Stand-In Saturday: (A standalone romcom. Book 2 in the Love For Days series)

by Kirsty Moseley

  I squeal and throw my hands up to cover my ears as I squeeze my eyes shut, trying not to picture it. I’ve always been squeamish. “Oh my God. Stop!”

  “You big baby.” He chuckles at my side, and we follow the assistant to parking bay three, where we are confronted with a tiny blue car. Theo scowls at it and inspects his keys, reading the label and checking it against the registration number. “A Citroen C1? Don’t you have something bigger?”

  The assistant guy smiles apologetically and shrugs one shoulder. “I’m sorry. We’re fully booked. You got the last car. It’s always busy this time of year.”

  “Am I even going to be able to fit in this? I hate small cars.” Theo’s scowl deepens, and he rubs at his forehead.

  He already told me his choice was to either hire a car or get the bus … and I absolutely do not want to get on a bus in this heat if he changes his mind now, so I step forward and put my hand on his back. “It’s only a thirty-minute drive, you said. This will be fine. It’s not like we have a load of luggage that won’t fit. It’s just the two of us. Just scoot the seat all the way back.”

  He nods, seemingly reluctant, and heads to the boot, stowing our cases as I slide into the passenger seat. When Theo opens the driver’s door and leans in to depress the seat button and slide the seat back as far as it will go, I smile and watch the show of him trying to fold himself into position. He’s so damn tall, probably about six foot one or two. Even though the seat is as far back as it will go, his knees almost touch the steering wheel. He looks so exasperated; it’s almost comical. I can’t resist a little chuckle, which earns me a scowl.

  “Maybe you could drive?” he suggests, looking at me hopefully, but then his face falls. “Ah, crap. You had those whiskeys.” He lets out a groan and adjusts himself in his seat, shuffling, tilting the seat back to try and get another precious inch of legroom.

  “I wouldn’t be able to anyway, even without the drinking. I never bothered to learn. Living in London, it’s easier and quicker to get to places on the tube or walk. And parking—don’t even get me started on the parking.” I roll my eyes and remember nights where Lucas would complain and grumble about having to drive round and round the block, looking for spaces to park his precious Audi, if we took his car anywhere.

  “I don’t drive much either. Cambridge is mostly set up for bikes, and everything I want is basically within walking distance or a short taxi ride away.” He nods in agreement and pulls a scrap of paper from his pocket with a postcode scribbled on it. He punches it into the satnav, and we watch as it calculates the route for us.

  Twenty-nine minutes.

  I smile brightly, imagining being there.

  Theo takes a deep breath, his hands gripping the wheel tightly, seeming to ground himself. Then, he grinds the clutch, and the engine revs too loudly, as he can’t quite manoeuvre his legs right in the tight space. We bunny-hop out of the space. I chuckle behind my hand, which earns me another dark look.

  The drive is nice despite Theo swearing every time he has to change gear because he’s struggling to adjust his legs, and whenever we stop at traffic lights, he either stalls the engine or bunny-hops off the line so hard, my head bumps back against the headrest.

  I turn on the radio, and we both hum along while the satnav directs him to wherever we’re going. I don’t even know the hotel name. I don’t even care. He could be taking me anywhere right now, and I wouldn’t even object to it; I’m so serene and chill.

  My eyes are trained out of the window on the hills, trees, and all the green that surrounds me. As a city girl, my eyes are wide and excited at the lush scenery, my heart is in my throat, and stupidly, I feel a teensy bit emotional.

  When the satnav tells us to pull into a sweeping gravel driveway flanked by trees, I sit up straighter and look around excitedly. At the end, it opens into a car park, and Theo swings into a space, breathing a sigh of relief as he cuts the engine.

  I grin over at him. “You’re a terrible driver.”

  One of his eyebrows rises. “But did you die?” he jokes before glancing at his watch. “It’s almost six. I’m getting hungry. Fancy getting checked into our rooms and then meeting back downstairs to grab some food? I could smash a burger and chips right now.”

  I nod in agreement, feeling my tummy clench now that he’s mentioned food. “I could eat.”

