“It’s been better. Good thing I drank a lot of water when we got home, or I’d be way worse.”

“Like Delta and Nikita?” Jordan offered. She found a cloth and wiped something from the island.

Abby smiled. “Yes, like them.” She paused. “Did they go to their separate rooms?” They’d always been each other’s fallback at university, although they hadn’t slept together for a couple of years as far as Abby could remember.

“I’d be surprised if they did.”

Abby smiled. At least someone had got lucky on her hen weekend. Good for them. “Meanwhile, I woke up thinking what a fool I made of myself in the toilet with you at the vineyard. After I spilt the wine.” Her stomach flipped as her gaze connected with Jordan’s. Abby stilled as everything at the edges of her vision went into soft focus. Now, all she could hear was the tick of the kitchen clock, along with the thud of her heart in her stomach.

Jordan shook her head, her blond hair brushing her collarbone. What would it feel like to lick along…

Stop it.

“You didn’t make an idiot of yourself. You were just a little drunk.” Jordan paused. “And a little cute, if I’m honest.” Jordan winced. “Which I’m trying really hard not to be.”

Abby licked her lips. Jordan had thought she was cute. Sexy cute or annoying cute? “We’re both too honest, that’s our problem. Most British people would have just avoided this altogether, wouldn’t they?”

Jordan gave her a half-smile. “Undoubtedly. It’s not in our nature, is it? I wonder what the French would do?”

Abby patted the kitchen island. “Have sex on here, then smoke a fag?”

Jordan’s laugh was like a bullet, piercing Abby’s defences. “You’re probably right. They’re a bit more carpe diem as a nation, aren’t they? Whereas we sweep it under the carpet, hoping it’ll all go away.”

Abby nodded. It all sounded terribly familiar. “The trouble is, I’ve been doing that most of my life.” It was only when she uttered the words, she realised their truth.

She swigged some more water. Her head was still full of cotton wool.

“I’m going to miss you when we get home.”

Jordan smiled. “You won’t. I’m still working for you until the wedding.”

“I know. But it’s not the same as having morning swims with you. Late night drinks. Hot tub chats.”

Jordan raised an eyebrow. “Not forgetting middle-of-the-night hydration sessions.” She eyed Abby. “Probably for the best.”

Abby should think the same.

But she didn’t.

Jordan refilled her water, then walked towards Abby, stopping when she drew up alongside her. “You coming?”