‘But he’s not eaten anything and I’ve checked his usual places and there’s no sign of him. I called him but he’s not exactly one of my fans.’
‘You made plenty of those tonight,’ said Blythe, pulling on her woolly hat as they turned to walk towards the green.
It was hard to tell in the light but he seemed to go a bit pink around the edges. ‘Were you one of them?’
The question caught her off guard. ‘I’m very grateful to you for keeping your end of the bargain. I bet it wasn’t as bad as you were expecting. Was it?’
‘Far worse,’ he said with a laugh. ‘Those women were wild. And Phyllis…’ He shook his head in mock disapproval.
‘It’s always the quiet ones.’
‘I’m not saying it was my favourite thing but I did have more fun than I expected to. A couple of the lads have invited me out for a beer in the new year and I’ll probably catch up with Fraser for a game of squash.’
‘Now look at you – making friends,’ she said, and he playfully bumped into her as they walked. ‘I told you the locals were friendly.’
‘I’d like to get to know some of them better.’
She wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but they were nearing his cottage so it was easier to not think about it and focus on the cat. ‘Shall we check around here first for Turpin and then inside?’
‘Makes sense. If he hears you he might follow us.’
Blythe began calling Turpin as they walked along the edge of the green and up to Sam’s cottage but there was no sign of him. They walked on past and doubled back – nothing.
‘I’ll check the garden if you want to see if he’s inside,’ said Sam.
‘Sure.’ Blythe let herself into the utility. Turpin hadn’t touched his food. She was walking through the kitchen to check the rest of the house when something caught her eye and she reversed back.
Sam joined her in the kitchen. ‘I can’t see him,’ he said.
‘I can.’ Blythe pointed to the top of one of the kitchen cupboards where Sam kept his wok and there, just visible, was the end of a ginger tail. Turpin had curled up and gone to sleep in it.
Sam followed where Blythe was looking. ‘Seriously? How the hell did he get up there?’
‘I guess he feels safer hidden away. Poor thing. Hey, Turpin, you okay?’ she called up. An ear popped up above the edge of the wok.
‘How do we get him down?’ asked Sam.
‘I’d leave him. Maybe you could put a chair on the worktop so it’s not so far for him to jump down.’
‘Good idea. Look, I’m sorry I dragged you over here but then again I’d never have spotted him up there. It’s like extreme “Where’s Wally?”’ He picked up one of the bar stools and put it on the counter to aid Turpin’s descent from the wok.
‘No worries.’ They held each other’s gaze a moment too long and Blythe felt a rush of something that scared her – desire. A picture of Sam in his sexy Santa garb danced into her head and made her flustered. ‘I should go. And thanks again for tonight. For being a sexy Santa. And dressing up…’ Why did it sound sexual? She needed to leave. ‘Leonora will be delighted.’ She scanned her phone to see if she’d had a reply. When she looked up Sam was standing very close to her.
‘You don’t have to go. You could stay for coffee.’ He raised an eyebrow.
Could she? Did he mean just coffee? But the look in his eyes told her he didn’t mean just coffee. Theynevermeant just coffee. Blythe felt herself heat up but that was because she was wearing too many layers indoors. ‘Maybe I’ll take some things off.’ Sam’s other eyebrow jumped up to join the first. Blythe pulled off her gloves and shoved them in her coat pocket in an attempt to cool down. ‘I mean I’m a bit warm but yes, coffee would be nice. As long as it’s decaffeinated. I only drink decaf.’ What was she rambling on about? It had been a while since she’d been in this situation and it had taken her by surprise.
‘You sure?’ he asked, stepping closer. ‘Because I have tea.’
He carefully took off her woolly hat and she feared her hair was sticking up in all directions as it usually did, but Sam wasn’t looking at her hair. ‘Coffee will be fine.’ Her voice had gone all breathy. What was she doing? This was Sam. Sam was a flight risk. But then everything didn’t have to be about long-term relationships. A hook-up could be fun, she thought. There was the sexy Santa outfit again. But who was she kidding? How awkward would that be living in the same village with someone she’d had casual sex with? Or worse, would he see her as a friend with benefits? Nothing more than a shag buddy. ‘No!’ She said it a bit louder than she intended and they both jumped. ‘I should go,’ she said, diving a hand into her coat pocket for her gloves and pulling out the bow tie and cuffs she’d taken for Phyllis.
Sam blinked. ‘Wow, you did come prepared.’
‘Actually, no. Whilst you did look amazing in them… these are for Phyllis.’ Sam tilted his head. ‘Try not to think about it. I’m not sure I’ll be able to face Norman and his iced buns after this.’
Sam chuckled. ‘You’re funny. I don’t know if this will sway your decision about the decaf coffee but I really like you, Blythe. You’re smart, funny and you’re on my mind a lot. In summary, I think you’re great. Aside from all the Christmas and Grinch shenanigans that is.’
‘Sam, that’s lovely of you to say. And I like you too apart from the strange Christmas phobia. I don’t know what I’m looking for but I know it’s not a one-night stand so… Thanks but no thanks.’ She shrugged.
