Free Anybody But Him by Claire Baxter

operate on this basis.’
    â€˜How old-fashioned of them.’
    â€˜True, but they’re the best at what they do, so it’s worth our while to go along with theirrequirements.’
    â€˜Still, it seems like a hassle for you to have to go through this procedure every time.’
    â€˜No, not at all. It gives me a chance to see you.’ He smiled. ‘Hey, are you busy on Friday night? Would you like to go out for a drink?’
    â€˜Oh.’ Surprised by his words, and by the excitement that skittered across her skin at hearing them, Nicola gave him a regretful smile. ‘I’m sorry, I can’t.’
    â€˜No, don’t say that.’ He sat on the edge of her desk and leaned closer. ‘I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since last week.’
    Her stomach leapt. She glanced through to Travis’s desk and was relieved to see it unoccupied. ‘I’ve already made plans for Friday, I’m afraid. I’m going out to dinner with Lainey.’
    â€˜Saturday, then?’
    â€˜I’d love to.’
    â€˜Excellent.’
    â€˜Sorry,’ Travis said from the doorway.
    Hayden pushed off her desk, and Nicola turned in time to see coffee slosh over the edge of a mug as Travis backed away from the door.
    â€˜Hold on. Was that mine?’ she said.
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜Well, don’t take it away.’
    â€˜Give me your mobile number,’ Hayden said, ‘and I’ll call you on Saturday to make arrangements.’
    She told him the number and watched him enter it into his phone.
    â€˜Roll on Saturday.’ He winked as he left the office.
    Travis handed her the mug, then grabbed a wad of tissues from the box on her deskand mopped at the coffee puddle. Without looking up, he said, ‘Are you going to date him?’
    â€˜I’m having a drink with him. Why?’
    He went back to his desk, tossing the sodden tissues into his bin on the way. ‘No particular reason, but he doesn’t normally date women like you.’
    â€˜Women like me?’
    â€˜Smart.’ Travis hesitated. ‘Single.’
    â€˜Are you trying to warn me off?’
    â€˜Wouldn’t presume to.’
    â€˜Good.’ She shrugged. ‘Like I said, it’s only a drink. Now, how are you going with checking the thirty-day payment run for Kate?’
    â€˜Done.’
    â€˜Great.’ She looked down at the pile of signed cheques on her own desk. ‘I’ll take these cheques to Lainey so they can be posted out today.’
    Lainey looked up when she plonked the pile of cheques down on the reception desk.
    â€˜All done.’ Nicola paused, then said, ‘I have some news. I’m going out with Hayden on Saturday.’
    â€˜Oh.’ Lainey’s eyes widened. ‘He asked you out, on a date?’
    Nicola nodded.
    â€˜Are you sure you should go out with him?’
    â€˜He’s very good-looking.’
    â€˜Oh, yes, I know that, but do you really like him?’
    â€˜I haven’t had a chance to work out whether I do or not. That’s what a first date is all about, isn’t it? Working out whether you like someone enough to want to see them again.’
    â€˜But if you decide you don’t? Won’t it be awkward for you to work together afterwards?’
    â€˜I don’t see why.’ Nicola shrugged. ‘I’d be adult about it. I assume he would too.’
    â€˜Well, be careful, won’t you? I mean, it’s not long since Greg hurt you, and I wouldn’t like to see you unhappy while you’re here.’
    â€˜Don’t worry about me. I know what I’m doing. It’s just a bit of fun.’

Chapter 9
    Nicola opened the back door on Saturday morning, resigned to the knowledge that on the other side she would find Blair Morrissey. At least she was dressed this time.
    â€˜Morning!’
    â€˜So much for your agreement.’
    â€˜What agreement?’
    â€˜To