Chapter 9
KATIE
Eight years ago
She noticed him the second she walked into Energies. Tall, muscular, dark hair and the bluest eyes, which rooted her to the spot from across the room. Katie even heard herself take a sharp intake of breath. God, he was gorgeous. A new instructor? This was a different time for her; she usually chose the early morning sessions before work, but every so often she left it until later. It had been a stressful day – although every day as a new freelancer was stressful – trying to win a big PR job she’d had on her radar for months, and she wanted to unwind with a yoga class before settling down for the evening. Maybe he always came in at this time and this was just the first time their paths had crossed.
Peeling her eyes away, she composed herself and carried on walking. But should she ignore such an instant connection? What if she never saw him again?
Turning on her heel, Katie strode quickly towards him. She had nothing to lose. He was bound to be in a relationship – she would probably be humiliated – but she wasn’t one to think things through. Her motto was ‘grasp every opportunity’.
‘Hi, I’m Katie,’ she said, thrusting out her hand and offering a wide smile. ‘Are you an instructor?’
‘Well, hello, Katie,’ he said. His eyes were hypnotic close up. They sparkled. A man who is clearly used to attention, she thought. His voice was deep; sexy. Katie felt a fluttering in her chest. He took her hand and held it firmly. Lingered. Warmth flowed through her. ‘It’s lovely to meet you. And no, I’m not an instructor – this is just my regular gym. I’m Tom.’
Their eyes locked and Katie was lost. Now she’d spoken to him, she couldn’t think of a clever, witty, or even slightly conversational follow-up. She stuttered, lowered her eyes, then looked back at him from under her long lashes. Her dad called it her Princess Diana look. Katie hated the royals.
‘What are you here for?’ Tom asked, saving her from further embarrassment.
‘Yoga. I find it very spiritual. I’m planning on becoming an instructor eventually.’ She wasn’t sure why she added that; she had only ever told her friends this ambition – never a total stranger. Tom nodded and smiled. He had perfectly straight teeth – one of the attributes on Katie’s dating tick list, along with gorgeous eyes and a fit body. Tom was doing well here; he might even hit the perfect score.
That had never happened to Katie before.
At twenty-four, she’d begun to think she was only ever destined to date losers. Her dad had become so disillusioned with her choice of boyfriends as a teenager, he’d refused to even let them inside the house. But then, her dad had become disillusioned with Katie, too, it seemed. He’d run off with some over-baked woman he met in Spain after her mother passed and Katie hadn’t seen him since – she’d just get the odd email letting her know he was still alive and living it up with Little Miss Sunshine. Anyway, Katie was getting ahead of herself – it was unlikely she’d be lucky enough to get past this first meeting with Tom. Certainly wouldn’t be asked on a date. Maybe she should ask him.
‘I’m sure you’d make a great instructor.’ He beamed. ‘Look, I’ll probably still be around after your yoga session.’
Oh, my God. He was actually interested. She knew it was the right move to introduce herself.
‘Yeah? Well, if you’re in need of refreshment afterwards, perhaps we could grab a drink.’ She was pleased with her boldness. It made her come across as confident. Men liked confident women.
‘Excellent.’ Tom grinned, took a towel and wiped the sheen from his upper arms. Katie’s eyes followed, watching as he slowly rubbed it over his biceps. ‘I’ll be waiting,’ he said with a wink.
* * *
TOM
I’d seen her go into Energies Fitness Centre several weeks earlier, a yoga mat tucked under her arm. I’d happened to be across the street, glancing in a shop window, and her reflection caught my attention. It was meant to be. I knew immediately that I wanted her. As luck would have it, the woman who ran the yoga classes was a friend of a mate of mine and I managed to tap her up for info when I went for my regular evening workout. It wasn’t hard to find out Katie’s usual patterns; I watched from afar, waiting for the right time to approach her. She’d caught me off-guard today. At first, I’d felt put-out, but then I realised she’d just done the work for me.
And that excited me.
Chapter 10
BETH
Now
As I reach down to scoop up the morning newspaper from the hallway floor, my eyes focus on the headline and my insides turn to liquid. LOCAL MAN UNDER SUSPICION OF MURDER. Jesus, how did they get hold of this story so quickly? Tom hasn’t even been arrested or charged with anything and yet here they are, splashing lies across their pages. This has to be libel. I slam the paper onto the kitchen worktop and stab my mobile keypad with my finger.
‘Maxwell, it’s Beth Hardcastle,’ I say and before waiting for his response, carry straight on. ‘Listen, the newspapers are circulating vicious lies – they’re not even bothered about the truth. Tom is helping the police! This kind of misinformation is going to ruin us. They can’t get away with it!’ I can’t keep the panic from my voice, even though Poppy is staring wide-eyed at me from the kitchen table. I take a steadying breath and walk into the hall, the phone hot against my ear. I attempt to keep my voice low and even. ‘Seriously, Maxwell – how am I meant to protect myself and Poppy from the fallout from this?’ Possible repercussions fly through my mind, adding fuel to my rising anxiety. I hadn’t given any thought to what would happen
