Page 85 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

‘Snoring and everything. I think you even dribbled at one point.’

‘Noooo.’ How mortifying. ‘I was just so shattered, though.’ She hid under the covers for a second. The shame. She resurfaced to find him laughing.

‘Had you for a second there, didn’t I?’

‘You swine.’ She launched a pillow at him.

‘I must admit, though, I really do need to rethink my foreplay technique if that’s the end result.’

‘Hah, well in that case you might just need to get some more practice in.’ She was grinning back at him now. They had time on their side. It was a Sunday. Yes, she had chocolates to make as always, but the shop didn’t open till midday on Sundays.

And he did get some more practice in – and it did not send her even remotely to sleep this time. In fact, he woke up every little nerve ending in her body and it was rather bloody amazing.

Max had to leave just after 9.00 a m., as he had to get down to a new building project in Jesmond. He’d missed breakfast, saying it was worth it with a cheeky smile, and mentioned there was a handy little coffee shop near the site which did the most amazing banana milkshakes, so he’d drop by there.

Emma found herself heading downstairs to the shop for the day with a big smile on her face, but already she’d started wondering when she might be seeing him next, and there was a strange sense of fear too. It had been so long since she’d opened up her heart. Yes, the sex was pretty damn amazing, but was she beginning to like this guy too much? Had she just got carried away with it all?

The next evening, she was in Bev’s kitchen, a glass of Pinot Grigio to hand.

‘Good weekend?’ Bev asked.

‘Yes.’

‘And …? Come on, tell me all about the hot hunk. You have, haven’t you? I knew it! The way he kept looking at you on Friday night – honestly, I’m surprised all those chocolate canapés didn’t melt! And then it was so obvious that he wasn’t going to leave …’

Emma gave a careful smile. She felt it had just snowballed around her, somehow.

‘So, what’s the problem?’

‘I’m not sure. It’s just maybe we’ve both fallen into it too easy, too soon.’

‘What are you saying?’

‘Well, he seems a nice enough guy and we get on fine. But can it really go anywhere? We’re both busy people, with businesses …’ She let her voice trail. It was like she was building her own get-out clause, just in case.

‘So, let me get this straight, because you both have busy lives you can’t have a relationship? Well, that counts out most of the human population, Em.’

‘Maybe I’m just a bit wary.’

‘Well, that’s understandable. Why don’t you just take it steady and see how it goes?’

‘Maybe.’

Suddenly she was feeling so confused.

37

Despite her emotional wobble, Max stayed over again the following Saturday night. Waking up to find someone was in your bed still felt strange after all these years for Emma, but as they made early morning love, her body felt wanted, and warm, and so very alive.

‘Any plans today?’ Max asked later, at breakfast, chatting over coffee and toast at her little fold-up table in her upstairs kitchen. ‘I imagine the shop’s opening as usual this afternoon, but for once I’m not expected on site. It’s Sunday and I’m taking some time out. No dramas this week, a full quota of staff. Brilliant.’

Alfie was in his basket beside them, looking up at Emma, hopeful of a crust of toast.

‘Well, Bev’s coming to cover the shop, actually. Adam’s gran is involved with a Christmas Fayre for Age Concern down at the village hall and asked if I’d go across for a couple of hours and hold a stall there. They’ve got cards and a gift stall coming, and they’re organising teas, cakes and coffees. I think there’s also a raffle and some kind of auction going on. Sorry, it may not quite be what you were imagining for your day off … but you’d be welcome to come along and keep me company.’

‘Why not? I’ve nothing better to do, and at least it means I can spend a bit more time with you. Yeah, we’ll go check out the oldies scene, see what we’ve got to look forward to. It’ll be all Zimmer frames and slippers, no doubt.’ He grinned.

Emma had been up late that Friday night, making as many chocolates as she could for the upcoming Fayre, and had boxes of chocolates and plenty of Christmas goodies all ready to go. She just needed to take them across in her car, and get set up by 1.00 p.m.