MAE
I checked my watch and realized that it was just after 9p.m. I’d been so lost in conversation, listening to Jonah’s stories about life on the sea that I hadn’t even noticed the restaurant empty out around us. There was only one other couple left, sitting over by the fire, nursing coffees. The waitstaff were wiping down tables and discreetly stacking chairs. ‘It’s late. I completely lost track of time.’
‘That’s what happens when you’re having fun.’
‘Is that what we’re doing?’
‘Ouch. I thought so.’
‘I’m kidding. I’ve enjoyed myself. Thank you.’ I reached for my coat and realized I’d left my wallet in the car. ‘Ah. Problem.’
‘What’s wrong?’
‘I haven’t got my wallet.’
‘That’s convenient.’
‘I didn’t do it on purpose. I just got out of the car to stretch my legs. You’re the one who suggested we come in here.’
‘I was always coming in here. You just decided to tag along.’
‘That makes me sound like a puppy.’
‘It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.’ He took his wallet out of his pocket and removed a few bills, placing them on the table. ‘I’ve got it.’
A thought occurred to me. ‘I can use my phone to pay.’
He snorted. ‘Not a chance. Jack’s in the process of dragging this place into the twenty-first century, but I don’t think he’s quite there yet.’
‘I’ll pay you back.’
‘It’s fine.’
‘I want to,’ I insisted.
‘What if I don’t want you to?’
‘I’ll do it anyway.’
He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table, so close I could see the windburn on his cheeks, and the light sprinkle of freckles across his strong nose. He was rugged and handsome and so,sosexy.
‘Tell you what,’ he said. ‘If it’ll make you feel better, you can shout next time.’
‘What makes you think there’s going to be a next time?’
‘I’m hopeful.’
I felt my insides warm like butter under his gaze. ‘I suppose it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.’
‘Wow, you really know how to make a guy feel wanted.’ He stared at me shrewdly. ‘Why are you moving here?’
‘I told you. A new job.’
‘I have a feeling that’s just the official line. No one moves here in the middle of winter if they can help it. There must be more to the story. Not many people would uproot their whole life “just” for a job. Are you sure there isn’t another reason?’
I found a scratch on the table suddenly riveting. ‘I just needed a fresh start.’
‘You want to know what I think?’
