Page 22 of The Wisteria Tree Cottage

‘No and any man who thinks so is an absolute idiot. I love your hair when it’s loose, it suits you.’

‘Oh, I was going to put it up.’

‘Whatever makes you happy.’ He stepped closer and gently moved her hair away from her ears, causing goosebumps to erupt all over her body. He smiled when he saw her earrings. ‘I love those on you too.’

‘They’re my favourites, probably because you bought them for me.’

He stepped back slightly to look at her and she immediately regretted saying that, it was too much. But then he had just told her she looked sensational and magnificent, so maybe not.

‘You’re looking especially handsome this evening,’ Meadow said, admiring his suit, experiencing a sudden sharp kick of jealousy. ‘Your date is a very very lucky woman.’

He shook his head. ‘This isn’t a date. I’m just going so I can be there for you. And it’s definitely not a date for her, she just wanted someone to accompany her to the restaurant tonight, not sure why.’

‘Oh.’ She thought about what he’d said for a moment. ‘Are you going on these dates to find someone or just so you can be there for me?’

He paused.

‘Bear, I don’t need you to babysit me, I’m quite capable of going on dates on my own. I thought we were doing this properly. You need to be open to finding someone otherwise there’s no point in doing it. I don’t want you to just go through the motions for me.’

‘I am open to finding someone. If I’m honest I sort of gave up looking a while back because I can never find what I’m looking for. I suppose, like you, I find it all a bit daunting. You go on dates and you never know what you’re going to find until you get there. A lot of the time you don’t click with someone within the first few minutes, yet you have to endure a whole evening with them to be polite. And it just made me feel a bit jaded about it all. But maybe it’s time to try again. I’ve actually been chatting to a lovely woman online. She makes me smile. A lot. I would definitely be open to seeing how things progressed with her. But yes, I do want to be there for you too. I know you’re nervous and by being there tonight I can metaphorically hold your hand.’

She stared at him. ‘You are the loveliest man I’ve ever met. I want you to find someone wonderful who will appreciate how absolutely amazing you are. If this woman you’ve been chatting to online makes you smile then you definitely need to meet up with her.’

‘I will. And for the record, I think you’re pretty spectacular too. I hope this Josh appreciates that.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Look, I better go. Good luck.’

He bent his head and kissed her on the cheek, which almost made her go weak at the knees from his gentle touch. And then he was walking away leaving her wishing more than anything that she was going on this first date with him.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

Claudia had told Bear what she was wearing so he could recognise her, a navy-blue trouser suit. It sounded a bit formal, but maybe it was a works thing.

He had been waiting at the bar for twenty minutes and she hadn’t come yet. He was on the verge of giving up but he’d promised Meadow he would be here.

And then he saw her. A woman walked in dressed in a very smart suit like she was going to a job interview or even a funeral.

He waved and she looked at him disapprovingly, clearly hoping he wouldn’t be her date for the evening. She was about to be sorely disappointed.

‘Claudia?’

She sighed and held out a hand for him to shake. ‘Yes. Shall we grab that table.’ She moved over to the table, not checking to see if Bear was following. No apology for being late either. It was going to be a long night.

She sat down and he sat opposite her. ‘Let me explain the rules,’ Claudia said. ‘I have no interest in dating you or getting to know you better. You will not be getting laid tonight. Do not touch me or attempt to kiss me. Do not play footsy with me under the table, I can’t stand feet. I am only here tonight because my brother is on a date and I need to see if she’s good enough for him.’

Bear nodded. ‘At least we’re clear on the expectations. Is your brother Josh by any chance?’

Her head shot up to look at him. ‘How did you know?’

‘Because my friend is his date. I’m here to make sure your brother isn’t a weirdo.’

‘My brother isn’t a weirdo,’ she snapped.

‘Well I wouldn’t know that, would I? But this…’ he gestured to their little situation, ‘…doesn’t bode well.’

Her eyes widened. ‘Are you saying I’m weird?’

‘You come across as a little intense.’

‘How is what I’m doing any different to why you’re here? I want what’s best for my brother, you want what’s best for your friend.’

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