Page 41 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

‘Yeah,’ he replied. ‘It’s been good to see you too. Would you like a lift back to the shop?’

‘No, I don’t think I should spoil your nice clean vehicle with a damp, sandy spaniel, but thank you all the same.’

‘Okay, well, catch you later, then. The Fisherman’s Arms at eight o’clock.’

‘Yes. See you.’ Her head was in a whirl.

The water felt good pounding her body as she freshened herself up with some zingy mint shower gel. She didn’t quite have enough time to wash her hair, as it was thick and wavy and took ages to dry and she only had an hour, which included a quick and easy supper of scrambled eggs on toast. Now her stomach felt a bit queasy. She couldn’t quite pin her emotions down as she stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel. She was kind of excited at the thought of meeting Max again, but then she felt incredibly nervous. Going on a date with this guy seemed too raw – too wrong.

Rubbing the towel over her slim body, she had a panicky moment. What if they did get on well? What if there were other dates, what if one day he might actually get to see her naked? Gulp. Instinctively, she pulled the towel tighter around her.

Jeez, her inner voice kicked back, you’re thirty-six years old for goodness’ sake, and you haven’t even been for a date yet, just a bloody beach walk. And, even if anything might happen at some point, it’s sex, it’s normal. It was also something she had abandoned, after a couple of failed attempts, post Luke. So, the last time was what, four years ago?

And the hardest part was it wouldn’t be Luke, would it? She felt herself go into a cold sweat, and a tear clouded her eye. How she wished it could be Luke – but it couldn’t. It never would again.

Years, it had been years, and it still had the power to hit her like a sledgehammer. That was the way love hurt, when someone left you. But the days still rolled on, the sun rose, the sun set, somehow you managed to smile again, even if your heart was left in tatters.

Emma gave a small sigh and walked across the landing to her bedroom. She looked at Luke’s photo in its wooden frame by the bed, remembering how excited she had felt that day when they first met in the school staffroom, how she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She sat down on her double bed and popped on her plain white M&S bra and knickers.

Maybe she should just pull out now? Duck out politely from the drink with Max this evening – she could always leave a message with Danny in the bar. Yes, just let the memory of that first kiss and today’s walk live on as a pleasant moment in her mind.

Hah, her alter ego kicked in, she was just being silly. It was a drink in a pub after all, not even a proper date. Yes, so Max was hunky, rather gorgeous and he seemed nice and friendly, but hey, there was a long way to go. She might never see him again anyhow after this evening. She pushed her mind to what she was going to wear, choosing jeans with a pretty flowery top. Emma erred towards the boho chic style of clothing for her time off. A spritz of perfume, some moisturiser, quick slash of pale peach lip gloss, and eyeliner and mascara – done. As per usual, her make-up routine was achieved in five minutes’ flat.

She brushed her long, wavy red hair. She had to keep it up in a ponytail for work so it was nice to let it loose occasionally. It took a bit of taming, mind you, and when she washed it it needed tons of conditioner, or else the brush battled and generally lost.

She fed Alfie, then let him out into the back yard. After popping him back to his bed in the upstairs kitchen area, she was ready to go. She slung a jacket on, left The Chocolate Shop by the back door, and headed down the hill towards the harbour. By this time her stomach was in full spin mode.

21

She spotted Max getting out of his jeep from a parking space just in front of The Fisherman's Arms.

Her throat felt a little tight. Here goes. ‘Hi.’ She approached tentatively.

He turned and rewarded her with a gorgeous smile.

‘Hey. So, you’re about to show me where it’s all happening in Warkton, then.’

‘Oh, yes. If you want a pint of real ale and game of draughts – this is the place to come. We might even stretch to dominoes tonight.’ Actually, that was on a Wednesday night.

She wondered if she should have suggested somewhere less rustic. They could have driven into Alnwick or somewhere. And, thinking about it, everyone knew everyone in here. There would be no secrets about her meet-up with Max. The whole village would know about it in precisely three minutes’ time.

Max held the bar entrance door open for her.

‘Thanks.’

A silence descended on the bar as they walked in. There was a nod of acknowledgement to Emma from Dave, the landlord, and then eight pairs of eyes passed over Emma to settle on the imposter behind her.

‘Everything okay there, Emma?’ It was as though Dave was checking all was legitimate with this guy on her tail, and that she was safe and happy.

‘Yes, fine thanks, Dave. You okay?’

‘Sure, pet. Right as rain. Well then, what can I get you?’ That was the signal for the regulars to start chatting again.

‘Ah, a glass of white wine, please. Max?’

‘I’ll try a real ale. Do you do a pale?’

‘There’s a nice blonde.’ Dave gave a chuckle at that. ‘Tyneside Blonde … pint of?’