Secrets at the Loch (Loch Lannick #5) - Hannah Ellis Page 0,1
know, we used to see him around all the time.” Her smile faded as she watched him reach across the table and put his hand over his date’s. The intimate gesture made her feel queasy. It was ridiculous; she’d known Nick for ages and he absolutely wasn’t her type.
“He’s the teacher at the college?” Ruth asked. “The geeky guy? Didn’t he used to date one of your friends?”
“Yeah. Isla Mackenzie.” Lexie was best friends with Isla’s sister, Leana, and also good friends with their younger sister, Elspeth.
She waited for Nick to look over, but he was too busy gazing into the eyes of the woman opposite him.
“I’ve seen her around too,” Ruth said. “Who is she?”
“Meghan.” Lexie forced herself to turn away from them. “She works at Elspeth’s cafe in the summer. But she went back to London a few weeks ago. I don’t know why she’s back again.”
“Seems pretty clear to me. I take it they’re an item?”
“Not that I know of.” Lexie had noticed them being friendly when she’d seen them in the pub over the summer, but she didn’t think there was anything going on between them. Nick was friendly to everyone. But it seemed as though she’d missed something.
They changed the subject, chatting about mutual friends. A quarter of an hour later, Nick appeared beside Lexie.
“I didn’t see you come in,” he said cheerfully.
“Hi.” Lexie smiled. “I thought Meghan was back in London?”
Nick nodded. “She’s just visiting for a couple of weeks.”
When they looked across at her, Meghan raised a hand to wave. Lexie returned the gesture.
“Out for a wild night?” Nick asked once he’d ordered drinks from Craig.
“No. I’ve got to be at work tomorrow.”
After paying for the drinks, Nick gave Lexie a half-hearted smile and walked back to Meghan.
“She must be keen,” Ruth said. “Coming up from London to see him is a lot of effort. They look like a good couple, though. She looks mousy.”
Lexie had never thought of Meghan as mousy, not that she knew her very well. She’d always seemed quite outgoing. In fact, it was a little odd that she hadn’t come over to say hello to Lexie. Even though they weren’t friends, she’d seen Meghan around enough. She’d always come across as jolly and sociable. It was slightly annoying, actually.
Lexie couldn’t help but glance across the room again. They sat close together, completely focused on each other as they chatted.
“He asked me out once,” she said as she turned back to the bar.
“Nick did?” Ruth put a hand over her mouth as she choked. “I bet that was awkward.”
“He’s a nice guy.”
“Exactly! Not really your type. Plus, he’s kind of scrawny. What did you say to him?”
Lexie shrugged. “Not much.”
“Craig keeps looking at you,” Ruth said. “He’s so into you.”
“Craig’s single and sexually frustrated.”
“And you don’t want to take advantage of that fact?”
“Been there, done that.” She sighed and rattled the ice cubes in the bottom of her glass.
“More drinks, ladies?” Craig asked.
“I’ll have another wine.” Ruth turned to Lexie. “Are you sure I can’t persuade you to get drunk with me? I feel like letting my hair down, but it’s no fun on my own.”
“No.” Glancing over her shoulder yet again, her eyes landed on Nick. He leaned close to Meghan, taking her hand again. New couples were the worst. It was enough to make you want to vomit.
“Are you sure?” Craig held the bottle of wine up to her.
“Oh, sod it. Go on then.”
“Yay!” Ruth clapped her hands together. “I got my drinking buddy back.”
“Just one glass.” Lexie forced herself to stop looking at Nick. “Thanks,” she said as Craig put a glass of wine in front of her. She clinked her glass against Ruth’s before taking a few long gulps. Craig winked at her and wandered away again.
Lexie was on her third glass of wine when Nick came to say goodbye.
“Are you leaving already?” She patted the stool beside her. “Stay and have a drink with us.”
Nick glanced at Meghan. “Do you fancy another drink?”
She said a quick hello to Lexie before replying to Nick. “I want to go. But I can get a taxi if you want to stay …”
“No, don’t be daft. I’m quite happy to go.” He put a hand on her back, then turned to Lexie. “I’m driving back to Lannick if you want a lift?”
Hmm, did she want to be an awkward third wheel for half an hour in the car with Nick and his date? Not really. “I’m staying for