Tell That to My Heart Read online

  With a sigh, Mim pushed her feet into her slippers, pulled her dressing-gown on and headed downstairs. There was no point fighting a losing battle; she’d make herself a mug of hot milk and cinnamon, just like her beloved Grandma Joyce used to do for her whenever she stayed over at Primrose Cottage. She couldn’t face another night of lying in bed, the dark shroud of insecurity creeping over her, squeezing and twisting in her chest, making it difficult for her to breathe. Getting out of bed was the only way she’d be able to shake it off.

  Herbert, apparently used to this new routine, heaved himself out of his bed, his tail wagging sleepily as he wandered over to her when she appeared in the kitchen. ‘Hi there, Herbs, sorry for waking you. How do you fancy some nice, warm milk, eh?’

  Mim set a pan of milk on the gas hob, her mind crowding with the events of the day, each one jostling for prominence. She wandered over to the table and flopped onto a chair. Herbert followed, rested his large square head in her lap and gazed up at her with kind eyes. Mim smiled and smoothed his ears. ‘I wish my life was as simple as yours, lad.’ Herbert wagged his tail. ‘Actually, forget I said that, Herbs; it can’t have been much fun for you when your family of four years upped sticks and left the country, leaving you with your scatty Auntie Mim. That must’ve felt pretty crappy and confusing; trust me, I wouldn’t want to be left with me.’

  Herbert whimpered and nudged her hand, keen for the ear smoothing to continue. Mim obliged until the sound of the milk frothing and bubbling furiously on the hob interrupted. ‘Bugger!’ She jumped up and raced to the stove, turning the heat off just in time before the milk spewed out of the pan. ‘Blimey, that was close.’

  She filled a mug with the milk and poured the rest into Herbert’s bowl, adding a dash of cold so he wouldn’t have to wait to drink it.

  While the Labrador was noisily lapping the milk from his bowl, Mim headed back to her seat, cradling her mug in her hands and inhaling the comforting cinnamon aroma. The first thought that entered her mind was Caspar and that deliciously dangerous smile of his. It was fair to say, he ticked all of her boxes – apparently ticking some she didn’t even know she had. But she couldn’t help but wonder why he was paying her such particular attention. What did he mean by driving her home, paying her compliments that she knew she’d accepted clumsily – if she’d even accepted them at all? Part of her didn’t know whether he meant what he said, or if he was secretly laughing at her. Whatever it was, she knew she’d find it very easy to fall for his lines; after all, she had a track record for it.

  Honey’s face pushed thoughts of Caspar out of the way. Why did she, of all people, have to get a job at Yorkshire Portions? Mim closed her eyes and scrunched up her face. ‘Ughh! What have I done to deserve that?’

  Herbert, who’d done a thorough job of checking that every last drop of milk had been removed from his bowl and was now busy licking the floor around it, looked up at her. As if reminded of her turmoil, he trotted across to her and sat at her feet. Mim looked down at his handsome face and couldn’t help but laugh at the line of milk that edged his lower lip, tiny beads of liquid hanging from the bristly hairs. Just then, his tongue shot out and swept, lizard-like, from one side of his nose to the other before he leaned forward and released a loud belch.

  ‘Charming,’ said Mim. ‘Don’t think you’re ready for the Ritz just yet, are you Herbert?’ He wagged his tail, before slumping to the ground, making himself comfortable on her slippers.

  After a good twenty minutes of wrestling with the things that had thus far deprived her of sleep, the power of Mim’s worries suddenly seemed less daunting. As far as Caspar was concerned, she decided she’d take his smooth words with a pinch of salt, but if he was up for a bit of no-strings fun, then where was the harm in that? It might even do her a bit of good. After Rick, there was no way she was going to get attached to a man for quite some time. But if a gorgeous bloke was going to pay her some much-needed attention, then a bit of a laugh and a cheeky little dalliance wouldn’t hurt anyone; she’d play it cool and play him at his own game. There was absolutely no way she was going to fall for his charm the way she had with the others; they could keep it light and casual. It wasn’t Mim’s usual style, but since her usual style had caused her nothing but heartache, then she figured it was time to change tack and try something new. And she chose to defy the little warning voice that said her heart was in danger of getting hurt again. Not this time. This time, I’ll have the upper hand.

