Page 52 of The Best Little Christmas Shop
I laughed. ‘So you said.’
‘I know. I just wanted to say it again.’ I could hear the smile in his voice.
George called again.
‘I have to go. But can you come round tonight? I’ll cook.’
I hesitated.
‘Just friends.I promise.’
‘Look, only my family are supposed to be able to do the whole mind-reading thing. It’s in the rules.’
He let out that delicious laugh again. ‘The rules?’
‘Yes. I’m not going to be able to keep any thoughts to myself if every Tom, Dick, and Harry has access to them.’
‘OK. Well, just amend it to add my name. We’ll make sure Tom, Dick, or Harry are still excluded.’
‘Yeah … I’m notsure adding your name is such a good idea.’
‘It’s going to happen whether it’s in the rules or not. Just saying.’
I made an “ugh” sort of noise. Cal laughed. ‘Just head over whenever you’re ready. Although, ideally the sooner the better.’ I could hear that sexy smile in his voice and my insides felt soft and warm. My brain, however, was doing its best to over-rule my body. And I knew I was reallygoing to have to fight to listen to it.
‘I’ve told George you’re coming and he’s bouncing with excitement.’
‘Oh.’ Somewhere in the back of my mind, a balloon deflated sadly.
‘But don’t worry. I’ve already explained that it’s just like when he has friends over to tea.’
‘Oh. Right. Good.’ I forced brightness into my voice and the metaphorical balloon made a last ffttt noise and lay limp.
Wehung up and I sat for a moment just looking at the phone, but not really seeing it. This was good. Cal was respecting my wishes about just being friends. That should make me happy. So why didn’t it?
I blew out a long sigh, grabbed the box of new stock Joe had dropped off earlier, and ripped off the seal. Diving into the new goodies, I forced myself to concentrate on them and the best place todisplay them, pushing all thoughts of Cal Martin, and all the goodies he had to offer, firmly to the back of my mind.
***
‘I’m sorry it’s nothing fancy,’ Cal said as he placed the plate in front of me.
‘If I didn’t have to cook it, I’m happy. Thanks so much for this. It smells delicious.’ I kind of hoped it didn’t taste quite as good as it smelled because then I was not only planning to avoidgetting together with a man who was gorgeous, funny, intelligent, and kind, but also a man who could cook. Honestly. It just wouldn’t be fair. Once Cal had sat opposite me, I took a forkful of the parmigiana. And it wasn’t as good as it had smelled. It was better. Of course it was. I gave a little groan.
‘Is everything all right?’ Concern creased the handsome features.
Oh crikey. That was outloud.
‘Umm, no. No, not at all. I … er, just remembered I forgot to do something today at the shop but it’s not important. I’ll do it tomorrow.’ I’d been nervous of the mood lighting originally, but right now I was exceptionally glad of it as it went some way to helping hide the flush I could feel on my chest at my fib.
We finished the food and then, having placed the crockery in the dishwasher,Cal set about fiddling with the complicated coffee maker. Taking the drinks, he led the way through to the snug.
‘I thought it might be nice to sit in here. But we can go into the living room if you’d prefer?’
I didn’t prefer. The room was beautifully cosy with an open fire prepared and ready to be lit and was lined on one entire wall with bookshelves. A cosy, squishy sofa was opposite the fireand heavy, padded silk curtains draped at the window, puddling on the floor.
‘Silk? With a small child? You’re a brave man, Mr Martin.’ I smiled, sinking into the softness of the sofa.
His back was to me as he lit the fire, but he threw a look over his shoulder and gave a laugh that did more to warm me than the fire was ever going to do.
