks. For her it had always been shoulders, the broader the better and Mitch’s were simply perfect. She could almost see the muscle definition where they spanned out towards his biceps. It must be a throwback from the hunter gatherer period where the boys had all the fun working on their physical prowess whilst the little women were left to clear up in the man cave!
She suddenly realised he was staring at her as it she’d just fallen out of the sky. Oh God, she just knew she should have nipped into town to buy something, but the kitty was well and truly empty until she got her deposit back from the landlord. All she had in her cupboard that in anyway could be called suitable were those two bargain basement sundresses. She’d finally opted for the yellow being as it was the longest but who the hell wore yellow to a December dance?
She turned to check the door was locked before making her way towards him, all the time aware of his intense gaze pinned to her body just as if he’d never seen someone dressed like a daffodil before!
‘Er Hello. Well, will I do?’
‘You’ll more than do – you’re beautiful.’ He said, dipping his head to plant the coolest of kisses on her cheek.
‘So I see you’ve polished your car then?’
He threw her a quick glance before speaking. ‘Well if you have something precious you need to keep it maintained.’
‘Mm, what happens when grubby little fingers start wiping chocolate on the seats then?’
‘Pardon?’
‘You know, when you get the two point four kids – not much room in the boot for a double buggy either.’
‘It’ll go in the same place as your bicycle - with the roof down and the handlebars poking out the top. So do you want to drive her then?’
Liddy paused, looking at the driver’s side briefly before heading to the passenger door.
‘Er no. If it was a Mini I’d take you up on it, but a Morgan - no!’
‘What’s so special about a Mini anyway?’ His lips pulled into a smile. ‘I thought you’d prefer something with a bit more power after your bicycle.’
‘There’s no need to be nasty about Lucy - she may be a crock, but she’s my crock, and anyway she’s easier to park than a flipping Morgan if you must know and cheaper to run. While we’re on the subject there’s nothing wrong with Mini’s either. If it wasn’t for the parking I’d still be driving mine, instead of poor old Luce,’ she snapped, slamming the door shut.
Mitch visible winced at the sound of metal on metal, but managed to restrain himself from leaping over to check the hinges. Didn’t she know anything; cars like his demanded respect and attention – in the same way women did come to think of it, as he looked across at her steely eyed profile. If he didn’t back down and calm down pretty quick they wouldn’t be going anywhere.
‘So why is your bike called Lucy then?’ He asked, handing her the seatbelt.
‘Not Lucy: Loo Se! Because her seat’s harder than a….’
‘A loo seat! Okay, okay I get it.’ He said, on a laugh before putting Mildred into first and pulling out onto the empty road.
He was only thankful he had his hands on the steering wheel and his mind on the road ahead. He was still getting over the sight of her in that dress. Only she would have chosen yellow on a night such as this. Most girls would be opting for safe black or fire engine red, but not her. He daren’t even glance at the very revealing neckline now he knew what treasures it touched. God, in the next life he was going to be a bra: A nice large silky one that skimmed and caressed wherever fabric met skin. He could almost feel the outline of her breasts as his eyes, as if pulled by their own accord focused for a moment on the curves encased and enhanced by her choice of dress. It hadn’t helped that the shawl had moved as he’d helped her into the car. And it had made things a whole lot worse after she’d secured the seatbelt into place. He closed his eyes against that particular image. He would have to think of something else pretty quickly, or else ruin the line of his trousers. He wasn’t even sure if he could change gear until his hands had stopped shaking.
‘Mitch?’
‘Mm.’ He replied, sliding his hand from the gear stick and onto her knee. She placed hers on top and absentminded started to play with his long tapered fingers.
‘Can I ask you a medical question?’
‘Sure.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘You’re not ill are you?’
‘Oh, no - it’s not about me.’ She paused briefly. ‘It’s about Donal.’
His hand released hers to change gears, and there it remained. ‘Er, I’m not sure I should be talking to you about another doctor, Liddy – It’s not very professional. You’re not, you don’t…?’
She interrupted.’ No I don’t, not if he was the last man on earth! But I like him, he’s a good mate.’
‘Right,’ he replied, remembering just how good a mate he was at the doctor’s party. ‘Look Liddy, I’m not prepared to….’ But she stopped him by taking his hand and placing it on her lap.
‘Mitch, don’t be jealous. I wouldn’t be here with you if I fancied Donal. I only wanted to ask what we could do….. If there was any medical condition that…..Well it’s not normal, is it?’ She lifted his hand, this time to lace her fingers through his.
‘I’ll get John to have a word with him – will that do?’ He could just hear John’s chortle at being asked to speak to his register about his hygiene habits. He just wished he could be a fly on the wall – what a way to get back at him for trying to mess up his relationship.
Chapter Twenty Five
It seemed like moments later that they were making their way out of the car and across the street to Copper Face Jack’s. Once inside the door they were joined by a nervous looking man fidgeting with his bow tie.
‘Hello Mitch, pleased you could join me. Is this Liddy?’