  When I climb from the car, a blast of warm air hits me in the face now that I’m out of the air-conditioned vehicle. The air smells amazing, so clean and fresh and so unlike the city smell I’m used to. A little sigh of contentment leaves my lips.

  Theo is busy stretching his back and legs on the other side of the car, so I walk forward a few steps and look over the little wall. Shielding my eyes and squinting against the bright sun, I see the loch for the first time. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t anything near this beautiful. My breath catches at the sight. It’s magnificent. The expanse of water glimmers, reflecting the fluffy clouds and bright sun. Mountains rise in the distance on the other side of the loch, silhouetted against the bluest sky I’ve ever seen.

  It’s the most perfect place to get married. Amy is so lucky.

  If Lucas and I were still engaged, after seeing this, I would unquestionably be trying to convince him we needed a Scottish wedding. My heart gives a pathetic squeeze when I realise that will never happen. Maybe I’ll never get married now. Maybe I’ll never fall in love again. Who knows?

  Pulling out my phone, I snap a photo of the view. I’m about to take a selfie next when Theo walks over and lets out an appreciative whistle as he looks out over the water too.

  “That’s not too shabby.”

  Reaching out, I grab his T-shirt and pull him to me, holding out the phone and lining up a selfie of us with the view behind. His arm goes around my waist, and he pulls me closer to him, tucking my side tightly against his hard chest as he smiles at the camera, his eyes twinkling. I snap a picture and then grin down at my screen, trying not to notice how nice we look together as I send it to Aubrey to let her know we arrived safely. She replies almost immediately with a string of heart-eyes emojis and a message.

  Aubrey: Not sure which view is finer—him or the scenery! Have you shagged him yet???

  I chuckle and send back an eye-rolling GIF.

  “Oh, I hope my room has a view of the loch.” I sigh wistfully, slipping my phone back into my bag. I’m already in love with this place.

  “Let’s go find out.” Theo nods towards a beautiful-looking three-story hotel right on the edge of the loch.

  Unable to take my eyes from the view, I blindly follow behind him, my heart in my throat. I wasn’t aware places looked like this in the UK. I’ve only ever really holidayed in Italy. I’ve never even ventured outside of London for anything other than the occasional work meeting. I’m a Londoner; city life is what I’ve grown up in. This is so tranquil and picturesque that it steals my breath. A little beach edges the loch in front of the hotel, and I’m itching to take my shoes off and feel the sand between my toes.

  A sigh leaves my body as I allow myself to feel perfectly happy and content for the first time in three months.

  The inside of the hotel is gorgeous, all stone walls, hardwood floors, high ceilings, exposed beams, and rustic decor. We stop at the reception desk, where we’re greeted by a smiling lady with a severe ponytail and a lovely Scottish lilt to her voice.

  “Hi,” Theo says. “We have two rooms. Theo Stone. We’re here for Jared and Amy’s wedding.”

  “Oh, I could have guessed who you were by looking at you!” She marvels over him for a few seconds and then turns her attention to her computer.

  I ponder her comment. Does that mean he and his twin look alike? Maybe I should have asked.

  “Let me look you up, and then we’ll get you settled.” She taps away at the screen. Her smile faltering is my first clue that something is wrong. The second clue is when she says, “You said, two rooms?” Her tone is too polite as she carries on clickin
g away.

  “Yeah.”

  “I’m sorry. I only have you down for one. A deluxe double room.” She frowns apologetically and looks between us.

  Theo shakes his head and rests his forearms on the desk, leaning in and trying to look at the screen. “No, there should be two for me. Jared told me I could have one of the floating spare rooms he booked for people in case they changed their minds and decided to attend last minute. He said he had a room block booked as part of the wedding package. There should be spare rooms.”

  Understanding crosses her face. “Ah, I’m sorry. The wedding party room block you’re talking about is booked for Friday and Saturday nights only. We’re fully booked up tonight.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “No, sir, I’m afraid I’m not.”

  “Shit. Jared! Bloody idiot,” he groans and grips his hair in his hands. “Wait, a deluxe double room. You mean, just one bed, right?”

