Page 71 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

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It was twenty past five when Max pulled up outside. He poked his head around the shop door and smiled broadly. ‘Good afternoon, chocolate-maker extraordinaire. Hey, great job in here.’ He looked around at the finished Chocolate Shop Café.

Emma felt her stomach lurch in a happy way. ‘Hi.’

‘So, how did it all go? Were there queues of people? Was it like Black Friday?’

‘Not quite,’ she smiled. ‘But several came in and I think, after the launch night and the press adverts, then more people will get to hear about it.’

‘Yes, plenty of publicity. That’ll do the trick. Then word of mouth. I can help you with a flier, if you like? Not too bad on the computer, though I say so myself.’

‘Excellent. I’ll take you up on that.’

‘So, are you nearly ready?’

‘Yep. Just give me five minutes to get wrapped up here. I’ll just cash up the till.’ She had a feeling just the few hours’ takings that afternoon were pretty good.

She then headed for the rear door of the shop that led to her cottage quarters, calling over her shoulder, ‘I’ll get changed quickly. What kind of clothing do I need?’ That might give her a clue as to their activity too; she was still curious.

‘Well, warm and cosy. Thick socks. Possibly hat and gloves as well as a coat.’ He was following her through.

‘Ri-ight.’ That didn’t sound much like a romantic restaurant meal or a cinema trip. What on earth did he have in mind? After her hectic day, she didn’t know if she was quite in the mood for a hike somewhere. ‘Really? You’re not teasing?’ She stopped and turned to look at him.

‘Nope.’ He had a knowing grin on his face as he followed her through to the stairs. ‘Shall I come up or wait here?’

‘Come on up. You can sit in the living room while I find my warm clothing.’ Now she really was intrigued, but it didn’t seem like he was going to give her any more clues. ‘You’re still not going to tell me, are you?’

‘Nope.’

Alfie headed out from the living room to greet them, his tail thwacking against their legs.

Emma gave his head a rub.

‘Hi, Alfie.’ Max rubbed behind his spaniel ears and the dog dropped almost instantaneously to the ground for a tummy tickle. ‘Like that, do you, mate?’

‘Walking boots, wellies or trainers?’ Em asked as she headed through to her bedroom.

‘Now you’re asking … I’d say wellies.’ Max’s voice carried from the landing.

Why was this starting to fill her with dread? ‘Can Alfie come?’ It was sounding very like a walk somewhere, though it would soon be dusk.

‘Yeah, as long as he behaves himself.’

‘Of course. He’s very well trained. So, we’re outdoors then?’

‘Stop angling, woman. You’ll find out soon enough.’

‘Hate surprises.’

‘I can tell!’

She soon came back into the lounge, dressed in jeans, thick socks, and a cosy grey cable-knit jumper, with her tartan scarf on. She’d grab her coat and wellies, and Alfie’s lead, from the hall on the way out.

‘You look lovely.’ Max smiled from the sofa where he and Alfie had made themselves at home. ‘It’s just how I picture you. Like you were when I first met you that day.’

‘Thanks.’ Aw.

‘Very cuddleable in fact. Though I’m not even sure if that’s a word.’ And he stood up and gave her a quick hug as if to prove the point. ‘Yes, very cuddleable.’