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‘Oh, I really do.’ His fingers itched to be horribly clichéd – to reach out and brush away the few strands of hair that had stuck to her cheek. He forced himself to pick up his wine glass instead. ‘In fact, I’m feeling so lucky that I think I might push my good luck even further.’

‘Oh really.’ He didn’t miss the way her eyes dipped away from what she was doing for a heartbeat before she turned to him. ‘And how were you planning on doing that?’

He didn’t remember stepping closer to her, and hadn’t seen her move either, but suddenly there seemed to be a little less space, and quite a lot more heat, between them.

Heartbeats stretched into long moments before Jamie cleared his throat. ‘I could ask you what it makes me, if I’m someone you’re cooking with. Other than extremely lucky, I mean.’

There it was again. The brief, almost shy, lowering of her gorgeous eyes before they flicked up, dancing with light and emotion. ‘How about a new friend?’ Her smile triggered a cascade of magic through him, zinging and tingling at his fingers like he was drawing.

He could have done it then. Reached out and stroked those dark strands, learned if they were as soft as they looked. He nearly did. But Hudsbury being Hudsbury did its thing and one of the pots decided that was the perfect timing for an extra loud hiss and sizzle, breaking the moment.

‘We’re probably ready.’ Amrita lifted the lid, filling his little kitchen with the most glorious fragrance.

He was lucky indeed.

* * *

‘That really was one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever tasted,’ Jamie repeated. ‘Thank you so much.’

‘Guess that means I’ve successfully made my point.’ She giggled, feeling far more pleased with herself than she’d expected for a quick meal. But there was something in Jamie’s admiration that lingered – warm and unexpected, but incredibly welcome – long after he’d wiped the last bit of gravy up with roti. ‘Though I feel a bit bad for leaving you with all the washing up.’

‘Don’t. It was delicious. And yes, I now consider myself at least a bit better educated. On at least one curry. But I might have to ask for your help with more.’

‘Maybe.’ She laughed as he held her coat for her to put on.

‘Joking aside, I’ve had a great night. Unexpected, but really good fun.’

‘So have I.’ She smiled.

Neither spoke for a few moments.

‘I really should get going.’

‘Right, of course. I’ll walk you down. Help you with this.’ He hefted the bag filled with every container and bottle he could find – all filled with water.

‘You didn’t have to do that. I could have stopped at shops on the way.’

‘This is free, and easy.’ Jamie led her down the stairs from his apartment. ‘Besides, I might have a slight ulterior motive.’

‘Oh really?’ She unlocked her car and turned to look at him, surprised.

‘What if I told you I’m sentimentally attached to my water bottle?’

‘Which one?’ She bit her lip, trying not to laugh.

‘That blue one. Right there.’ He leaned into the car to put the heavy bag on the floor – checking it was secure.

‘Really?’

‘Absolutely. I must have been using it for at least six months.’ He grinned hugely.

‘Then I don’t really have any choice, do I? I’ll have to be extra careful with it. And make sure I bring it back.’

‘I’d appreciate it. I really am feeling quite attached to it.’

‘I could leave it here for you…’

‘No, no. I’ll be brave. Your need is greater. It’s a sacrifice I’m prepared to make. For my new friend.’