  She looked down at Herbert who was sleeping contentedly at her feet, his gently rhythmic snoring joining the nocturnal creaks and groans of the house that Mim had become so used to she barely noticed them. She took a mouthful of milk, licking the froth from her top lip.

  Honey was a trickier one to manage. From Mim’s experience – and from what Anna-Lisa and Aidey had said earlier in the day – Honey was manipulative, spiteful and most definitely not to be trusted; they’d all have to watch their backs with her around.

  Thoughts of Honey had segued into insecurity about her job, and a new ripple of concern swept through her. What was going on there? Wouldn’t it have made sense for Mim to be the senior marketing assistant and for Honey to be her junior? It would certainly have helped make the dynamics easier, particularly working alongside a forceful personality like Honey’s. Mim couldn’t shake the nagging doubt that Catherine wanted rid of her; certainly the way the woman had been treating her recently gave her good reason to feel that way. Maybe it was time to start looking for a job elsewhere; after all, the one she’d got hadn’t lived up to expectations and she hadn’t been happy there for a while.

  Mim yawned and glanced at the clock; it was a good forty-five minutes since she’d first come downstairs. The talking to she’d given herself combined with the soothing effect of the warm cinnamon-infused milk had worked wonders and she was relieved to find that sleep was finally seeking her out.

  She eased her feet from beneath Herbert’s solid body, making him groan. ‘Right, young man, time for bed.’ He looked at her with bleary eyes before heaving himself up and wandering over to his bed.

  Upstairs, she climbed into bed, plumped up her pillow and allowed sleep to claim her before her thoughts got chance to bloom out of control and logic escape her.

  7

  The week continued in much the same way as it had started, though thanks to Caspar, Mim hadn’t been late for work once. Bizarrely, that seemed to disappoint Catherine, and Mim still couldn’t shake the feeling that her boss was looking for reasons to find fault with her. It hadn’t gone down well with Honey either and she’d had more than a little of the green-eyed monster about her, quizzing Mim relentlessly about Caspar, wondering as to the topic of conversation on the drive to and from work, whether he just dropped her off at home, if he’d ever been into the house, or, more importantly, if he’d ever mentioned a girlfriend. The questions were fired at Mim like bullets from a machine gun, and repeated more assertively if her answer was less than satisfactory.

  ‘So, you’re telling me you haven’t actually asked if he’s got a girlfriend?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘Well, he’s never brought it up, so I didn’t think it was my place to; it’s none of my business,’ said Mim.

  ‘Well, surely if he had a girlfriend, he would’ve mentioned her. Has he asked you if you’ve got a boyfriend?’

  ‘Not really.’

  ‘What do you mean, not really?’

  ‘Jeez, give it a bloody rest, Honey,’ Anna-Lisa had snapped.

  ‘I’m only asking a simple question; I don’t know why Jemima’s finding it so hard to answer it.’

  ‘Maybe it’s because she’s sick to death of being interrogated. And here’s an idea, why don’t you go and ask him yourself if you’re so interested?’

  Honey had responded by pulling a face at Anna-Lisa before adopting her usual petulant pout, while Aidey had given Mim a sympathetic smile.

  Each night, after driving her home, Mim had
invited Caspar in for coffee. She was disappointed that Herbert hadn’t thought him any better for knowing. In fact, the Labrador’s reaction to him was getting more alarming with every encounter; at the last one, Herbert had lunged at Caspar, his teeth clashing menacingly. She’d never seen this side to Herbert before, and it had been a struggle to hold onto his collar. Much as she didn’t like to admit it, the reasons for his behaviour were giving her cause for concern. But each night, Caspar banished her doubts as he lavished her with compliments, delivering lingering kisses to her cheek before he left, his exotic cologne swirling around her nostrils and tapping into the part of her brain that triggered an attraction alert. And despite her resolve, he was beginning to worm his way into her affections.

  ‘Lord, Mim, I swear I could lose myself in those stunning eyes of yours,’ he’d said on Thursday evening as they were sitting side-by-side on the sofa. Mim had held her breath, her heart racing as he’d leaned in, convinced that he was about to kiss her. Instead, he’d held her gaze and given her a lopsided, snaggle-toothed smile that had reached right inside her and played havoc with her surging libido.

