Chapter 158

Michelle’s heart lifted a little. He was still Nick. “I’ll take it in for you. It’s nice of you to go to the trouble.”

“For you it’s no trouble.”

“You’re a sweetheart, Nick.” She sat on the spotless sofa, terrified she’d spill or leave crumbs, and hoisted her bottle, anxious to get those first calming sips down. Jenny hadn’t wanted to go out after work, so Michelle had been rattling around her office cubicle for the past hour, working herself up into nervous misery. “Cheers.”

He frowned. “Did you want a glass? Sorry, I didn’t think—”

“No, this is fine.” She put her hand on his arm, which always surprised her with its strength. “Really. Thank you.”

“So? What’s going on? You seemed distracted all day.” He took a swig of beer and settled in as if she hadn’t interrupted his evening unexpectedly, as if he had nothing to do for the rest of his life but listen to her. Nick was something really special.

“I’m fine, really. Today was stressful, that’s all.