‘Oh, you should come. It’s very good, although I was a bit sore for a few days after,’ said Ana.
‘Are you too chicken?’ asked Rebecca, quirking one eyebrow in challenge.
‘No. Too busy. Today at least.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Adeus, ladies.’ He picked up his coffee and sauntered out of the kitchen.
‘Shit!’ She’d forgotten the time. Will would be waiting for her.
Chapter Eighteen
‘Sorry about breakfast,’ said Rebecca, picking up her wine glass and taking the first sip. It had been a long but satisfying day and the Vinho Verde was very welcome.
‘It’s not a problem,’ said Will. ‘I do understand you’re here to work. And I’m sorry about this evening. I would have liked to have dinner with you but I’ve been trying to speak to this guy for weeks, and tonight is the only day he could do it.’
‘Again, not a problem. Maria, Mrs Rebelo, is the most amazing cook and she cooks dinner for the family every night.’
‘You eat with the family?’
‘I am staff. Although they make me very welcome.’ She smiled, thinking of the noise levels earlier and the excitement about the makeover. Will wouldn’t have enjoyed it at all.
‘You look happy. Portugal suits you,’ he said, tilting his head to one side and studying her.
‘It does. I love it here.’
‘It is lovely,’ he lifted his cup. ‘And the coffee is great but I’m sure wall-to-wall sunshine would wear thin after a while. I mean, part of the joy of sunshine for us is that we’re not used to it.’
‘It’s not just the weather,’ said Rebecca, toying with her wine glass, ‘although I do love being outside as much as possible.’ She smiled at his sombre face, trying to share her enthusiasm. ‘Eating outside in the evening is such a treat. I’m not sure I’ll ever take that for granted.’
Will shrugged. ‘Yes, I get that but when we get good summers at home, we can appreciate them properly because they’re not guaranteed.’
‘True,’ said Rebecca, agreeing with him as she always did, but a little spark inside urged her on to express her own opinion. She’d always admired and respected Will’s keen intellect but, she realised, she often let him take the main stage.
‘I love the lifestyle here,’ said Rebecca with startling clarity. ‘People celebrate food and family. It’s important to them. It takes precedence. Portuguese families get together and spend time together as a unit.’
‘Not every family is like yours where everything revolves around sport, you know. Alicia and I ate together every night.’ His voice softened, the way it did whenever he talked about his wife.
‘I know,’ she said with the quiet sympathy she always felt when he mentioned Alicia. He’d been through so much. He was a good man and he’d been a good husband to Alicia– stable, steadfast and sweet, as well as completely committed to her. Being faithful and rock-steady was his superpower. It was something she shouldn’t dismiss.
She thought of Felipe, who freely admitted he didn’t do commitment, although she could understand why. After all he’d been through with the death of his father and uncle, loving someone and looking after them would be just another burden.
Will reached over and took her hand. ‘I’ve neglected you, haven’t I?’
‘What?’
‘Taken you for granted. I’m really sorry.’ He gave her an engaging smile. ‘Too much a case of not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone.’ He paused. ‘Listen, there’s something I need to tell you. I think I might be in love with you, Rebecca.’
Elation warred with surprise and the hard, uncomfortable thud of her heart in her chest disconcerted her. They were the words she’d longed to hear for so long.
‘You are?’
‘Of course I am. You’re my best friend and you’ve been there for me. I know you love me and I’m sorry I’ve not said anything before.’ He rose and came around to her side of table. Then he was taking her elbows and pulling her to her feet and putting his hands on her waist. ‘I’ve missed you.’
She swallowed and readied herself for the kiss. The intent was written all over his face like a major announcement. It should have been a big moment, but she felt awkward. His lips, when they touched hers, were warm and gentle, just a little hesitant, and too… soft.
A surge of warmth rose up inside her but if she were honest, she wasn’t sure if it was tenderness or fondness. She kissed him back and they bumped noses.
‘Sorry,’ she said. He angled his head, but so did she and they almost missed their mouths.
He laughed. ‘I think maybe we need more practice at this. Take things slowly.’
