‘It really is the most marvellous cake ever,’ he said. ‘I can’t believe I actually know someone who is so clever that they could make something so beautiful and so delicious.’
‘Thank you,’ said Gilly, pleased. ‘I’ve always felt it shouldn’t be a compromise between beauty – well, not exactly beauty, just detail really – and taste.’
‘I can’t believe anyone would take so much time and trouble to make one for me,’ William went on. ‘Daphne explained that she’d offered to get it made professionally but that you’d insisted on making it yourself.’
It wasn’t quite how Gilly remembered it. Daphne had definitely asked her to make it, but she realised it was all part of Daphne’s cunning plan to bring them together. ‘I do like making cakes. I haven’t done one like this though since my children grew up. Now I just make cakes to serve to my B & B guests, or fundraising events.’ She paused. ‘Although come to think of it, I do make them for Helena.’
‘Not your son?’
Gilly now felt a bit mean. ‘His wife isn’t a fan of cake.’
‘Oh,’ said William. ‘It must be hard to connect with someone who doesn’t like cake. For you, I mean. A fellow non-cake lover would find it easy, I suppose.’
‘Shall we have another drink before the minibus arrives to take us all home?’ suggested Gilly.
‘Yes to the drink, no to the minibus. We’ll get a taxi.’
Chapter Twenty-four
William tapped his phone a couple of times and then ordered the taxi. ‘Right,’ he said. ‘Brandy while we wait?’
‘Why not?’ said Gilly, thinking briefly about the risk of a hangover, before deciding she was enjoying herself so much any repercussions were worth it.
The taxi came and they both fell into the back. William’s fingers entwined with hers as they sped through the countryside.
The taxi was obviously part of a fleet used by William as no money changed hands before it drove away. He was by Gilly’s side at the front door in seconds.
‘Would you like to come in?’ asked Gilly, giggling as of course he had no choice.
‘Yes please,’ said William.
‘We’ll have to be quiet as I’ve got B & B guests.’
They entered the hall. ‘Would you like another drink or anything? We can talk in the kitchen.’ It was only now that the reality of the situationdawned on her. William was here, in her house, without a car between them. Although he could always order another taxi.
‘What about your bedroom? Could we talk there?’
‘Oh yes.’
‘Then we should definitely go upstairs although I don’t want to talk.’ He paused, giving her time to back out.
She didn’t have to think about this; she knew what her answer would be. There was no way she was ready to sleep with William: she didn’t know him nearly well enough. Also, the preparation sleeping with him would take! The waxing, the exfoliation, the toenail varnishing – it all had to be done. She hadn’t had sex since the last time with her ex-husband, which seemed a very long time ago now. It wasn’t something that was possible in a worn PrimaDonna bra and a pair of old Sloggis.
Although she was certain in her mind her body had different ideas. She heard herself say, ‘Come on,’ and she took his hand.
When they reached her bedroom he shut the door behind them and took her into his arms. They kissed for a very long time.
‘I’m so glad I had the brandy,’ Gilly whispered as William undid her top. ‘Or I’d never have the nerve to do this.’
‘It’ll be fine,’ said William. ‘Trust me. I’m your accountant.’
As the night drew on Gilly had time to wonder if the characteristics that made William such a good accountant also made him a good lover. Meticulous attention to detail, finding sweet spots in unexpected places, not giving up until every area was attended to.
It was a wrench when, before it was even light, William got up and said he had to go.
‘The trouble with surprise parties midweek is that they don’t always happen at a time suitable for the person the party is given for,’ he said. ‘I have a meeting at the other end of the county and I have to go home and get ready.’
‘I wasn’t sure you’d like a surprise party,’ said Gilly, watching him put on his clothes. ‘I think they’re a bit Marmite – they work for some but others hate them.’