She reached out her hand expecting the usual handshake, but instead found herself pulled into a bear like embrace that only ended with a Hollywood style kiss on the lips that could put even the handsomest heartthrob to shame!
‘I’ve heard all about you young lady, so all I need to do is tell you the truth about this big git of a brother of mine….’
Paul paused, his eyes drawn to the vision in red walking through the door. He forgot he still had Liddy’s hand within his, he forgot where he was, he even forgot his name as he continued to stare. He never realised he’d find her like this. To be honest for once he never really thought that he was the type to find her at all. People like Mitch - strong, dependable and, honestly a bit boring, well they were the ones that found their soul mate. They were the ones that settled down and started making babies whilst he - he was a free spirit roaming his way around the world in search of the best laughs. Or at least he’d thought he was. Now he wasn’t so sure. It all changed with just one look. It all changed in just one second. As he gazed at her standing there he felt as if someone had kicked him in the stomach.
All breath left him as he took in the heavy blond locks pulled up into a bun with tendrils like spun silk surrounding her small face like a halo. Taking a deep breath, instead of the large gin and tonic he would have preferred he dropped Liddy’s hand like a stone before walking across and offering
it for a second time.
‘Is it Sorcha? I’m Paul.’
Their glances locked as she briefly reached out her hand and took his: Her expression showing shock, surprise and something else before she transformed it into a gentle smile.
‘Well, well well – that’s Paul sorted for the next few decades then.’ He said, his eyes following them as they made their way to the dance floor. ‘Who would have though it!’
They both watched as the pair drew together, ignoring the bouncing bodies around them – It was as if they were the only ones at the party.
‘I never believed in love at first sight, until now.’
‘No?’ He threw her a quick look. ‘I did! Come on lets join them.’ He lifted her shawl from her shoulders and handed it in at the cloakroom.
At the edge of the dance floor he pulled her into his arms. He felt her pause briefly before lifting her arms and draping them tentatively around his shoulders. As her body moulded itself to his a deep sigh left his lips. He was finally in the only place he wanted to be, with the only woman he wanted to hold; unless she was a miniature version of her that was. His heart halted on the thought. He knew he’d fallen in love, but that was nothing new – he’d been in love countless times before. However this time was different. He knew he’d be happy just to stay dancing with her all night long. Yes, she excited him and of course he wanted to sleep with her, but only when she was ready and only on her terms - the ideal would be for her to have his ring on her finger first. He stumbled over the idea, only to be hugged even closer by Liddy as she rested her head against his chest. Dropping the briefest of kisses on top of her hair he suddenly remembered his grandmother’s ring, tucked away in the back of his sock drawer. He’d meant to take it to the bank for safe keeping, but somehow had never gotten around to it. It was by luck more than anything that Helena hadn’t come across it, but matching socks had never been part of her remit as his girlfriend. If it had she’d have found the matching earrings and necklace as well.
He didn’t notice the music change, he didn’t notice his brother and Sorcha leaving early. All he was aware of was Liddy, cradled within the span of his arms, while his mind continued to spin a fantasy of dreams.
Liddy was quite happy just where she was. Scanning her memory banks she couldn’t remember a time when she’d felt happier, but it wasn’t just the sensation of wellbeing, it was the feeling of strength and safety Mitch seemed to instil. She knew instinctively he’d take care of her. The one thing missing was she didn’t know what he thought of her. She suspected there was liking involved, but liking was a very different feeling to loving – liking wasn’t going to be enough.
She did know she didn’t want the evening to end. She still hadn’t completely decided where she was going after the party, although that might be a moot point. He might not offer to do anything other than offer her a lift. She’d seen Paul with his tongue down Sorcha’s neck, just as she’d seen them leave hours ago – lucky Sorcha. She felt rather than saw Mitch pull back slightly before dropping his lips gently on hers in the sweetest of kisses.
‘It’s after two Cinders, time to go.’
‘Oh is it?’
‘Indeed it is. If we don’t leave now they’ll be chucking us out next to the bins.’
‘Charming!’ She grumbled. ‘What a way to end a lovely evening – being compared to the rubbish.’
‘Aren’t you tired?’ He glanced down at his watch. ‘You’ve had me on the dance floor for four hours with hardly time for a beer break – I am only human after all!’
‘Now that you mention it.’ She offered him a tired smile, before reaching up and brushing his hair across his forehead. ‘Thanks for a lovely evening.’
‘It’s not over yet.’ He stared down at her, ‘unless you want it to be?’
Her eyes snagged onto her purse and the condom she’d popped in earlier. She hadn’t the nerve to bring more than one just in case they fell out. She could explain one away, but not a full box of ten.
Chapter Twenty Six
The ride back across town was a silent one. He was right of course. She suddenly felt deathly tired. It was probably the nights catching up with her, but having a reason for feeling like death warmed up didn’t make it any easier. She’d made her decision there on the dance floor, now she wondered if she’d have the strength to carry it out. She was sick to death of being a virgin. Even Mitch had taken to calling her Cinders – and who was Cinders if not innocent? But bedroom Olympics was the last thing she felt like at the moment. In fact if he tried anything on she’d probably throw up all over him. Perhaps he’d just drop her off on the way, but that didn’t seem to be the plan as he went straight past the end of her road.
