Carmen smiled and walked past her.
A hint of her perfume teased at Ash’s nostrils, and she admonished her libido when it perked up in response. Not thinking about her that way, remember? But that had been hard to fight ever since Carmen had appeared at the studio earlier, looking incredible in a burnt orange dress that highlighted every curve of her body. Inwardly, Ash groaned. Am I getting close to that point where I should be worried about how I feel?
“It’ll be fine, don’t worry,” Carmen said over her shoulder as she stepped into the dim space.
Easy for you to say. Oh, wait, she means the bar.
The bar was old-fashioned, with dark wood walls and floor, and rickety tables dotted around the small space. However, the wine list was impressive, as were the prices, which were significantly less than Ash would ever have believed for a central London bar that sold wines from all around the world.
“I love this place!” Carmen gazed around. “I feel like I’ve stepped back in time.”
Ash smiled. “Yep. I was worried that was a bad thing, but actually, this is kind of cool.”
They chose a glass of white each. Carmen opted for a full-bodied Chardonnay, which didn’t surprise Ash at all. Something told her Carmen would always order the boldest dish on any menu, wanting to challenge herself at every opportunity. Ash ordered a Pinot Blanc, something she’d had a couple of times in restaurants but rarely found on offer in bars.
“So,” Ash said once they’d clinked glasses and taken their first sips, “how have you been?”
Carmen’s free hand fluttered on the table. “Good. Very good.” Her voice sounded overly cheery.
Ash tilted her head. “Really?”
Carmen seemed to crumple before her. She slumped back in her chair and shook her head. “No, actually. But I hate that every time I see you, I’m complaining about my job. My work, which I created for myself! I don’t have any right to moan about it.”
“Ah.” Ash smiled. “Okay, so now I know that work hasn’t been so great again, but we can leave it at that. Talk about something else.”
“Yes, please!” Carmen drank from her wine again. “Your trip! It’s only a couple of weeks away now, isn’t it?”
“Eleven days. But who’s counting, right?” It was hard not to get excited. Kruger had been on her wish list for years. “Everything’s organised. Especially now I’ve had that jab. All I have to do is turn up.”
“So what’s the plan? Wait.” Carmen’s face scrunched into a frown. “Is there a plan? Or are you one of those scary, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants travellers?”
Ash’s face warmed. “Um, yes, there’s a plan. If my friend Damian was here, he’d be laughing his head off right now. Wait, I’ll show you.” She pulled her laptop from her backpack and opened it. The spreadsheet was already open, of course, so she turned the screen to allow Carmen to see it.
Carmen leaned in, bringing her head close to Ash’s. There was that tease of perfume again, and the warmth from Carmen’s bare arms crept across the space between them to drape itself over Ash’s skin. Goose bumps erupted on the back of her neck.
“What am I looking at?” Carmen asked, but she wasn’t looking at the spreadsheet. Instead her brown eyes, a couple of shades lighter than Ash’s own, gazed at Ash. Carmen swept that gaze downward, raking over Ash’s face, stopping at her mouth before flicking back up again to meet Ash’s eyes. Carmen wet her lips.
Ash’s goose bumps shot across her whole body. Jesus, when did it get so hot in here?
Carmen sat back quickly and cleared her throat. “I mean, I can see that it has lots of information on it, but how does it work?” Her gaze now was anywhere but on Ash, her cheeks flushed.
What the hell’s going on?
“Ash?”
Ash sat upright, pushing thoughts of how kissable Carmen’s lips had looked just now far, far from her mind. “Sorry, um… Yes, this is my famous travel spreadsheet.” Why was her voice so hoarse? She coughed and tried again. “Damian laughs at me, but it’s the only way I know how to plan these big trips.”
“So how does it work?” Carmen, too, seemed to be having trouble talking in a clear voice.
They simultaneously reached for their glasses and each took a gulp.
“Well, it’s got all the info I need for each destination in one place.” Slowly, Ash took Carmen through her spreadsheet, thankful for the distraction it offered from whatever had happened a few moments ago. As she talked Carmen through all the sheets, she wondered just how nerdy she came across to her new friend.
Carmen, whether out of politeness or not, seemed to take it in her stride, however. “No, I can definitely see why this would be useful. And I can also see why Damian teases you.” She leaned in again. “It is a tad nerdy.”
Ash laughed. “Okay, okay. I can’t deny it. I’m a travel nerd and proud of it.”
Carmen raised her glass. “To your amazing trip!”
Ash tapped her glass to Carmen’s, and they drank once more. They were back in the friend zone, that heated moment behind them. That had to be better, right?
“Talking of trips.” Ash set down her glass. “Have you rearranged to visit your brother in Paris?”
“Yes!” Carmen punched the air with her fist. “I have written it in the calendar this time and booked the train already.”
“Well done.” Ash gave her a mini round of applause. “I bet he’s pleased.”
“He is. It’ll be five months since I’ve seen him by the time I get there. I’m going next month. I was lucky to get the tickets, actually.” She winced. “I had to book first class, to be honest. It was the only thing on offer this relatively late.”
Ash shrugged. “Hey, you do what it takes, right? Nothing wrong with first class.” Was Carmen embarrassed by spending that kind of money?
“I suppose.” Carmen sipped from her drink again and tapped the
