Free A Simple Mistake by Andrea Grigg

spoke up. ‘How did you two get together? We’re all dying to know.’
    Lainey had just taken a mouthful of food and gestured at Nick to explain. As he did, she watched him, his jacket over the back of his chair, sleeves rolled up. He was, as Lara often said, drop dead gorgeous.
    He told the girls how they’d grown up together, dated at high school, lost contact, and how they’d found each other again. When he finished, his eyes met hers, warm and hiding nothing. He leaned over and kissed her and there was a collective sigh. She would’ve laughed if not for the guilt coiling and uncoiling in her stomach. He was so transparent about his feelings for her. She had to tell him about Liam.
    After the cutting of the cake and the formal speeches, the DJ started up. Now that the casual part of the reception was in full swing, people came and talked to Nick. Most just wanted to meet him and shake his hand, some asked for his autograph. Carolyn and Dale had their photo taken with him and more followed suit, including some little old ladies and lots of not so old.
    Lainey looked up from her conversation with Penny to find Nick making a beeline for her. ‘Come and get your butt on the dance floor, Miss Sullivan. You can’t ignore the Nutbush.’
    Sure enough, Tina Turner was belting out her song and the parquetry was subjected to a barrage of stomping feet. The Macarena followed then the music changed and the lights dimmed.
    Nick took her in his arms and murmured in her ear. ‘This is our song, Lainey.’
    ‘What, this old thing?’
    ‘Just listen to the words.’
    Phil Collins’ Groovy Kind of Love washed over her and her bones went soft as Nick pressed his lips to the sensitive place by her ear. When it got to the part about kissing, shivering and quivering, if he hadn’t had a firm grip on her, she would have fallen in a heap.
    As soon as it finished, Nick took her outside into the gardens lit by stars and a struggling half-moon. He cupped her face, smiled, and kissed her, just like he had that day in the entry. And like that day in the entry, Lainey kissed him back.
    ‘I’ve wanted to do that ever since I’ve come home. And this.’ He reached into her hair and tugged, making it tumble down her back. ‘That’s better.’
    ‘That took me hours to do.’ Lainey spoke lightly, trying to lessen the effect he was having on her heart, her knees and everything else.
    One hand stroked her hair, the other held her close. ‘Can we go? I want to talk to you.’
    Lainey nodded. Tonight, she would tell him about Liam.

Chapter Nine
    Nick didn’t know where they were but it was a beach, which was what he’d wanted. The salty air was cool and it helped keep him awake, along with the takeaway coffee they’d picked up.
    ‘So.’ He stretched out his legs and smiled at Lainey next to him, cradling her cup in her hands.
    ‘So yourself. Tell me more about your trip. How was the movie premiere?’
    ‘Very good. I think it should do well.’
    It was a tale about survival behind enemy lines during World War II. His character was one of five men, lost in France after they’d parachuted in. They were helped by the Resistance and it was the story of how they’d survived.
    ‘Will you come with me to the premiere here? I know I’ve mentioned it before but …’ Nick knew he was asking a lot.
    ‘When exactly is it?’ Lainey ran a finger around the edge of her cup as she spoke. She always had to be doing something with her hands while she was thinking. She’d done that since they were children.
    ‘Wednesday week. You won’t have to miss out on your homegroup.’
    ‘Good. And it’s the red carpet thing?’
    ‘Yep. Lots of cameras and flashing lights. I know it’s a big ask, but I really want you there with me. If you can.’
    Thoughts flitted unchecked across her face. She’d be hopeless playing poker.
    ‘It means we go public.’
    ‘Yes. If you’re ready.’
    ‘And what will that mean for me in terms of