  She nods, her eyes again flicking between the two of us. “Yes, sir.”

  Theo turns to me, his eyes wide and almost frightened. “I didn’t do this on purpose. This isn’t one of those seduction things where I’m trying to get you in my bed, I swear.” He holds his hands up innocently.

  A nervous giggle escapes my lips because he looks truly horrified. “I believe you.” And I do.

  He turns back to the receptionist and runs a hand through his hair. “Could we switch to a twin room at least?”

  “No, sorry, sir. As I said, we are fully booked tonight; all rooms are accounted for. However, all our deluxe rooms are equipped with a sofa bed. They’re very comfortable. If you call down to reception when it’s a convenient time, we’d be happy to have one of our staff pop in and make up the bed for you. I know it’s not ideal if you were expecting two rooms, but there appears to be some crossed wires somewhere along the lines. Tomorrow, I’ll be happy to allocate you another room from the pre-booked wedding block.”

  Theo looks back at me as if waiting for me to make the decision.

  I don’t see any other choice, so I shrug. “Sounds okay to me. It’s only one night.”

  I categorically will not be telling Aubrey about this little room situation though; I already know what she’d try and Shia LaBeouf talk me into.

  Resigned, Theo gives a nod to the receptionist, who instantly brightens.

  “Excellent. Well, here is your key. Your room number is twenty-eight. It’s located in this main building, on the top floor. The lifts are there.” She points at the back of the lobby and then slides two white plastic wristbands across the desk. “And these are your wristbands. You’re a tier one guest of the wedding, which means everything is included in your stay—food, drink, sunbeds. You simply flash the wristbands and tell them your room number.” She patiently watches as we both awkwardly attach them to our wrists. “If you need anything else, just dial zero from your room telephone to come straight through to me or dial one to order room service. The hotel reception and kitchen are twenty-four hours, so if you need anything, please do give us a call.” She hands over a small cardboard folder with a map of the hotel and two keycards inside. “Is there anything else I can help you with, Mr Stone?”

  He huffs a breath. “I suppose not. Can you tell me where we can get some food?”

  She smiles broadly and points off to the left. “Our restaurant is just down there, next to the bar. I believe some of the wedding party are already in there, and some are in the bar area, if you’re looking to meet up.”

  “Thanks,” Theo mutters, turning and wincing at me apologetically. “I swear I didn’t do this on purpose. Jared told me there would be spare rooms when I spoke to him on Monday night. If it makes you uncomfortable, I can bunk in with my parents or something for the night instead.”

  Unconsciously, his face scrunches in distaste, and I can tell how much he doesn’t want to do that.

  I wave my hand and shake my head as we make our way to the lifts. “It’s fine. But if you snore or fart in your sleep, you’re getting smothered.”

  He laughs loudly, and the sound makes the hair on my arms stand up and my tummy flutter.

  When we get to our room, Theo pushes open the door and waves me inside first. The room is lovely, decorated with sumptuous grey wallpaper and a huge king-size bed with a purple tartan thrown over the end. A matching tartan sofa is situated next to it. The furniture is all dark wood and polished to perfection. As I step further into the room, my eyes are drawn to the opposite glass wall, and the view of the loch is spectacular. There’s even a little balcony with a table and chairs. My teeth sink into my bottom lip as I take it all in, just imagining watching the sun set or rise from the comfort of my bed.

  Smiling happily, I turn back to Theo and head over, taking my suitcase from him, knowing I need to freshen up before we go eat. As I walk past it, my eyes again take in the plush-looking bed. Glancing from it to the sofa, I frown. The sofa doesn’t look particularly uncomfortable, but compared to the luxurious-looking king-size bed, it’s not something I want to get personally acquainted with.

  “So … who gets the bed?” I ask.

  We both look over at it longingly.

  Theo doesn’t answer, just holds out his fist on his palm and raises one eyebrow. I laugh and match his gesture, and we Rock, Paper, Scissors for it.

  He groans when I beat his scissors with my rock.

  “Best of three?” he pleads.

