Page 43 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘So, how’s the to-do list looking?’ Tori asked the following morning, setting a flat white and a slice of carrot cake down on the table, snapping Bea back to reality.
Things had got pretty heated pretty quickly when Bea and Lochlan had arrived back at her place last night. They’d practically ripped each other’s clothes off as soon as they’d made it through the front door. By the time they’d reached the bedroom, a trail of clothes left scattered in their wake, she was groaning in pleasure as he covered her collarbone in tiny kisses. The sex had been mind-blowingly hot. Lochlan had known exactly what she wanted, his hands caressing her body in all the right places as waves of ecstasy coursed through her. She couldn’t stop thinking about him.
‘Sorry?’ said Bea, looking up.
‘You okay?’ asked Tori.
‘Yeah,’ said Bea. ‘Just a bit tired.’ She really hoped Tori couldn’t tell what she’d just been daydreaming about. Her cheeks reddened at the thought.
‘I was asking how the to-do list was coming along?’ Tori repeated, gesturing at the notepad on the table.
‘Good,’ replied Bea, reaching for her drink. ‘Are you sure you don’t mind me working on this while I’m here?’
‘It’s dead this afternoon, we should make the most of it. Anything I can help with?’ said Tori, pulling up a chair,
‘Erm… I don’t think so. I’ve placed my first order with the wholesalers, I’ve bought a card reader, all my social media is up and running—’
‘What about the boring stuff? Tax? Insurance?’
‘I’ve registered for self-assessment and I’ve got quotes for public liability insurance. I think I’m all set.’
‘Sounds like it. I reckon you’ll be ready in time for the fair; there’s still a fortnight to go.’
‘I really hope so. Nate’s been building the bookcases, they look amazing. I never knew he was such a good carpenter.’
‘Ah, he’s full of hidden talents is Nate. Can you keep a secret?’
‘Me? Absolutely,’ Bea nodded.
‘I know you’re close to Nate, but you have to promise me you won’t say anything to him.’
‘My lips are sealed,’ said Bea, while gesturing zipping her mouth shut.
‘Well, I’ve nominated his cheese line for a local business award.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Yes! They’re announcing the shortlist in a few weeks, I’m hoping he’ll be on it.’
‘Wow, Tori, that’s amazing, that would be great publicity for him.’
‘That’s what I thought. It’s a quality product, so he deserves the recognition.’
‘Fingers crossed, then,’ said Bea.
‘And remember, don’t say a word. Until the shortlist’s announced anyway. If he’s on it, I’ll have to tell him,’ Tori laughed.
‘Oh, yeah,’ Bea sniggered, ‘good point.’
‘Anyway, you carry on,’ said Tori, pointing towards Bea’s to-do list. ‘I might close up early if things don’t pick up, I’ve got to take Ellie to the vets in a bit anyway, she’s got a checkup booked in with Grace—’
‘You were saying,’ said Bea, looking up at the sound of the doorbell. ‘Arthur, hello!’ Bea called, as Tori let him inside.
‘Bea!’ said Arthur, warmly.
‘I didn’t know you lived in Blossom Heath?’ said Bea. ‘Tori, this is Arthur, we met at the library.’
‘Pleased to meet you, Tori,’ said Arthur. ‘My daughter-in-law has been telling me about the cat café, so I thought I’d come and have a look for myself.’
