Hallie’s knees began to tremble. All this time she’d kept to herself the reality of how she felt, because these were feelings that could never be acknowledged.
But now . . . oh but now . . . from the way he was looking at her, was there a possibility that something could be about to happen after all?
‘And what did you think when she told you that?’ She couldn’t quite believe she was asking the question.
Luke paused, took a big gulp of Scotch and swallowed. ‘I hoped she was right.’ He briefly rubbed his jaw, then fixed his gaze on her and said, ‘I really hoped it was true.’
Was there the sound of electrical humming in the air, or was it only inside her head? Hallie could feel the wooden back of one of the kitchen chairs against her spine, possibly holding her upright. If he’d taken the plunge, so could she.
‘I could never say anything.’ Her voice was unsteady.
‘Nor could I.’
‘I wanted to, so much.’
‘So did I.’ He nodded.
‘For ages.’
‘Me too. Can I just ask one question?’
‘Anything.’
‘You and Nick.’
‘What about me and Nick?’
‘Do you still have feelings for him? I mean, do you still wish . . .’ Luke hesitated, clearly not sure how to word the question he wanted to ask. ‘Is there . . . unfinished business between the two of you?’
So that was what was bothering him. Nick had mentioned briefly meeting Luke while she’d been asleep upstairs on the afternoon of his flying visit. She shook her head. ‘Nothing happened that day. He offered, which was kind of him, and I turned him down. He’ll always be a friend, but I’m over him now. We’re completely finished business.’
Luke nodded and exhaled, clearly relieved. ‘Well, that’s very good to know.’
Her new heart was thud-thud-thudding in her chest. ‘And you’re sure it really wouldn’t be a problem if I wasn’t your patient?’
‘Really not a problem,’ said Luke.
‘I can’t believe Tess saw it and no one else did.’
‘Including me.’
‘And me.’ Hallie half smiled. ‘Maybe she’s a witch.’
‘If she is, I’m glad. Otherwise we could have carried on indefinitely, neither of us ever saying anything.’ He moved towards her, reached for her hands. ‘And that would’ve been terrible.’
Zing-zing went the synapses in Hallie’s arms, in response to the touch of his warm fingers against hers. Oh my God went the voice inside her head as the gap between them closed and she kissed Luke Hilton for the very first time.
In real life . . .
It could never have happened before, but it was happening now. And it felt perfect.
Oh yes, some things were definitely worth the wait.
Chapter 53
‘Where are we going?’ Next to him in the passenger seat, Tasha’s head swivelled like a meerkat’s. ‘This isn’t the right way.’
Rory shrugged, looking innocent, and carried on driving in the direction he’d taken. It was Christmas Eve and he had a plan. At his side, Tasha, wearing a silver-grey faux-fur coat and a red velvet scarf over a cream wool dress, was looking amazing as always. As far as she was aware, they were due to be attending a dull but necessary lunchtime drinks party with his dull but unavoidable ex-boss and his wife.
He loved the way, despite the tedium of the event, she’d still made the effort to look her best. He also loved the way she’d individually wrapped home-made rum truffles in silver paper for two people she’d never met before and would probably never meet again.
Basically he loved everything about Tasha Sykes, his fiancée, the girl he wanted to be with for the rest of his life.
It was six months now since the transplant, and the first few weeks hadn’t been easy. Unaccustomed to feeling even slightly unwell, he’d found the endless setbacks hard to bear. Being grateful to still be alive was one thing, but his road to recovery hadn’t been smooth. There had been adjustments to make, both mental and physical, as well as problems getting the complicated new drug regime properly balanced.
Eventually, with the help of the cardiac rehabilitation programme, recovery had kicked in and he’d felt better able to cope with everything that had happened. Physiotherapy had begun in earnest and he’d regained his strength and stamina. The future had started to seem like a challenge he could conquer.
And throughout it all, Tasha had been there at his side, supporting him every step of the way. Nothing fazed her; she understood when he had down days and encouraged him with unfailing patience and good humour.
Now that the scariest part was behind them, they were both back working full time and the future was bright; having been given a second chance at life, he didn’t intend to waste a day of it.