He shook his head. ‘I’m single through choice. It’s the best way for me.’
‘Why would you think that?’
‘Because it’s true.’
‘If my opinion matters, that’s a waste. You have a lot to offer.’
He raised his eyebrow. ‘Such as?’
‘A dog, which is always a bonus, a beautiful cove and, to be honest, on a scale of one to ten you aren’t that bad looking.’
Sam laughed. ‘And where would I be on that scale?’
‘I’d say around a nine point five. There’s always room for improvement.’ She winked then grinned. ‘And it’s not cool to go fishing for compliments, you know,’ she added, knowing she had a glint in her eye.
‘And what about you? Do you think you’ll ever go looking for love again?’
‘Absolutely!’ she replied without hesitation. ‘I want a family, though preferably not with a lying, cheating bastard. I have a lot to share with the right person and they’re definitely missing out right at this moment because, look at me, I’m a good catch. I’m sitting here in clothes belonging to someone else, I’ve got no job – though that could change at any moment because I’m sure I’ll get something when I start looking – and I’m sleeping in the back of a van.’
‘You’re definitely a good catch for someone.’ He gave her a warm, lopsided grin.
Verity noted the ‘for someone’. ‘I’m glad you think so.’
They held eye contact for a second as they picked up their drinks. Every time Verity looked into his eyes her heart leapt and she got an all-over jittery feeling. She was attracted to him and could feel the electricity sparking between them, and, despite what he was claiming, she suspected he could feel it too.
‘I have to say, you aren’t a half bad cook. I think this is possibly the best lasagne I’ve ever tasted. It’s definitely up there with the best. It’s nice of you to cook for me. I usually go through the ready meals in the frozen counter in the local supermarket. They’re so bland that sometimes I question exactly what I’ve eaten.’
‘I do have a confession to make. I know it said it was homemade, and that’s not a lie…it’s just not homemade by me!’
‘Sam!’
‘Betty makes meals to order at the tearoom and I put in an order this morning.’
‘So you knew you were going to wine and dine me then, did you?’
‘I hoped…and if not, it would freeze!’
‘Sam Wilson, is this a date?’ She was teasing him yet secretly wanted to see his reaction.
‘I’d prefer to stay single, but that doesn’t stop me having dinner with an attractive woman and enjoying myself, does it?’
She smiled, liking the way he called her attractive. ‘I just don’t understand why you’re single by choice. Has something happened for you to think that way?’ She knew she was being nosey, but she really wanted to know what had happened between him and Alice.
‘It’s just the way it is, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t like female company. I’m having a wonderful evening.’ He picked up his glass, his eyes not leaving hers as he sipped his wine. As he put the glass down, her gaze dropped to his lips and she wondered exactly what it would it be like to kiss him.
‘I know, you’re one of these commitment-phobes.’ Verity didn’t want to drop the conversation so presented her question in a joking manner.
‘I’m committed to my dog, my restaurant, the upkeep of my cottage and memories of my family.’
‘You know exactly what I meant. I think it’s very sad that you don’t want to find your special person to share all that with.’
‘Maybe I’m enough. Maybe I like my own company. Maybe I’m happy because my life is full of peace and calm.’
‘But are you happy with life?’
‘What do you mean by that?’
Without thinking, she said, ‘I overheard part of your conversation with Betty earlier, when I arrived. Fighting with Pete can’t make you happy; this ongoing feud between you two must be draining.’
