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‘Well, don’t you want to?’

‘I’m supposed to be working with you.’

‘And I told you I’m fine. You’re not going to make me argue with you, are you?’

Amrita tapped her fingers against her thigh, thinking quickly. She knew only too well how stubborn Sylvie could be and didn’t want to risk damaging the therapeutic relationship she’d worked hard to build with the older woman. And she’d be lying if she tried to pretend her skin wasn’t still tingling in the nicest way where Jamie’s hand had rested. ‘OK. I guess I can take a few minutes.’

When she walked into the kitchen, there were already two plates and cups sitting on the side, and Jamie was leaning against the wall. He grinned at her. ‘Are you getting the impression we might be getting set up a bit?’

‘Maybe a bit. You, um, you hadn’t told anyone about…?’ She wasn’t quite sure how to finish the question. It was all so new that she wasn’t entirely sure what it was. They’d only really shared one kiss – amazing as it was – and a few messages and calls since.

‘The cinema?’

‘Yeah.’

‘No, I haven’t. But Hudsbury isn’t exactly a quiet place. And Aiden knew we got spices from Glimmers and Sparkles, so that news probably travelled. And I did talk to him a bit – but I promise it was nothing negative. And whatever’s been said by anyone else, it won’t have been unkind.’ He handed her the biscuit tin, and his fingers briefly brushed against hers, making her smile and want to reach for more – confusing when things were so new and unsettled. ‘Are you upset?’

‘No, not really. It might have been nice to have some privacy while we figured things out a bit more, but in a lot of ways it feels familiar. My family are a lot like this.’

‘Really?’

‘Definitely. You only need to tell one aunty a bit of news and the whole family will know by the end of the week. Sometimes the end of the day, if it’s really interesting.’

‘I’m almost scared to ask,’ he joked as he poured the tea. ‘What’s the news on me?’

‘Nothing yet.’ She smiled. ‘I wanted to keep you to myself for a bit.’

‘Really?’

She nodded as he stepped closer, smiling.

‘Are you OK with this?’

‘I think so…’ It was a bit odd, being in a patient’s kitchen, but clearly Sylvie had a very good idea of what was likely to be happening. And the older woman had all but shoved her in there.

Jamie immediately stepped back, holding both hands up. He was still smiling, and his good-natured, easy move to ensure her comfort – reminding her of his promise – warmed her through. She stepped nearer to him, right into his arms.

‘I think I liked you better closer.’

‘Me too.’ He reached up and stroked back the loose strands of hair that so often escaped her braid, making her want to shiver. ‘Hi.’

‘Hi.’ She smiled back. ‘I’ve missed you.’

‘I’ve missed you too.’

He leaned down slowly. She knew he was giving her time to back away – another reminder that he was true to his word about not pushing her into anything before she felt ready – but really it just drew out the anticipation. When his lips touched hers, it was gentle – almost reverent – making her bolder. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed against him, deepening the kiss and taking control of it. His hands hit her waist – hot and tight despite her uniform – and he kissed her back, perfectly matching and meeting her need. Exciting, new and incredibly delicious – yet, at the same time, comforting and achingly familiar. For a moment, everything disappeared from her mind – where she was and that she was supposed to be being professional. Nothing mattered apart from the feel of him.

He pulled back at the perfect moment – just before things got too heated – and smiled at her, his eyes dark and locked on hers for a few moments. She couldn’t look away – she was transfixed by his gaze, and the way her heart had stepped up its pace.

After countless heartbeats, he stepped back, and her heart remembered its usual speed.

‘I know we spoke last night, but tell me how your week has been.’ He picked up the teas and offered one to her. This time, when his fingers touched hers, they lingered, warm and deliberate. Without thinking – because if she stopped to think about it, she might stop herself – she transferred her cup to her other hand and wrapped her fingers around his. He looked down, seemingly surprised, but didn’t say anything or pull away, just squeezed.

‘It’s been a good week. Work has been busy, but all my patients are doing well. Family has been getting really busy with all the wedding plans, and dance rehearsals and fittings after fittings. They’re never-ending. And that’s before all the pre-wedding celebrations.’

‘You mean like the hen night and stuff?’ His thumb stroked small, distracting circles over her thumb and the back of her hand – like he couldn’t help but touch her.

‘Well, yes, there is going to be the hen night – but it’s all the other “stuff” that really takes the time. We’ve already had the Roka months ago, but there’s still the Maiyan, the Choora ceremony, the Sangeet and the Mehndi ceremony.’