‘Look who I met in the corridor,’ said Karel, handing over a box of different beers. ‘Thought you’d like to try some different local specialities.’
Anna glanced at Jakub, whose expression was unreadable. ‘I brought these, but of course you are familiar with them.’ He’d brought a case of the brewery’s beer.
‘Thank you,’ said Anna, her bright smile a touch anxious. Had this been a terrible idea? ‘Come on through and meet everyone.’ She led the way up the stairs to a burst of laughter which gave her some relief. At least everyone else was getting on.
She introduced the two men, ushering Jakub to the seat next to Ludmila as they were the closest in age. She needn’t have worried. Ludmila with her innate grace immediately engaged Jakub in conversation. Karel sat next to Leo and the two of them were soon laughing and joking with Michaela, Zdenka and Lubica.
Anna sat near Jakub and Ludmila, initially to help keep things flowing, but it was soon apparent that Ludmila didn’t need any help, so she went out to the kitchen to slip the plates for the next course into the oven to heat.
Leo came up behind her and even before he brushed her hair aside to kiss the back of her neck, goosebumps rose on her skin.
‘How much longer until we can throw everyone out?’ he murmured, his breath fanning across the sensitive skin.
‘Everything will be ready in ten,’ said Anna, trying not to let herself be distracted.
‘You’re no fun,’ he whispered, his lips trailing across the curve of her jaw.
‘Leo,’ she whispered, her nerves hyped up and jangling in response.
‘Yes, Love.’
She turned and leaned into him, kissing him. ‘You need to behave.’
‘Why?’ He ran a finger down the front of her neck to the hint of cleavage exposed. She sucked in a quick breath, quite forgetting why.
A burst of laughter from the other room reminded her that they had seven guests waiting to be fed.
‘You need to start slicing the roast beef,’ she said faintly.
‘Mmm,’ said Leo circling her waist and pressing her to him.
‘Leo. The beef.’
He pulled his head back, a pout on his lips. ‘How can I be expected to think about boring things like beef, when all I want to do is to take you to bed? I’m dying here.’
She laughed. ‘Well, die more quietly, please.’
He groaned and buried his face in her neck. Unable to help herself, she put her arms around his neck and closed her eyes, savouring the feel of his body against hers. She could stay here for ever.
Another burst of laughter forced her into action and she pushed him firmly away. ‘There. Stand there. Just while I get my breath back.’
Leo, being Leo, looked delighted with himself. She narrowed her eyes at him. ‘Don’t let it go to your head.’
‘Wouldn’t dream of it.’ Despite her making him stand apart from her, she could feel his gaze on her the whole time. Trying to distract herself again, she leaned into the dish and sniffed. ‘It smells good. I hope everyone likes it. I’m starting to think that maybe we shouldn’t have attempted Czech food and given them a curry or something.’
‘It’s all going well. Don’t worry. And Jakub turned up.’
‘He did and he hasn’t been rude to Karel yet. Although there’s still time.’
‘It’s not your problem. We’ve done a nice thing, inviting Jakub to dinner because he’s lonely and doesn’t eat properly.’ He rested his hands on her shoulders, grounding her. ‘It’s not your problem. Enjoy yourself. We’ve been looking forward to this and the food is going to be amazing.’
‘Though you say so yourself.’
‘Come on. We’re a dream team, this food is going to be a triumph.’ He touched his mouth in a chef’s kiss. ‘Let’s get everyone seated.’
Before he went back to the other room, he gave her bottom a quick caress, leaving her flustered again.
Anna began to transfer the food into piping hot bowls. When she carried the beef through, the rich creamy scent of thesvíckovásauce filling the air, everyone stopped talking.
