Page 45 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

‘And?’

‘Not much to tell, really. We went for a drink, that was it.’

‘Hah, there’s more to this, I know there is.’

‘He’s nice. I like him. There, does that satisfy you?’

‘Not really.’

There was no way Emma was going to mention the kiss. Two kisses, in fact, plus the little one on the cheek, not that she was counting.

‘He has my number.’

‘Aha!’ She heard a clap then a clatter, as though Bev had dropped the phone, then retrieved it. ‘That’s bloody amazing! The ice maiden has thawed.’

‘Ice maiden – is that what you call me?’

‘Oops, yeah, did that just slip out? Soz, Em.’

‘Thanks.’ But, it was a fairly accurate description as far as men were concerned lately. No point thawing for all the silly twats out there. ‘Well, then, that’s it. I’ve told you it all now,’ Emma continued.

‘No, you haven’t. I’m still coming over for that coffee. Get your cafetière out. I love that stuff you get from Berwick. With hot milk, please – perfect.’

‘Not very demanding, are you?’ But Emma was smiling as she spoke.

‘I just know what I like.’

‘Right, well, I need to get back to my caramel mix, before it spoils.’

‘Okay, I’ll see you soon.’

‘All right, then.’

‘I knew you’d see sense. Then you can tell me everything.’

Emma switched off her mobile, shaking her head with a smile. She then gently melted the caramel, adding the sea salt carefully – too much would spoil it, not enough and it wouldn’t have the right tang. She tasted a little, on the end of a spoon. Perfect. It would need to cool a touch, then she’d pour it into each chocolate-coated mould.

She put the kettle on, grabbed the cafetière and the freshly ground coffee. As she spooned it in, the smell of it was fabulous, rich and aromatic. Next, she bolted upstairs to change into her work attire of black trousers and white T-shirt, as she was still in her pyjamas and the 10.00 a.m. opening time would soon come around.

‘I have fresh croissants.’ Bev poked her head around the kitchen door.

‘Let yourself in, why don’t you?’

‘Well, I knew if you were chocolate-creating you wouldn’t get to the door, anyhow. And I guessed you’d have let Alfie out into the back yard already, so the door would be open.’ Her friend grinned cheekily.

‘True. Well, the kettle’s just boiled, and I’m ready to take a break. So, thanks.’

Bev perched on a kitchen stool. ‘So, how did it go?’

‘Fine. He’s a nice guy.’

‘So, you like him?’

‘Yes, I suppose I do. But I still hardly know him.’

‘Ah, I think you get a good idea, even on the first date.’

‘It wasn’t really a date, Bev. He just turned up in the shop and then we had a quick drink in the pub, that’s all.’