Page 59 of The Last Kiss

“I don’t know.” I’m rooted to the spot while he leans in and whispers.

“Just one step at a time.”

14

Barney’s Best Friend

“So, this is it.” I push my key into the brass lock trying to remember if I picked up yesterday’s knickers from the bedroom floor. It’s not always top of my to do list.

I’m not sure how we got here. From Hamleys, to the hotel where he checked out, to my place.

All because I said, ‘I’ll let you in’. Turns out it was also a physical invitation to share my home for the weekend.

That’s not crazy right?

Oh God, it is crazy.

I don’t even know this man.

“Julianna.” He says my name and it’s like every worry just evaporates out of my brain. “You’re overthinking it.”

“Overthinking it?” I practically gasp, clutching my chest, and it has nothing to do with faulty valves. “I don’t even know you.”

A full-on panic attack tinges the edge of my eyesight black, and I can barely register him putting his hand over mine and turning the key. “You know me.”

A screeching barrel of fur launches at our legs. I’m late to serve dinner. My bad.

“And this is…” Henri tows me into my own flat by my elbow. My feet trip over themselves without the need for Barney’s incessant winding around my ankles, and his I’m going to claw your eyes out while you sleep miaow.

“Barney, stop! God, I’m so sorry, Henri.”

“The famous Barney.” My eyesight clears just in time to see Henri swoop Barney up, turn him on his back and rub his fingers into the mass of fur on his belly.

“No! Your hand.” I wait for a splattering of blood to decorate my hallway, but instead I’m met by a steady hum of a contented purr. “Oh. He normally hates everyone.”

Henri puts him back down on the floor and Barney starts to weave a figure of eight around his ankles while also shaking his tail. Oh, dear God, is he scenting him?

I shoo him away with my toe. “That’s one way to break the ice.”

Henri smiles, leaning against my hallway wall. My stomach somersaults like a gold medal winner. “You seem so nervous, ma petite Julianna.”

“I am.”

“Why?”

I swallow, a lump forming in my throat that feels rather like an ancient brick. “I don’t have people over often.”

A small line furrows between his brow. “Why?”

I raise my shoulder and then let them drop. “I dunno. I work long hours. Then of course there’s always the fact that Barney might maul someone to death.” I shoot a sheepish smile which says: please don’t ask anything more.

Barney is trying to climb his long legs like a tree. Can’t say I blame him, been there done that. My cheeks scorch.

“So will we spend all weekend in the hallway?”

Whoosh, even hotter. Henri steps closer, peeling himself off the wall, now my favourite work of art, and runs a finger along my warm cheeks. “I can stay in the hotel if this is too fast for you.”

Julia, please don’t be that girl—live a little… before it’s too late.