‘Yeah. I’m fine. You know, I’m tired. I think I’m going to have a lie-down.’
‘Do you not want to go through more of the letters?’
‘No, I need a rest. You two enjoy each other’s company. Make the most of each other,’ he says.
‘Oh, no, please, it’s only lunchtime. Won’t you have some lunch with us?’
‘I’m not as young as you two. I didn’t sleep well last night. Enjoy yourselves without an old man like me in the background.’
That’s the first time I’ve been called young in a long while.
‘Oh, please don’t say that. We love your company.’
Albert waves his hand as he makes his way to the bedroom, dismissing my comment.
‘See you in a bit.’
‘Maybe I should leave. I don’t want to disturb Albert if he’s trying to have a sleep.’
‘No. He likes his afternoon nap. Please stay, I’m sure he’d be happy to see you still here when he gets up.’
‘If you’re sure?’
‘I am. Now, how about a lunchtime glass of wine? It is still officially Christmas, after all.’
I feel reckless as I agree, thinking of all the alcohol I have already drunk this week, but, as Tomas insists, it is still officially Christmas. He pours us two large glasses of wine. I will definitely be detoxing when I get back home.
‘I’m so glad you extended your stay,’ says Tomas.
‘Thanks. Me too. I should be just about walking back into my house now, had I flown today. I can’t believe you managed to fix the hotel and flights up for me.’
‘Anything for you,’ smiles Tomas.
I don’t know where to look as he gazes at me.
‘You know, you have a very beautiful smile. I’m sure you’ve been told that many times.’
‘Well, no, not really. I don’t like the gap. You know, here.’ I point to the gap that separates my two front teeth.
‘I was so self-conscious of it when I was in school.’ I don’t know why I had to say that. Why could I not just say thank you instead of giving him too much information? ‘But anyway, that’s very kind of you to say. You have, umm, beautiful eyes… And hair.’
Now, it is Tomas’ turn to look embarrassed.
‘Well, thank you. I’m so glad we met. I can’t imagine if we’d never bumped into each other outside like we did. That would be sad.’
‘It would indeed, but I suppose we’d never have known what we were missing out on.’
‘That’s an awful thought,’ says Tomas.
He hands me my glass of that lovely Moravian wine, and I take a sip. I am definitely glad I met him, but I don’t let on quite how much.
Being so close, I can smell that musky scent he wears again. It reminds me of the day in the lift, and I am not complaining about being in such close proximity again today.
‘I really enjoy your company,’ he says.
I feel a flutter in my tummy. I wonder if I should hint that I find him utterly irresistible. Am I brave enough to let myself go that much?
There is no time to decide as Tomas gets closer and closer to me until, finally, our lips touch. His kiss is soft and tender. I hold my hand up to his cheek. His skin feels so smooth compared to Craig’s rugged complexion. I sit back and look at him. He is so incredibly handsome. Until now, I have tried not to acknowledge the beautiful, kind face he has, or those eyes and long eyelashes. I tried not to look at those defined arms that make me want him to hold me and keep me safe.
