Page 60 of Take a Moment

‘So, you’re nervous?’ I tease him.

‘And you’re not?’

‘You know when a washing machine goes on spin cycle?’

‘No.My mum does all my washing.’

As he says this alarm bells clang in my head. He’s a mummy’s boy? I knew this was too good to be true.

Matt gives a little wave to bring my attention back. ‘Probably the time to tell you I’m joking, right? By the look on your face, you’re about thirty seconds from the “I’ve just had a family emergency” call.’

I burst into relief-fuelled laughter. ‘Seriously?I thought that was real. Might be an idea to tone it down a bit. At least til I’ve got the basic facts.’

‘Sorry. I’ll try and reel it in.’

The waiter returns with our drinks and a small jar of what looks like seasoned corn kernels. We thank him and as he walks away, Matt lifts his drink and looks me straight in the eye.

‘Cheers, Alex. Nice to finally have a drink with you again.’

I raise my own glass, clinking it against his. ‘It sure is.’

We sip at our drinks while admiring the view, then simultaneously reach for the nibbles, causing our fingers to collide. I snatch my hand away as he does exactly the same, then we look at each other and start to laugh.

‘You go,’ he prompts me, grinning.

‘Thanks.’

I take a few pieces of corn, then he does the same.

‘I know you’ve been here a few months now, but how are you settling in?’

‘Fine.’ I nod, cringing a little as I crunch loudly on the corn.

‘Don’t worry. I can barely hear you over my own horse-like munching.’

‘They’re really good, but not sure they’re first date snacks.’

‘Unless you’re a horse,’ he points out.

I accidentally snort – horse-like – in amusement and then redden at Matt’s resulting laugh. ‘I’m settling really well,’ I say, keen to move us along. ‘I love working on Brindley Place. It’s got a great buzz, and it’s such a treat to be able to take a lunchtime walk along the canal – on the days I actually manage a lunch break.’

‘I know the feeling.’ Matt grimaces. ‘A bad habit working through lunch, but for me it’s a choice between that and working late every day.’

‘Totally.’ I abandon the corn and sip at my drink instead, enjoying the warmth from the alcohol, complemented by the spicy botanicals and the bitterness of the tonic.

‘My best option for a scenic lunch is the industrial estate car park.’

‘That’s not going to suit someone who loves the hills and countryside as much as you do.’

‘Correct.’ He sits forward and leans on the table, hand propping up his chin, dark eyes glinting in the half-light. ‘There’s something about being on the peak of a mountain that’s so liberating, you almost think you could leap off it and fly.’

‘I suggest you don’t try that.’

‘No, obviously not. But you understand what I mean. When I saw you up singing last weekend, I could see that it did the same for you. You were so lost in the music. It was quite something to watch.’

My flush returns in response to the compliment; that and the feeling that Matt’s eyes are almost scanning my soul, seeking out our compatibility.

‘I do enjoy it.’

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