Page 72 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

It was an extremely gorgeous cuddle, all aftershave scented and big strong arms around her, if rather too brief. ‘Right, let’s go then. I want to know what I’m in for.’

‘Come on, Alfie. We’re on.’ The dog leapt from the sofa in excitement, and was soon following them down the stairs.

‘I’ve left the jeep just up the road a bit, on a single yellow; not sure how that works of an evening, so I hope it’s all right.’

The village streets were quite narrow and the traffic warden eager.

‘Yeah, it’s normally okay,’ Emma answered. ‘So, we’re not walking straight away?’ He was heading from the side alleyway out to his vehicle.

‘No.’ Again that teasing smile.

They reached the jeep and he opened the hatchback for Alfie to jump on in.

She felt she’d asked enough questions, so got in the passenger side and waited for Max to drive her to wherever it was they were headed. They set off down the main street towards the harbour where Max turned left and went along the coastal lane for 200 metres and made the turn into the beach car park.

‘Is this it?’ The words were out before Emma had time to stop them sounding disappointed. Some build-up that was. They could have just walked.

‘Yes, we’re here.’ Max’s tone was calm, measured.

Alfie gave an impatient whimper from the back; he just wanted out. Any walk was a good thing to him.

Emma tried her best to look enthusiastic.

‘I just need to get a few things out of the boot.’ Max headed to the rear of the vehicle. Emma joined him, just as Alfie was leaping out, and Max was pulling forward a large wicker basket and a bag with a couple of glass flutes poking out, as well as a soft tartan rug. The corners of her mouth began to creep up.

‘Right, let’s find a spot somewhere a bit more sheltered in the dunes.’

‘A picnic? At the end of October?’

‘Yep. Why do you think I told you to wrap up warm?’ He grinned. ‘Here, could you take the rug?’

‘Of course.’ Hmm, well this was a first. ‘I’d have put my thermals on if I’d known,’ she laughed.

‘I’ll keep you warm, no worries,’ he smiled.

Again, that crazy flutter.

They walked for about ten minutes, Max loaded up with hamper and bags, and found a secluded spot in the front of the dunes area out of the sea breeze, yet still with some of the sea view. There were a few stragglers left on the beach, a man walking his dog, whose terrier bounded across to greet Alfie, and a middle-aged couple wandering the sands hand in hand, who seemed to be heading back towards the village.

‘Here okay?’

‘Great.’

Max took the tartan rug from her and laid it out on a flattish patch of sand between the spiky marram grass mounds. First things first, he found the two glass flutes and pulled out a very promising-looking bottle with a gold foil seal, then popped the cork on some champagne. Wow!

‘Cheers!’

‘Cheers, Max! Thank you.’

They clinked glasses and she took that first delicious, bubbly sip that fizzed fragrantly on her tongue. Max sat close beside her and they looked out to sea. It was a dry night, thankfully, and, though cloudy, no sign of rain.

‘So, what’s in the hamper then?’ She realised she was starving, having only had a slice of toast at lunchtime before opening the shop.

‘All will be revealed very soon, madam. We have to wait till at least six o’clock or it’ll all be over before dusk.’

‘You mean we’re staying out here in the dark?’

‘Of course, that’s half the fun of it. But never fear, I have candles.’