“So the Greek taverna set the mood, did it?”
I huff. “No, thanks to Thanasis. You know how he flirts.”
“Honey, we all love Thanasis. That man was chiselled from Mount Olympus.” Julian mock fans himself while pouring the tea. “But while I can appreciate a fine specimen of a man, it doesn’t mean I want to be with him.”
“How’s it going with you and Russell?”
“I’m excited about the weekend. I can’t wait to give him his birthday surprise.”
The bell above the door dings when the postman delivers a large package. “I haven’t ordered anything.”
“It’s for a G Brewdy, sir,” the delivery guy says.
I take the box, and he dips his cap before leaving. My brow furrows, wondering what it could be. Ripping the box apart, it’s full of blue and red bunting and tea shaped chalkboard signs.
“These are cute.” Julian examines miniature London telephone and post box salt and pepper shakers. “Cam’s ordered them for her National Tea Day event. For sugar and cocoa.”
Cam’s voice sounds behind me, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention. “Has my order arrived?”
Her hand brushes against mine as she delves into the box. Warmth spreads the length of my arm from her touch. She gives me a glance while chewing on her plump lip.
I collect my drink from the counter and leave her to unpack the box. Watching her face become more and more animated with all her British nic nacs makes my chest swell. I’d do anything to see her happy. Today is going to be torture, when all I want to do is take her upstairs and make love to her again.
Julian peers into the bottom of my cup, examining the remnants of tea leaves. “A romantic connection from overseas could be the best thing that ever happened to you.” He shows me the leaves as though they make any sense to me.
“You just made that shit up, didn’t you?” I shake my head with a grin on my face.
“Look. It’s right there. The leaves never lie.” He pats my shoulder, then goes to help Cam with her box of decorations.
Damn, I can’t deny how much I want her. How much I’ve wanted her. Last night was the best date I’ve ever had. And sleeping with her in my arms was the most content I’ve felt. Warmth spreads through my chest, thinking of how this could be the start of something. Maybe now she’ll stay. She has to stay. I can’t lose her now.
CAMI
Gray helps me hang the blue, white, and red bunting around the room, giving it a very British vibe, but it looks good and sets us apart from your average tearoom. Electricity shoots the length of my arm with each touch from his hand, reminding me of last night. My stomach bubbles with excitement at what the future might hold.
He helps me down from the chair, but I fall into his chest. He chuckles, but holds me in his arms for a beat too long and twirls a lock of my hair around his finger as he did last night. The gentle tug through my hair lulled me to sleep in his arms last night.
I clear my throat and steady myself, pushing away from his grasp, realising we’re in the middle of the tearoom with a few customers’ eyes on us.
“Okay, what’s next?”
“I wanted to hang these pictures I found boxed up in the spare room.”
Gray holds up the framed cross stitch of a teapot and flowers.
“Betty taught me how to stitch. We made these together when I was young.” I hand him another of a cup and saucer with camomile flowers growing from the floral cup.
“They’ll go perfect down here, Cam. It’s a nice personal touch.”
“Gray, my man,” a voice startles me.
“Noel?” Gray places the frame on the table and pats his old friend on the back like a manly bro hug or something. “I didn’t know you were back in town.”
“Visiting the folks while there’s a break in the filming schedule.” His eyes drift to me as I stand fiddling with the hem of my t-shirt. “Camomile, is that you?” He slips past Gray and, with two strides, scoops me up in his large arms.
“Wow, Noel. Holding a camera all day is really working out for you.” I hold on to his biceps, the corded veins bulging under my palm.
“You haven’t changed, Cam. What are you doing here?” His blue eyes peer into mine, making me feel like a teenager again, all of us hanging out together.
