‘But I’m not going on a date.’

‘Oh.’

To be honest, it was a confidence boost being chatted up and asked out, but I’ve been feeling less and less in the mood for dates lately. There doesn’t seem much point. The only reason I can really think of for doing it is to take my mind off Noah. Which is wrong in many ways. I should be dating for myself, not because of him, and it also isn’t fair on my dates, is it? I can’t even say I’m doing it for a bit of fun.

‘Oh.’

‘I thought you’d be pleased, at least you can’t accuse me of being too flirty, or tarty, or—’

‘I have never accused you of being tarty!’

‘Close!’ I say, as he drops me off outside my place.

‘How about I do some major grovelling, and throw in a free lesson to make up?’

I roll my eyes. ‘They’re all free!’

His cheeky grin is back. ‘Top tips not revealed in my normal curriculum?’

‘You’re incredible!’

‘So I’ve been told. Not usually before the advanced practicals though.’ His chuckle sets up a warm glow right at the base (and I mean base) of my stomach.

I shake my head and try to keep a straight face, but it’s difficult. I’m buzzing – on a dangerous high, no substances involved. Who knew a normally sane person (me in case you wondered) could be this high on nothing but hormones and happiness? Not wise.

‘An hour is fine. I’ll see you there?’

Chapter 20

Okay, I must be totally bonkers. I agreed to getting showered, changed and return to ground zero in an hour after the day I’ve just had.

Today has been a day of many ups and downs (in all senses of the words), and it’s got me in more of a turmoil than a ride at any theme park could. And I do mean any ride.

I mean, I’ve been up a scary wall, and down several times (result!), chatted up a guy and got myself a date, practically sucked Noah’s tonsils (still making me feel hot and bothered), and been invited to his sister’s house (giving me palpitations).

But how could I say no to a Saturday night date, even if it isn’t a proper date? At least I can gaze into a man’s eyes, let his gorgeous rumbling laugh bring out goose bumps on my arms, and remember how his firm, dry lips felt against mine.

Has to be better than an evening in with a packet of crisps, doesn’t it? Okay, more dangerous, but hey, maybe that shows how far I’ve come. I am willing to face the fear and do it anyway.

I’ve never forced a kiss on anybody before, not even Robbie. Maybe it has unleashed a new, more powerful side of me that has lurked deep down waiting for its moment. Maybe this is the start of the new me!

Or maybe I just want a night out.