Page 101 of The Holiday Cottage

“I don’t suppose we could discover it now?”

“You want lunch at ten in the morning?”

“I’m hungry.”

He grinned. “The more I know you, the more I like you.”

Her heart skipped a beat. She felt the same way about him, but she was too unsure of her own emotions to say so. This all felt so different. Her life was too busy to ever meet anyone organically, and for the last few years she’d used dating apps and become more and more disillusioned. It felt as impersonal as applying for a job. In the end she’d decided to give herself a break from the stress of it.

“Does your plan for the day include grabbing a coffee somewhere? I’m no good without coffee in the morning. Sorry. I should have set an alarm so that I woke up earlier. Then I could have consumed my coffee before you arrived.”

“Don’t panic. Coffee is definitely the first thing on the agenda. How do you feel about chocolate cake for breakfast?”

She blinked. “It’s a new one on me, so maybe I can tell you after I’ve eaten it?”

“Sounds good. Wrap up. It’s cold out there.” He opened the door and a blast of frigid air blew through the car.

“You’re not kidding.” Imogen pulled on her hat and zipped up her coat. “Chocolate cake is sounding better all the time.”

They walked out of the car park and onto the cobbled street that ran the length of the village. A stream meandered next to the road, the surface partly frozen.

The village had a nostalgic appeal, as if it was from a different time.

“I can’t believe there are ducks.” Imogen paused to watch them. “Aren’t they cold?”

“Ducks are hardy. They’re generally fine in cold weather, although you need to watch their feet.”

“Have you ever had a duck as a patient?”

“Most of the animals I deal with are a little bigger than that.” He reached out and took her hand and she glanced at him.

“You’re afraid I might slip?”

“No. I just like holding your hand.” He tugged her closer to let someone pass. “Unless you have something against holding hands in public?”

“No—” she cleared her throat “—I don’t.”

He was so easy with it all. So comfortable, whereas she overthought every word and gesture. But maybe this wasn’t as new to him as it was to her. She’d been alone for so long she’d forgotten how it felt to hold someone’s hand.

It felt good.

“Miles!” A woman in her forties crossed the road to greet him. She sent Imogen a curious look. “How are you doing?”

“I’m great thanks, Pippa.” He held Imogen’s hand firmly, showing no signs of releasing it. “How’s Ted?”

“Better, thanks. Recovering. The doctor has him on a strict diet and he’s moaning about it, so that’s fun, particularly as we’re in the gorging season. Melissa tells me she’s travelling this Christmas?”

“Yes. She was here last month and hopes to make it for New Year’s Eve. This is Imogen, by the way. Imogen—Pippa.”

Imogen gave a polite smile and they exchanged a few words before Pippa reached out and touched Miles on the arm.

“Are you working over Christmas? Because you’re welcome to join us for lunch.”

“That’s kind, Pippa, but I’ve already accepted an invitation to Dorothy’s.”

Pippa smiled. “Then I know you’ll be well-fed. Good. If I don’t see you before, I hope you have a great Christmas.”

She leaned in to give him a spontaneous hug and then turned and hurried in the opposite direction.

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