“Does Trystan have a girlfriend?” she asked, causing Noah to arch an eyebrow in a way that made her laugh. “I’m curious! You were teasing him about his love-life …”
“He has a long-term girlfriend, Jenny. They’re currently on a break, but I think they’ll figure things out.”
“I don’t understand people who have a break from a relationship. Surely you either want to be together or you don’t.”
“They’re actually really good together. But Jenny’s desperate to get married and have kids.”
“And Trystan doesn’t want to?”
“Apparently not. I don’t really get it. Even if he’s not keen on getting married, I don’t know why he can’t do it to please her.”
“Relationships are hard, aren’t they?”
“Sometimes.” He grazed his lips over hers. “Have you finished asking questions about my family now?”
She pulled back. “I have one more.”
“Is it about Seren by any chance?”
“Yes.”
He rubbed at his temple. “She’s my best friend. There’s never been anything romantic between us. It’s completely platonic. Does that answer your question?”
“Partly. Do you know she’s in love with you?”
He let out a humourless laugh. “It’s not the first time someone’s suggested it. She’s not, though.”
“Okay.”
“Clearly you don’t believe me, but I don’t want to sit around discussing it.”
“I just think you’re being naive. I saw the way she looks at you and her feelings definitely aren’t platonic.”
“So you spent one evening with her and now you know her better than me?”
“No.”
“Is it because you’re a woman then? You know things that I don’t because I’m just a stupid man?”
“I said naive, not stupid. I wish I’d never started this conversation.”
“That makes two of us.” He pulled her close and kissed the side of her head. “I promise the only romantic feelings I have are aimed at you.”
“That’s good,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder.
“Is it? You sound unenthusiastic.”
“Sorry. I keep thinking about you moving back here. I don’t know how things can possibly work out between us.”
“We’ll just have to see how things go.” He gave her a quizzical look. “I presumed you were fine with that since you agreed to come and meet my family.”
She grimaced. “I thought you were taking me on a private jet to Italy, remember?”
“So that’s the only reason you agreed?” he said, laughing. “You must be so disappointed.”
She shook her head. “Not disappointed. But I have this small problem that the more time I spend with you, the more I like you. It’s making me nervous. The long-distance thing seemed possible when I thought you were moving to Cornwall—”
“Iam.”