I edge up, trying not to disturb him.

Hugo is lovely, and I like dogs, but really? Am I really ready to skip snogs and cuddles from a sexy man? I guess the answer is no.

It’s probably impossible to find the love of my life before the party, but once it is done and dusted, I will politely dump my desperate date and use everything Noah is about to teach me to find the man of my dreams.

Watch out world, Rosie Brown is about to find out what a man really wants!

Chapter 9

I went to bed feeling very positive and determined and woke up humming to myself as I brushed my teeth and made a coffee.

The door slams behind me and I practically dance down the street on my way to work. I’ve got this. I have a plan.

Stage 1 is to learn how to ‘first date’ and with Noah’s help nab a man before the party. I will not have to resort to taking Noah, despite his kind offer.

He’s too easy to like, which makes him dangerous. And what makes being with him even more dangerous is that while I was lying awake in bed last night it dawned on me that although he reminds me of Dad in tons of ways, he’s also different in quite a few lovely ways. He seems to genuinely care about people for one, and he also seems to quite like me as I am. But letting myself fall for a man who loves his carefree life and having fun would be bad for me. So I am not going to let it happen. Introducing him to my parents would be a massive mistake. And Dad probably wouldn’t like him anyway, as they’re so similar.

Bugger. Dad. I don’t care whether he does or doesn’t like my boyfriends. I have to stop thinking this way. I’ve spent too much of my life trying to please him.

Except I do care.

Anyway, Stage 1 is about letting Noah teach me how to get a date, then getting one. Before the party.

Stage 2 is about using my new-found skills to find the right man. A man I really want to be with. Obviously, this might take time, but that is fine.

My mobile beeps as I’m putting my handbag in the back room of the bookshop.

‘Morning, sexy lady! This is your sex god calling!’

I can’t help the smile that teases at the corners of my mouth. There’s a pause, then a second text.

‘Noah, in case you were wondering!’

I laugh. I can’t help it; he has that effect on me.

‘Good morning, Noah. I did realise! Rosie.’

‘I need help! Noah’

‘Don’t you just!’

I add a smiley to show I’m joking.

‘Haha very funny! Look, I need to get something straight in my head here. You keep (again and again) telling me I’m not your type (soul-destroying, but I’m trying to cope). So what is your type? What kind of man are we after? Noah’