Page 21 of Be More Octopus

'I need a bit more practice. This is the first portrait I've done since art college.'

'You can't tell. I don't think you need more practice at all. Who will you paint next?'

Em emerged from the kitchen with two glasses of Pimms.

'I don't know.' She looked at Jack's profile as he carried on admiring the painting. She imagined drawing his perfect nose, long eyelashes and bright blue eyes. Capturing the waves in his hair would be trickier though she'd enjoy the challenge. But the last time she'd painted someone she was attracted to - a hot Argentinian engineering post-grad she'd met in the Students Union bar in London - it had resulted in a passionate three-week fling.

'Penny for your thoughts?' Jack was looking at her now.

Em came back into the present. 'They'll cost a lot more than that.'

He looked intrigued, but a convenient round of applause came from the television, distracting him from asking why. 'Time to take our seats,' he said.

Two hours into the match and Em and Jack had finished their third large glass of Pimms.

Em swayed slightly as she returned from a quick trip to the bathroom. 'I think we need to slow down. It's the first time I've had any alcohol since I've been here.'

'Have you been to Wimbledon?' Jack asked as she settled back down on the sofa.

'Yes, several times. We usually camp out for tickets on the day.'

'You and Connor?'

'No, me and my best friend, Lucy' Hang on. Connor? 'How do you know about Connor? I don't think I've mentioned him.'

It was Jack's turn to blush. 'I've been rumbled. Nancy told me what happened with you and your ex.'

'Did you ever go to Wimbledon with Isabella?'

He laughed. 'Don't tell me. Nancy told you all about me and my soon-to-be ex.'

'Yep.'

'Did she ask you to look after me too?'

'Why? Are you looking after me then?'

'Yes,' he said. 'Nancy said she was worried you'd be lonely while she was away, so she asked me to keep an eye on you when I arrived. I think someone's up to her old tricks. She enjoys a bit of matchmaking.'

Em didn't know what to say to that. Part of her was disappointed that his attentiveness had been at Nancy's instigation. But then it had all felt a little bit too good to be true. And her sensible side was relieved that he didn't have feelings for her. No risk of Em losing her resolve to stay single and then hurting him.

Jack must have sensed her confusion. 'I enjoy your company. I'd be spending time with you regardless of what Nancy asked me to do. I wouldn't be sitting here on your sofa now if I didn't. Can we still be friends?'

'Of course.'

'Thank you,'He leaned over and hugged her. Oh god, did he have to be so bloody nice?

'Thirty, love,' shouted the umpire.

The tennis match had gone on for well over six hours. They'd run out of Pimms a couple of hours ago, so Jack had popped over to his cottage to fetch a bottle of wine.

Em's phone beeped with an appointment reminder. 'I'm supposed to be showing Nancy her portrait.'

Jack pulled a face. 'We can't stop watching this now. The match could finish at any minute. Nancy's a big tennis fan. She's bound to be watching it too.'

Em hoped he was right. 'I'll text her to say we'll be over when the match finishes.'

Fifteen minutes later, the crowd cheered as the South African player hit the winning shot.