  ‘Coffee?’ asked Mim. It was Friday evening and Caspar had just pulled up outside her cottage.

  ‘Actually, how about a glass of this instead?’ He reached behind him and produced a bottle of red wine. His eyes twinkled dangerously, triggering a flurry of butterflies in her stomach. ‘It’s been quite a week, I think we’ve both earned it.’

  ‘You won’t catch me arguing with that.’ Mim grinned, ignoring the alarm bells that were clanging in her mind. She blocked them out, instead focusing on the swell of happiness that filled her heart as she made her way across the path to her front door. ‘I’ll just open up; you make yourself at home while I go and get Herbert. Wine glasses are kept in the cupboard on the wall next to the back door.’

  ‘Okay. And, Mim…’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘Don’t be long.’

  ‘I won’t.’ A smile lit up her face as she headed along to Carly’s, almost giddy with excitement, wondering if tonight was going to head where she hoped it would. She ignored the twitching net curtain as she passed Cuckoo’s Nest Cottage; what a thrill she’d be giving nosy-parker Cath Motson.

  ‘Now then, hon, come in.’ Carly stepped back, opening the door of Wisteria Cottage wider as Herbert and Maisie shot out, propelled on a jet of enthusiasm and mischief.

  ‘Woah, you two, bide your passion!’ Mim laughed.

  Herbert ran around her, hotly pursued by Maisie, his whole body wiggling with happiness, his tail swooshing in the smaller dog’s face. Maisie snapped at it excitedly, eliciting a yelp from the Labrador. He stopped in his tracks and shot his canine friend a look of disbelief, making Mim and Carly giggle.

  ‘Honestly, you two,’ said Carly. ‘You’re like a pair of excitable toddlers who’ve been fed a vat load of e-numbers.’

  ‘Have they been like this all day?’ asked Mim.

  ‘No, it’s only when you get here that they start the comedy double-act and become the canine version of Laurel and Hardy.’

  Mim couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s description.

  ‘Have you got time for a cuppa or are you rushing back for a coffee with Mr Tall, Dark and Dangerous?’ asked Carly.

  Dangerous? The word sent a spike of uncertainty up Mim. ‘Oh, er, yes, we’re having wine tonight, seeing as though it’s Friday and we’ve had a bit of a full-on week. And, out of interest, what makes you think he’s dangerous?’

  ‘I just mean he has a classic sort of bad-boy look, albeit a posher version, all wrapped up in designer clothes – just from what I’ve seen when he’s been leaving your place – kind of like Dracula in that handsome, irresistible sort of way; you know he’s bad but the temptation’s too great to resist, kind of thing.’

  Mim laughed, she knew what Carly meant; it was exactly what made him so appealing to her.

  ‘And wine, eh? Looks like he won’t be driving home tonight, then. Can you imagine all that fodder you’re giving nebby Cath Motson? She’ll be in her element having something new to spy on; her curtain twitching’ll be cranked up into overdrive by the end of the night!’

  ‘Ughh! Don’t!’ Much as she hated the thought of being the subject of tittle-tattle, Mim couldn’t help but giggle.

  ‘Yep, news of what you’ve been up to will be round the village before you even know about it. But just look at it this way, petal, while she’s gossiping about you, at least she’s leaving someone else alone.’

  ‘That’s very true and when you put it like that, I suppose I can tolerate the thought of it. Anyway, I’d best get back but we can have a catch up over the weekend if you’re around?’

  ‘Sounds like a plan. Owen’s out with the lads tomorrow night, why don’t you pop round then – bring Herbert – and you can fill me in on the Dark Count.’

  ‘The Dark Cou …?’ The penny dropped and Mim giggled. ‘Ah, you mean Caspar.’

  ‘Mmm-hmm. I’m looking forward to hearing all about him. Anyway, get yourself home; it’s Friday night and you’ve got a hot man and a cheeky glass of wine waiting for you.’

  ‘I do indeed.’ Mim smiled, feeling a flutter in her stomach. She turned to the Labrador and clicked her tongue. ‘Come on, Herbs, let’s get home. See you, Carly and thanks for having this boy.’

  ‘No probs. Have fun. See ya.’

