“Well, if you continue being friends”—her mum made air quotes around the word friends—“then you must bring her for dinner sometime.”

Mack could just imagine how overwhelming this loud family dinner would be for Flora. Mack had never brought anyone home to the family. She’d never trusted them enough. Flora she was sure she could trust, but Flora knew nothing about her. That was what was worrying Mack.

If they kept up their friendship, Flora would eventually find out she’d been in jail, and more about her family background. That could frighten her. She hoped their friendship could get past that, because Mack did feel something for Flora, something very protective. Flora needed someone to stand up for her, and she would like to be that person.

Chapter Nine

Flora had lots of clothes all over her bed. She’d changed her outfit a million times already. She wanted to look nice and presentable for Mack, but her wardrobe consisted of jumpers and cardigans that were oversized and didn’t attract attention.

The only thing was, she did want Mack’s attention. “This is stupid. You aren’t someone she would look at twice.” Just pick something. She picked a nicer cashmere jumper that wasn’t too big, jeans, and boots. She got dressed and went to her dressing table to put on her make-up.

Why are you doing this?

She was so nervous and had nearly texted Mack to cancel so many times. This was a big step for her. But she didn’t cancel because she wanted to know Mack better, much better. She’d made her feel so much safer since her arrival. And it was so rare for Flora to feel comfortable with someone that she had to explore it.

She finished her make-up and ran a brush through her hair.

Flora sighed. “I bet she meets women at her club who aren’t as boring looking as me.” The doorbell rang. “Oh no. She’s early.”

Flora’s stomach was turning with nerves, and she did her rituals all the way to the door to try to calm down. The urge to continue was almost overwhelming, but she forced herself to open the door.

When she did, all her fears and the urge for her OCD rituals calmed. Mack was standing there with a loaf of bread in one hand and little Dexter in the other. He was wearing the cutest jumper with dogs on it.

“Hi, we brought bread for the ducks and swans,” Mack said.

Flora chuckled. “Come in. I just have to get my jacket.”

They stepped into the hallway and Dexter was wriggling and barking to get to see Flora.

“You better let him say hello. He’s really taken to you.”

Flora took him from Mack’s arms and gave him kisses. “I love your little jumper, Dex.”

“Cute, isn’t it?” Mack said.