‘Are you ready to order?’ Max said, as he arrived at their table.
Quinn scowled at him. ‘Was this your idea?’
‘It was a mutual thing,’ Max shrugged, clearly not bothered by the scowl. ‘Cleo wanted to set Alex up with someone wonderful and I said there was someone who was perfect for her right under our noses.’
‘And you didn’t think you could just be honest with us?’
‘Nah, neither of you would have come if we had. But from where I’m standing, it doesn’t seem to have been a bad idea.’ He gestured to their hands.
‘Well actually—’ Quinn began, clearly about to tell Max that they had been seeing each other for a while.
‘We’ve decided, as you’ve got us here on a date that we’d treat it like a date,’ Alex quickly said.
Max grinned. ‘Well, I genuinely hope it works out for you.’
They placed their order and he left.
‘Why didn’t you tell him we’ve been seeing each other for a while?’ Quinn asked.
‘Oh, let them have it as a win. It is a good match. What would you have done if we weren’t together and they set us up on this date?’
‘I would hope I would have the courage to tell you that I loved you and if you wanted to date a real man who would treat you like a queen, it would make me the happiest man alive.’
She smiled at that. ‘And I would have said yes. Then I’d have probably suggested we get out of here to consummate our new relationship.’
He laughed. ‘Don’t tempt me.’
Max brought over the drinks, giving them a mischievous eyebrow wiggle. Alex wondered whether he’d heard the comment about consummating their relationship. He left them to it and Alex decided to change the subject so she wasn’t thinking about running out of here for a night of hot passion.
‘What are you most looking forward to about your Christmas celebrations?’
‘Oh, lots of things. The rugby club Christmas party should be good. They are doing a big murder mystery night where everyone is getting dressed up and everyone has a character to play. I have to go as a mad scientist. I love stuff like that. It’s right up my street. But mostly I’m looking forward to spending more time with you and Zara on Christmas Day. I’d really like to wake up with you in my arms on Christmas morning.’
She smiled at that. ‘I’d really like that too. I’m sure that can be arranged. Zara seems rather blasé about it all.’
‘Well, that would definitely be something to look forward to.’
The meal had been delicious and the conversation had flowed easily just as it always did. As first dates went, it had certainly been one of Alex’s best.
Cleo had sat up at the bar all night, chatting away to Max and giving them excited thumbs up every time they looked over at her.
The plates had all been cleared away and they were just finishing off their drinks. Alex decided it was now or never. She scooted round the booth so she was next to Quinn.
‘I’m going to kiss you now.’
He looked alarmed. ‘Here? In front of everyone?’
‘Don’t look so scared.’
‘I’m scared for you. If we kiss, the whole town will know within half an hour. There’ll probably be a bulletin on Facebook or the neighbourhood forum.’
She laughed. ‘I don’t think our love lives are that interesting.’
‘If you were just dating some random man, people probably wouldn’t care less, but you’re with me, Liam’s brother. Lots of people are going to think that’s weird or inappropriate.’
‘And lots of people who have been rooting for us to get together for years will be delighted for us.’
He scowled.
