Page 14 of The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove

‘What are you doing tonight, Dennis?’

He looked at me for longer than I thought totally necessary, and raised a querying eyebrow before saying that he was just planning a night in with his nan. Crikey, I hope he didn’t think I was asking him out on a date.

‘Fancy meeting me back here for an hour later? I have something I’d like to show you.’

Another raised eyebrow and a moment’s hesitation made me backtrack.

‘Don’t worry. It was just a thought.’

‘Are you going to give me any more information? I like to know all the facts before making an informed decision.’

A loud sigh escaped me.

‘Have you ever considered that you need more spontaneity in your life?’

‘Have you ever considered you might need less?’

We stared each other down, before we both gave in and laughed at the same time.

‘Oh, what the hell. Why not? How’s that for spontaneity?’

‘Impressive.’

He grinned and I thought the similarity and mannerisms between Ryan and real-life Dennis was uncanny.

‘What time do you want me?’

Gosh it was getting hot.

‘Six o’clock OK?’ I squeaked.

‘Yep. It’s not like I’ve got offers left, right and centre. See you then.’

We were moving two steps forward and one step back.

It would be interesting to see how tonight went.

10

‘Hey!’

I looked up from my book as Dennis towered over me.

Musky, spicy tones hit my nostrils.

‘Ooh, you smell nice!’

Oh God, did I say that out loud? What was wrong with me?

‘Thank you.’ The surprise that I’d complimented him was written all over his face. ‘Just got out of the shower.’

‘Oh!’

Trying very hard not to think about Dennis in the shower and hiding my blushes as I put my book into my cross-body bag, I guided Dennis out of the shop, and into the street, locking the door behind me.

‘Where are we going then?’

‘You’ll see.’

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