  As soon as Mim opened the door to the cottage Herbert’s hackles rose and he started growling and barking alarmingly. Mim, keeping a tight hold of his collar, led him straight along the hall, through the kitchen and into the utility room. ‘Sorry, Herbert, but if you behaved yourself and were nice to Caspar you’d be able to join us.’ She closed the door quickly, ignoring the niggle that Herbert’s reaction to Caspar’s presence created, dumped her backpack on the nearest dining chair and headed to the living room where she found Caspar sitting on the sofa, glass of wine in hand.

  ‘Ah, here you are at last.’ He picked up a large glass of wine from the coffee table and handed it to her. Mim took it, smiling as she sat beside him.

  ‘Ooh, thanks, I need this.’

  ‘Cheers to Friday night and the start of the weekend.’ He clinked his glass against hers.

  ‘I’ll drink to that. Cheers.’ She took a sip of wine, the rich berry flavours dancing on her tongue, spreading a wave of warmth down her throat as she swallowed. ‘Mmm, that’s good.’

  ‘I’m glad you like it, it’s a goodie. It’s from my parents’ wine cellar, I brought it specially for tonight.’ He turned to her and started twirling a strand of her hair around his finger, his eyes fixed on her intently.

  ‘You did?’ Mim’s heart started racing as excitement buzzed through her.

  ‘Mmm-hmm.’ He nodded, releasing her hair before running his finger down the side of her face. ‘What are you doing to me, Mim Dewberry? You’ve got me totally captivated.’

  ‘I have?’ Woah! I’ve never captivated anyone before! Things are looking up!

  ‘Surely you can see that? Why else do you think I’ve been picking you up of a morning and dropping you off at night?’

  Mim swallowed and shook her head, doing her best to ignore the butterflies that were fluttering like crazy around her insides. ‘I, erm, I don’t know.’

  ‘It’s so I get the chance to spend more time with you, get to know you better, of course. Did you really think I was just doing it because I was passing?’

  ‘Yes, I did; that’s what you said.’

  ‘Well, that was true for the first night, but after that I’ve had to make a special detour; I live on the other side of York.’ He set his wine glass down on the coffee table and turned back to her.

  ‘What? You come all this way just because … because you—’

  ‘Yes.’ He gave her a heart-stopping smile before cupping her face in his hands and pressing his lips against hers, kissing her softly.

  Mim let out a groan as she felt herself melting into him, her resolve of not taking thin
gs seriously leaching away as his tongue parted her lips and found hers. Before she knew it, he was undoing the buttons of her fitted black shirt, tugging it out of her skinny jeans. ‘Wait! Not here.’ Reality kicked in and she leapt to her feet.

  ‘What? What do mean?’ He pushed his fringe back with his hand, frustration in his eyes.

  ‘It’s my sister.’

  ‘Your sister?’

  ‘She’s fussy; a little bit house-proud, and she’d have a fit if she thought I’d done anything I shouldn’t be doing on this sofa. It cost her a fortune; she had to have it specially made.’

  ‘But how would she know?’

  ‘Well, she wouldn’t, not really, but I would. I’d know, and I’d never be able to look her in the eye, then she’d probably get suspicious which would make her know that I was hiding something.’

  ‘Okay.’ He looked confused and not a little put out.

  ‘I just wouldn’t be able to relax; she’d be at the back of my mind the whole time. The last thing you want when you’re having … when you’re getting … oh, bugger, I’m making a mess of this. What I’m trying to say, but making a right arse of it, is that I don’t fancy having Josie on my mind when we’re … you know… doing it. Do you see where I’m coming from?’

  ‘I think so, but it’s a bloody shame, that’s all I can say.’

  ‘Oh!’ Mim’s eyes grew large and she started to giggle. ‘I didn’t mean we couldn’t, you know … do it anywhere else in the house, well, maybe not Josie and Russ’s bedroom, but my bedroom is absolutely fine. Or the bathroom, and maybe even the kitchen table.’

  ‘The kitchen table? Sounds interesting, but wouldn’t your sister be fussy about that, too?’

  ‘Hmm. Now you come to mention it, she probably would be a bit iffy about it, actually make that very iffy; we’d best keep the kitchen table off limits … and now I come to think of it, the bathroom, too, actually; she has this weird extra sense and seems to know about things like that, at least she did when we were teenagers. It was actually a bit spooky – not to mention annoying – and I’ve kind of got the feeling things haven’t changed.’