  I shake my head. “Best of one. You lose, sucker.” I throw my suitcase on the bed and giggle at his disgruntled face.

  eight

  Lucie

  After a quick bathroom trip to freshen up, touch up my make-up, and change my top for a more evening-appropriate one, leaving on my high-waisted jeans, I head back into the room to see Theo sitting on the edge of the bed, watching TV with his back to me, dressed and ready to go. He’s changed his top too; he’s now wearing a short-sleeved black shirt. The room smells of aftershave that makes my skin break out in goose bumps and my scalp prickle.

  “Ready to go smash those burgers?” I joke as I slip on some blue heels in place of my red ones.

  “Heck yeah.”

  He flicks off the TV and stands, turning to face me. He freezes, and I don’t miss the small, barely perceptible widening of his eyes or the tightening of his jaw as he sees me. His Adam’s apple bobs, and his lips press into a thin line before he finally clears his throat and nods, huffing out a long breath, eyes still on me. The way he’s looking at me makes me shift on my feet and chew on my lip. Aubrey would call what he’s doing eye-fucking. I certainly feel thoroughly eye-fucked—and I like it.

  “Wow, Lucie. You look great. Really great.”

  “Um … thanks. You do too.” Understatement.

  I chuckle awkwardly and look down at myself, feeling my cheeks burn at his compliment.

  My top is a cute off-the-shoulder baby-blue crop top that shows some midriff and my shoulders. It’s new. One of the many things I treated myself to with my first wage packet after Lucas and I split. I wanted a fresh start, and I wanted to wear stuff I liked rather than things Lucas had thought were suitable. Our—or more correctly, his—circle of friends we hung out with when we did venture out to posh dinners or high-end bars were more sophisticated than my own friends. They were into their brand names and wouldn’t be caught dead in high-street bargains like this one. This shirt is not something Lucas would have said looked great; in fact, the last time I wore a top that showed off a bit of tummy, he regarded me as if I’d lost my mind and kindly reminded me that we were going to brunch with his parents and not a hooker convention. Then, he politely suggested I might like to revisit my choice of attire before he kissed my forehead and playfully swatted my bum. I cried myself to sleep that night and threw away my shirt. When we broke up, I bought as many belly-revealing tops as I could get my hands on as a giant eff you to him. Not that I’ve seen him since the split, but it’s more of a mental eff you, and it makes me feel empowered.

  As I look at Th
eo now, seeing his obvious approval, it makes me feel a hundred feet tall.

  “Let’s go then,” I say, staring at my shoes as I push my glasses up my nose, cheeks still flaming.

  Silently, he grabs the keycard from the sideboard and heads to the door, opening it and holding it for me to walk through first. We walk side by side to the lift, the air thick with unspoken attraction. I can feel his eyes on me, and I can’t stop smiling. I’ve no intention of doing anything about it, but the way he just looked at me made my thighs clench and my heart race.

  “If you’re nervous about meeting my family, don’t be. They’ll love you,” Theo says as he sets his hand on the small of my back.

  His thumb strokes across the exposed skin there, and I feel a little shiver tickle up my spine that I fight hard not to show.

  “I’m not nervous.” That’s the truth. I’m merely a fake date.

  After this long weekend, I’ll never see them again, so I don’t need to worry about making a good impression or fitting in with them. As we agreed, I’m here for the vitamin D, the alcohol, and the free food he promised me.

  And maybe some no-strings naked Twister if he keeps touching my back like that …

  I am, however, curious about Amy. I can’t help but wonder what Theo’s type is. This girl must be something special if she’s hooked him and his brother so easily. I imagine she is a beautiful, tall, blonde goddess with legs up to my belly button.

  We stop at the reception on the way past and ask them to make up the sofa bed in our room while we’re out, and then we head to the restaurant. As we step inside, I hear a girlie squeal and look around with wide eyes as a little girl of about seven or eight springs from her chair and races over, shouting Theo’s name at the top of her lungs. At the table she vacated is an older couple, and they both look over with undisguised interest. I watch, shocked, as Theo’s face breaks out in a grin, and he bends just as the little girl leaps into his arms and hugs him tight.