Page 40 of The Best Little Christmas Shop
‘Surely that’s how people get to know each other better, isn’t it? By blabbering away?’
I looked back athim and met a grin that I imagined had got a lot of women to say a lot of things.
‘Yes. I guess. If you have the knack of scintillating conversation and the ability to flutter your eyelashes.’
He laughed. ‘You’re plenty scintillating and fluttering eyelashes has always been vastly over-rated, in my opinion.’
I couldn’t help the smile. ‘You really are a charmer, aren’t you?’
‘Only when it’sworth the effort.’
I rolled my eyes and laughed. ‘What a line!’
He joined me in the laughter. ‘It really wasn’t, but I have to admit, it did rather sound like one.’
‘Just a bit.’
‘So?’
‘So?’
‘Why are you having doubts about taking the job?’
‘I’m not. I mean, not really.’
Cal gave me that look again.
‘OK. I guess, over the past year I’ve just got used to being able to come home for things.I really did love my job but the downside was being away a lot, which meant missing out on stuff over the years. Family stuff, you know?’
He gave me a look and I immediately felt bad. He saw it and covered my hands with one of his, shaking his head, the softest of smiles on that dangerously tempting mouth.
‘Anyway. I will take it. Of course. I mean, it’s not ideal as it’s a couple of rungs downthe ladder from where I was, but it’d get me back into the industry and it’s what I do. What I’m good at.’
‘That doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be, or aren’t already, good at something else.’
‘No. I know.’ I picked up the coaster he’d been fiddling with earlier and twiddled it in my fingers. ‘I’ll be fine. Once I’m back in among it all, I’ll know it’s where I’m supposed to be again. It’s just becauseI’ve been away from it for a while.’
He nodded. ‘Maybe.’
‘What does that mean?’
Cal didn’t elaborate, his gaze sliding to the weather outside the window momentarily. ‘But you’re enjoying being back in the village?’ he asked, looking back at me.
My smile gave him the answer.
‘It’s quite a special place, isn’t it?’
‘It is. And I can’t wait for the Christmas Festival! Were you there for itlast year?’ I put the coaster down.
‘We were but poor old George had caught a stinking cold and by the time the festival came around we were both in bed, dosed up to the eyeballs with medicine.’
‘Oh no! What a shame! You have to go this year. George will absolutely love it! The whole village turns out, and there are stalls and fairground rides and a parade with Father Christmas. There was achoir last year and I think Mum said they’re coming again this time. They don’t just do carols either. They did some pretty amazing covers last year. Actually,’ I said, my coffee cup halfway to my mouth and one finger pointing at Cal from it, ‘they did a take on “All The Single Ladies” at one point but got all the single women and men to come out in front of them. There was definitely a bit of chemistryin the air that night! You missed out.’
‘Actually that sounds kind of terrifying. I’m almost glad I was in bed now I’ve heard that bit.’
‘To be fair, I think a few of those involved ended up there too.’ I gave a giggle, stopped abruptly, and put my cup down, shaking my head. ‘I really shouldn’t have had that wine on an empty stomach.’
Cal was grinning. ‘It’s fine. It’s … entertaining.’
