Chapter eight
Pippa sat at a tablein Katherine’s cafe, sipping coffee, waiting for Oliver and Jess while Ginger tucked into his breakfast at her feet.
When the door opened, she looked up to see Jess pushing her nose in through the gap of the door first, followed by Oliver. Her stomach did a little flutter. He looked unusually fresh-faced and handsome for such an early hour.
His face beamed when he spotted Pippa and a very excited Jess tugged him towards her and Ginger.
‘Morning Pippa.’ He looked down at Ginger who had finished his breakfast and was now sniffing Jess while she licked his empty bowl. ‘Good thinking, feeding Ginger first. You never know how dogs are going to be with each other, eating together for the first time when they are both hungry.’
Pippa hadn’t even given it a thought, but she took the praise with a smile and a nod, not wanting to feel foolish by admitting to the truth. Ginger had just been impatient after the first whiff of food. He hadn’t stopped mithering her until his breakfast was in front of him.
‘Morning Oliver,’ called out Katherine over the music playing on the radio. ‘I’ll come and take yours and Pippa’s orders in a moment.’
Oliver nodded as he took off his coat and slung it over the back of his chair. ‘Thanks Katherine.’ He pulled off his woolly hat and ruffled his hair before sitting down opposite Pippa. His dark waves fell naturally into perfection and Pippa couldn’t help but think he was wasted working as a website designer. He would much better be suited adorning glossy men’s magazines. No strike that—he’d be better adorning the cover of a Mills and Boon romance novel.
Pippa shook her head, ridding herself of the thought. Why was she thinking such things, anyway? This relationship was a working relationship built on an old friendship—period.
‘Morning Pippa. Sleep well?’ asked Oliver with a grin.
Pippa nodded. ‘Morning. Yes, like a log. To be honest, I could quite easily have skipped breakfast for a couple of extra hours in bed.’ She shuffled in her seat under his intense stare. Did she still have sleep in the corners of her eyes or something? She discreetly checked. No. Then why was he studying her face as if she was theMona Lisa?
His lips peeled back into a smile. ‘We’ve already had thirty views on the website since I published the new updated version last night, which according to the analytics is an increase of sixty-five percent compared to the normal daily quota. ‘
Pippa’s smile matched his. ‘Wow. That’s amazing.’
Katherine approached the table with a pen and notepad poised. ‘Are you ready to order?’
Oliver gestured towards Pippa. ‘Ladies first.’
Pippa smiled and turned to look up at Katherine. ‘A small English breakfast for me please, with scrambled eggs and a glass of orange juice please, Katherine.’
Katherine scribbled the order down and looked up from her notepad at Oliver. He clapped his hands together and rubbed them with glee. ‘I’ll have a large full English breakfast please with fried eggs, a cup of tea and a glass of orange juice.’ Jess whimpered by his side. ‘Oh, I almost forgot Jess. Can I order a doggy breakfast too?’
Katherine went down on her haunches and tickled under Jess’ chin.’ Did your naughty master almost forget about his little girl?’ Ginger pushed under Katherine’s arm not wanting to be left out. She laughed and ruffled the fur on his head. ‘Yes, I know you are a good boy for eating all of your breakfast.’ She picked up Ginger’s empty bowl. ‘Ten minutes, guys. I’ll make your drinks, then I’ll prepare your food.’
Oliver nodded his head. ‘Thank you, Katherine.’ He turned back to Pippa. ‘So, any news?’
‘About what?’
‘Kitchen units and appliances.’
