21

The Jewellery Quarter looked different when there was nowhere specific to be. Without the pressure of work or shopping lists, Amelia found herself noticing details she normally walked straight past. Hanging baskets overflowing with bright flowers. Tiny independent shops squeezed between old brick buildings. A violinist playing beneath the shade of an old oak tree while people slowed almost unconsciously to listen.

Jake walked beside her with his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans. Comfortable. Relaxed. At least, that was how he appeared. In reality, his wolf was conducting what could only be described as an ongoing campaign of protest.

Touch her.

Jake ignored him.

She's right there.

"I've noticed something," Amelia said.

Jake glanced across.

"Should I be worried?"

"Possibly."

"Go on."

"You keep looking like you're about to say something."

"I do?"

"Then you change your mind."

Jake smiled.

"I've been caught."

"What keeps happening?"

He considered the question.

"I think of something."

"And?"

"Then I decide it's probably a terrible idea."

Amelia laughed.

"I do that all the time."

"You don't."

"I absolutely do."

"No."

"You've known me for just over a week."

"I know."

"So how can you possibly know that?"

"Because when you overthink something, your eyebrows do that."

"My eyebrows?"

He nodded.

"They move."

"My eyebrows have tells?"

"They're remarkably expressive."

Amelia stopped walking altogether.

"You're making this up."

"I'm really not."

She stared at him suspiciously.

"What are they doing now?"

"They're accusing me of lying."

She burst out laughing.

"That's ridiculous."

"They've stopped now."

"You are impossible."

"So I've been told."

They continued strolling between the old workshops and converted factories. For several peaceful minutes neither of them spoke. It wasn't awkward. Jake found himself realising he enjoyed silence with Amelia just as much as conversation. His wolf approved. Rather enthusiastically.

Now hold her hand.

No.

Why not?

Because normal people didn't immediately grab someone's hand on a first date.

You're not normal.

That was difficult to argue with.

Amelia pointed towards the window of a tiny antique shop.

"Oh, look."

Jake followed her gaze. Inside stood an ancient typewriter.

"I've always wanted one," she admitted.

"They're not particularly practical."

"I know."

"I imagine typing emails would take a while."

She smiled.

"I wouldn't use it."

"No?"

"I just think they're beautiful."

Jake watched her studying the display. She looked genuinely fascinated.

"You collect things," he said.

She blinked.

"I do?"

"Books."

"That's hardly unusual."

"You own more than people should."

She looked horrified.

"You've never been to my flat."

"I haven't."

"So how do you know?"

"You mentioned buying another book despite having nowhere to put it."

"Oh."

"And you described your bookshelf as 'double parked.'"

She groaned.

"I actually said that."

"You did."

"Please never repeat it."

"I make no promises."

She laughed again. God, he liked that sound. His wolf had stopped asking him to touch her. Instead, it had become strangely content simply walking beside her. Jake wasn't sure whether that was better or worse. As they reached St Paul's Square, Amelia slowed. The small park sat bathed in sunshine, office workers eating sandwiches on benches while children chased one another across the grass.

"It's lovely here."

"It is."

"I haven't been here in years."

Jake gestured towards one of the benches.

"Shall we?"

She nodded. For several minutes they simply watched the world go by. Eventually Amelia spoke.

"I keep waiting."

"For what?"

"For this to become awkward."

Jake frowned.

"Has it?"

"No."

She smiled to herself.

"It really should have by now."

"I was thinking exactly the same thing."

She looked sideways at him.

"Were you?"

"I've spent most first dates wondering how soon is too soon to leave."

Amelia laughed.

"That's terrible."

"It's honest."

"And today?"

"I haven't wondered once."

Her smile softened.

"I'm glad."

"So am I."

Another comfortable silence settled between them. A little girl ran past holding her father's hand. Without thinking, Amelia watched them disappear across the square. Jake noticed. His wolf noticed too.

Now.

Jake resisted the urge to sigh aloud. He wasn't afraid of holding her hand. Not exactly. He was afraid of what would happen if he did. Every accidental touch so far had sent something warm unfurling through his chest. What would happen if she willingly reached for him? He wasn't entirely convinced he'd survive it with any dignity intact.

"Ready?" Amelia asked.

Jake stood.

"Lead the way."

They wandered aimlessly through the streets until they found themselves back near Amelia's apartment building. She looked at the familiar entrance before turning to him.

"I suppose this is me."

"I suppose it is."

Neither of them moved. People flowed around them on the pavement. Neither seemed to notice.

"I've had a really nice morning," Amelia said quietly.

"So have I."

"Thank you."

"You've already apologised less today."

She smiled.

"I'm improving."

"You are."

Another pause.

Jake's wolf perked up.

This is the moment.

Jake knew. He also knew exactly what normal people did at the end of a successful first date. A hug. Maybe a kiss on the cheek. Possibly holding hands for a moment before saying goodbye. Simple. Straightforward. Entirely achievable. Amelia smiled up at him.

"So..."

"So."

Neither of them seemed willing to end it. Amelia looked down briefly before looking back up.