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‘Tell me then, if you think it will help.’

‘Well, it will either help or I’m going to fall flat on my face.’ He stroked her fingers where they still rested on his arm. ‘Because, the thing is, I’d really like to kiss you right now.’

Relieved laughter bubbled up inside of her. ‘You’ve kissed me before. You’ve more than kissed me before.’

‘Yeah, but I didn’t spend ages thinking about how much I wanted to do it first. And, technically, if I were being really accurate, the first time, you kissed me.’

‘I think I’m suddenly feeling a bit nervous too.’ Angela could feel her breath coming more quickly, as her pulse stepped up its thumping.

‘So what do you say? May I kiss you, Angel?’

‘Angel, huh?’ She found herself liking that name more and more.

‘Yeah.’ He stepped closer towards her, crowding her in the most delicious way, as he brought up one hand to cup her cheek. ‘I’m waiting for your answer.’

The warmth in his eyes and his soft smile made her feel like she was still sat in front of the fireplace, and she had to swallow a couple of times to find her voice. ‘Yes please.’

The glow of the fairy lights and glistening sparkle of the early tinsel seemed to explode into fireworks as he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her, gently easing his lips against hers and filling her senses. When he parted her lips, he tasted of the rich, dark, spicy coffee they’d both enjoyed, and the even more decadent dark chocolates they’d been served with. It was all she could do to remember they were in a public place, and not moan into his mouth and pull him even closer than he already was. She just about resisted the urge to bury her hands in his hair as he teased his lips and tongue against hers, sending shivers of desire through her.

He took his time, exploring her mouth slowly and gently until she could think of nothing else but him, until nothing mattered but that moment, that kiss.

When he eventually pulled away, slowly and reluctantly, she couldn’t stifle a small moan, which just made him smile and kiss her again, only this time with such sweet gentleness that it stole her breath and turned her voice into a whisper. ‘Wow.’

‘Yeah, definitely worth the nerves.’ He stroked her cheek once more, making her giggle, before taking her hand. ‘Do you think maybe we should wait outside? Our ride should be here soon.’

‘Yeah, probably. I certainly feel like I need to cool off.’

* * *

‘‘How would you feel about a selfie?’

Angela looked at him suspiciously. ‘For what?’

‘Just for me. And maybe to send to my sister, if you’re OK with that. But I promise it won’t go online.’

‘You’ve told your sister about me? About us?’

‘Yeah.’ Rick nodded. ‘Don’t worry. All good things.’

‘OK. But I get to veto any pictures I don’t like.’ She smiled and leaned into him, fitting so perfectly that for a brief moment he felt like she belonged there, and didn’t want her to move again. He held the phone out and took a few quick shots.

Angela didn’t move, instead staying cuddled against him while she swiped back and forth through the photos. He couldn’t have cared less which she picked — as far as he was concerned, she looked gorgeous in all of them.

They were halfway back to Broclington when his phone started buzzing and chiming. The first time he muted it without even looking at the screen. There were far more interesting and important things for him to focus on than whoever was on the other end of his phone. The second time he glanced at the screen and sent it to ignore. If it was important, his building caretaker could leave a message. It was probably just another leaseholder query about the colour of the hallways — like he cared.

When it rang a third time, Angela looked at him, her eyebrows raised. ‘You know, you can answer the call. I’m not going to be offended.’

‘I didn’t want to interrupt our date with unimportant things,’ he told her honestly as the phone rang off.

It started again almost immediately. ‘It sounds like whoever it is thinks the call is important. It really is fine.’

‘Thanks. I’ll keep it short.’

He could only just make out the voice at the other end of the call. Mallow, on the other hand, he could hear so clearly he had to hold the phone away from his ear. ‘Yes, yes, I can hear the problem. I really am sorry. I know. Yes, I appreciate that. Yes, I have requested quotes. Yes, I know. Yes, I’ll do my best.’ He hung up and turned to Angela, his joy turning to disappointment. ‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to cut things short. Mallow . . .’

‘I heard.’ Angela nodded and squeezed his fingers.

‘I’m going to have to go home and sort this out.’