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Amrita did that thing he adored when she looked away then seemed to be immediately drawn back to him. ‘Well, nothing came up this time.’

‘No, it didn’t.’ He smiled, already thinking about kissing her again.

The pause between them wasn’t awkward, not exactly, but it was heavy with feelings that it seemed too early to be having. Feelings he certainly couldn’t tell her about yet – not when he could barely admit them to himself.

‘I’m really sorry I’ve been so busy.’ She stepped closer again, and the scent of her hair gently enveloped him. If he hadn’t already forgiven her, that would have been enough. But her hand reached for his, and her warmth flushed through him, making him immediately forget that he’d been counting down the minutes to this date – even if it would be shorter than he wanted as they squeezed time in between their clashing schedules.

‘It’s OK.’ He shrugged, trying to keep things casual. ‘It’s not like my job hasn’t been dragging me away too.’

‘Shall we sit down?’

‘Yes. Of course.’ He shook himself mentally, rattling his manners back into place, and took her coat from her – another whiff of her sweet, floral scent – and hung it up neatly. She smiled at him as he dropped his hand to the small of her back – an easy, comfortable gesture that shouldn’t have felt so natural so early on. ‘So, how long do you have?’

‘Maybe an hour or so?’ she replied. ‘I wish it could be longer, but…’

‘You’re here now.’ He smiled and sat down, their knees almost touching.

Her arm brushed against his when she reached to hand the menu back to the waitress who took their order, and he felt like every nerve in his body sprang to attention. When he shifted in his seat, the chair wobbled and squeaked loudly – making him freeze as Amrita winced. He shifted experimentally, and the chair didn’t so much squeak as it did squeal, making other customers look around. When it creaked – as loudly as if it were auditioning for a haunted house – the third time, Amrita giggled.

‘You should probably change seats.’ She patted the empty spot on the sofa next to her.

‘It does seem it would be in the best interests of everyone’s peace and enjoyment.’

‘Practically a public service at this point. I don’t really see that you have any other choice.’

‘Be rude not to.’ He couldn’t help but notice there was no squeak when he stood, but there was a suspicious blur of movement that he felt rather than saw, and the slight suggestion of glitter hung a couple of inches above the floor, sparkling in the morning light. Perhaps he wasn’t quite so safe from Hudsbury mischief as he’d expected. Or hoped.

Still, snuggling on a sofa for an hour or so, breathing in Amrita’s heady scent and seeing her eyes alight with laughter wasn’t exactly a hardship. Even if it did mean he’d probably be kept awake with dreams again.

* * *

Amrita reluctantly finished her second coffee and the last few crumbs of her breakfast. She really didn’t want to leave – it was so nice sitting there with Jamie’s leg pressed warmly against hers as they chatted and laughed – but she really did need to get on the road.

‘Jamie,’ she started reluctantly.

‘Yeah, I know.’ He gave her a lopsided grin. ‘You have to get going. I’ve already kept you too long.’

‘I’ve enjoyed every minute,’ she told him honestly. ‘But yeah, I do need to get going.’

‘It’s been great seeing you.’ He stood when she did, the complete gentleman. ‘I know this weekend is out, but I don’t suppose there’s any chance of seeing you next weekend? I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but it’d be nice if it wasn’t another two weeks before we got to see each other.’

‘I’m sorry. I really want to’ – she pulled a face – ‘but I’m busy again.’

‘More wedding stuff?’

‘More wedding stuff.’ She nodded.

‘Fair enough.’ He shrugged easily. His acceptance of her crazy – and often awkward – family commitments made her decision a lot easier for her, and when she met his eyes again they were filled with warmth and reassurance.

‘OK, so I really don’t want you to feel pressured to say yes, but would you maybe like to⁠—’

‘Yes.’

‘You didn’t let me finish. You don’t know what I’m going to ask.’

‘Is it with you?’

‘Yes, but…’