Page 54 of A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton

‘No,’ Marc said firmly. He glanced to where the boys were still engrossed in playing Twister, and then back at Lauren. ‘When Tessa was ill, really ill, I used to feel so guilty for spending time away from her. Even a quick walk by myself while the kids were at kindergarten, or just driving to pick them up at the end of the day, felt like a relief. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to spend all the time we had left with her, but that I needed space just to process everything; to remember who I was. Do something for me.’

Lauren’s eyes were so full of understanding and kindness, that Marc felt his own starting to burn. ‘Sorry,’ he added. ‘The last thing I want to do is bang on about my wife.’

‘It’s perfectly fine,’ Lauren replied. He felt a jolt of electricity as she moved closer to him and put a warm hand over his. ‘Tessa was a huge part of your life. You don’t have to pretend that she never existed.’

‘Thanks.’ He put his other hand over hers, and they were together, insulated, just the two of them, for a few seconds, regardless of the fact that the boys were in the room and Joel must be on his way back from the kitchen. ‘I’m glad you came over today,’ Marc murmured. ‘I’ve had a lovely time, and the boys have, too.’

Lauren’s smile made his heart beat just that little bit faster. ‘I’ve enjoyed it, as well. And cake is always a winner!’ Lauren’s light tone didn’t quite match the expression he read in her eyes; an expression that was telling him that she wanted to get closer to him, as much as he wanted to get to know her better. He ached to kiss her again but steeled himself to wait. There’d be time for that later, he hoped.

‘All right, you two, are you ready for me to kick your backsides at Twister? I used to be in the circus, don’t you know?’ Joel’s voice interrupted them as he re-entered the living room. It was a second or two before Marc realised Joel was talking to the boys. He settled back on the sofa, sitting closer to Lauren than before, and watched as Joel got stuck into a new game with Liam and Luca. He’d never been so aware of his own body and where it was gently touching Lauren’s. The meeting points of their shoulders and hips, and the fact that they were still holding hands, safely hidden from the other three people in the room, made his senses reel. He couldn’t wait to spend some time alone with her.

44

Finally, after even more cupcakes, it was time for Lauren to leave. While Joel helped the boys to put the game away, Marc and Lauren headed back to the kitchen to pack away Lauren’s aprons and baking equipment. It had been such a lovely afternoon that Marc didn’t want it to end.

There was something he had been meaning to ask Lauren all afternoon, but what with Joel’s sudden arrival, he hadn’t had a chance to. Now might be his last opportunity in person. He cleared his throat nervously.

‘So,’ he began, ‘Noah, Bella and Joel are taking the twins up to London the day after tomorrow, just for one night. It was a surprise Christmas gift, and all a bit last-minute, so I’ll completely understand if you’re busy, but if you’ve not got any plans for that evening, would you like to come back round for dinner? Just you and me.’

Lauren’s packing of the box she’d brought with her paused, and as she looked up at him, Marc saw a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

‘It’s all right,’ he said gently. ‘I have zero expectations, other than the two of us having a nice evening, uninterrupted by the boys or my brother.’ He moved around to where she was standing by the kitchen island. ‘I need this to go slowly, Lauren. And, I think, if you’re being honest, you do, too.’ He gently tucked a strand of her brown hair back behind her ear. ‘You and I… we’re on the same page, I promise.’

‘It’s a lovely invitation,’ Lauren said, a careful tone in her voice. She stretched upwards, and his senses reeled as she kissed him, very gently.

‘But?’ Marc said softly.

Lauren looked surprised. ‘But… nothing. I wasn’t going to turn you down! I’d love to come over for dinner.’

Marc’s face grew hot. ‘Sorry,’ he muttered. ‘It was just that the way you spoke suggested you were going to let me down gently.’

‘Oh, God,’ Lauren groaned. ‘I’m sorry. I’m a bit rubbish at picking the right tone. I actually did just mean it was a lovely invitation.’ It was her turn to look embarrassed, before, obviously trying to style it out, she laughed. ‘It’s something you’ll have to get used to with me.’

Marc hugged her in relief. ‘I’d like to get used to it,’ he murmured into her hair.

‘I’d like that, too.’

They cuddled, and Marc breathed in the scent of Lauren’s shampoo, and something that was exclusively Lauren. His senses reeled again. It had been so long since he’d been close to someone in this way. It was simultaneously exciting and terrifying. His body responded strongly, and he had to take several deep breaths to stop that response from becoming obvious. Trying to flood his brain with images of elderly politicians naked, and tricky spellings, worked a little, but he could already feel his pent-up desire. He silently reminded himself about what he’d said to Lauren. Slow but steady was the resolution. He wished he could tell his groin that.

‘I’ll see you tomorrow,’ Lauren said as they broke apart again. ‘Is there anything you want me to bring?’

‘Only yourself.’ Marc ran a nervous hand through his hair. ‘Let me take care of the rest. You’ve done enough today.’

As they walked back out of the kitchen, Lauren poked her head around the living room door again.

‘Bye, boys. See you soon.’

Smiling, both boys said goodbye. Marc was relieved that they seemed to get on well with Lauren. If this developed the way he wanted it to, they were going to be seeing a lot more of each other.

Marc walked her out to her car.

‘See you about seven tomorrow?’

Lauren nodded. ‘I’m looking forward to it.’ She glanced back towards the house, checking to make sure the boys couldn’t see them, and then placed another kiss on his mouth. It was all he could do to stop himself from taking her in his arms there and then. One thing was for sure: no-one had had this effect on his libido since Tessa. He figured that was a good sign. He waited until her car’s taillights had disappeared down the lane and then headed back into the house.

‘You two seem to be getting on well,’ Joel said without preamble as Marc went back into the living room. ‘What’s the story? Making progress?’

‘No story,’ Marc shot back firmly, signalling towards the twins with his eyes.