‘I thought it would be a good idea if you slept in my bed tonight.’ He crunched the gears.’ What I mean is you can have the bed I’ll….’
‘Mitch, I don’t care where I sleep.’ She placed her hand on top of his knee.’ But do you have any food, I’m bloody starving!’
‘Oh God – You should have said.’ He manoeuvred the car up the driveway and turned off the engine before turning to face her. ’What would you like? I have some eggs or cheese – What about a cheese omelette?’
‘Er, you don’t happen to have any meat? I could murder a steak!’ She frowned as he exploded with laughter. ‘What’s so funny?’
‘I thought you were a vegetarian.’
‘Me, give over.’ She smoothed her dress over generous hips. ‘Have you ever seen a vegetarian with a bod like this? I only eat fruit and vegetables under two conditions.’
‘Which are?’ He leant across and opened her door.
‘If they’re deep fried, or covered in chocolate!’
Once inside they made their way to the sofa, cosily situated right in front of the pale glow from the wood burning stove. There was no sign of Lucky, but that wasn’t unusual. He’d been spending an increasing number of nights out painting the town red. Mitch bent down and planted a kiss on top of her soft curls before heading towards the kitchen to raid the deep freeze
Liddy, slipping her shoes off curled her feet underneath her before resting her head back on the cool leather armrest. What a perfect evening, she thought to herself as she closed her eyes for a moment to relive the best bits. Wasn’t it heavenly her best friend was even now wrapped around Mitch’s brother? She’d sent her a text on the way back – all it said was ‘I’m in love.’ Being in love was the best feeling in the world, she thought on a yawn. The only thing better was a plate of steak and chips followed by a night of steamy…
That’s where he found her as he carried in a tray piled high with steak sandwiches, which he set on the coffee table. Her eyes closed, long lashes casting shadows across her pale cheeks, curls loosely trailing across her shoulders.
He sat down on the edge of the sofa, absentmindedly biting into one of the sandwiches while he tried to decide what to do for the best. He could of course wake her up and carry her up to bed, but he’d made a silent commitment to her on the dance floor, now he wanted to honour it. He watched her for a moment, deep in sleep - her stint on nights was obviously catching up on her. Looking across at the rain as it lashed across the windows he thought it was probably best to leave her just where she was, warm in front of the fire. He gently covered her with a throw, before slowly heading upstairs to his cold bed.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Liddy’s eyes opened. Looking up at a ceiling she didn’t recognise, she tried to remember where she was, a small furrow appearing between her eyes. Yesterday came flooding back and she smiled.
Glancing around at the darkened room she noticed first the fire had diminished to a dull pile of barely glowing embers, causing the temperature to plummet. She pulled a face when she tried to move her neck, which was as stiff as a board from the arm of the sofa. Wrapping the throw snuggly around her shoulders she walked over to the bay window and looked out upon the bleak night. It was still raining, but then again when did it ever stop? Home wasn’t a
n option then, not really thinking it would be as she realised it was only 4 am. She wouldn’t make it by herself and she didn’t think Mitch would take her. That only left the sofa, which had already caused a creak in her neck.
Heaving a sigh of resignation she ignored the steak sandwich, lying cold and neglected on the table. She was too tired to eat, she was too tired to think and she was so cold that all she could think about was finding a warm duvet to crawl under. She made her way across the hall and went in search of a bed - Surely in a house this size there must be something for her to sleep on. Padding across the cold wooden floorboards in bare feet so as not to make a sound she crept up the stairs, hoping against hope none of them creaked.
Reaching the landing painted in the same stark white as the hall she noted absentmindedly that the house continued to lack that personal touch, being devoid as it was of any furniture or pictures. If it was hers she’d have bright cotton rugs on the floors and large paintings to brighten up the large expanses of bare wall.
She started opening all of the doors in search of a bed, but all she found were empty rooms with not even a speck of dust to keep them company. She paused before approaching the last door, which was slightly open. This must be Mitch’s room, surely he wouldn’t mind and she was desperate for some warmth and some sleep.
She spied him lying fast asleep against the white linen, with Lucky lying beside him. His hair, always unruly tumbled over his brow in sleep, whilst his chin had started to darken with stubble. Liddy took all the time in the world to slide her gaze lovingly over his face and body, feeling that she seemed to know him better than she did herself. She glanced from his square cut chin with the cute little dimple in its strong cleft across to his clearly defined muscles thinking idly what sport it was that kept him so fit as she headed downwards, only stopping where the sheet stopped low on his waist. She felt her pulse start to race and a warm feeling permeate all corners of her body as her mind remembered the feel of him pressed up against her on the dance floor. Although tired beyond words she’d never felt less like sleeping in all her life! As she stood there undecided as to what to do, her teeth started to chatter in protest and she realised there was only one way to get warm in this icebox of a house.
Ideal Girl (Irish Girl, Hospital Romance 1) Page 14
