Page 8 of The Pop-Up Cake Shop

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I suppose I’d been imagining the stuff of Hollywood movies.

Two lovers, their eyes meeting across a crowded airport arrivals gate, running straight into each other’s arms to be reunited at last after a protracted and anguished separation.

The reality wasn’tquitelike that, of course.

But at last I was free of the endless queues at customs and immigration – and walking towards Richard and his smiling welcome.

‘Hey, you!’ He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed tightly.

I hugged him back fiercely, my eyes wet with emotion. ‘I’ve missed you,’ I murmured into the roughness of his navy winter coat.

‘Missed you, too.’ He smiled down at me and took my hand. ‘Come on. Let’s get you out of here. You must be exhausted after your journey. How was the flight?’

‘Yeah, it was fine, apart from my neighbour. He was your typical man expecting total dominance over the shared arm rest, but apart from that...’

He chuckled. ‘I hope you’re not lumping me in as a “typical man”.’

‘Never! You’re far too nice to hog a woman’s space.’

He squeezed my hand and as I smiled up at him, I felt the glorious relief of knowing that although we might currently be living on different continents, there was a lovely ease in the way we slipped right back into the old banter as if we’d never been apart.

I’d been stupid to worry. In fact... what on earth was I worrying about in the first place? I couldn’t even remember now, with Richard’s hand in mine.

Everything was going to be fine. More than fine, actually – because as we departed the airport in one of the famous yellow cabs, Richard was already outlining the most delicious-sounding plans for my first night in New York...

CHAPTER THREE

When I walked into his apartment, I couldn’t quite believe how luxurious it was.

‘Wow! This place is amazing.’ I smiled at Richard as I came out of the bathroom after ogling the TV that was set into the wall above the freestanding bath and the incredible ‘rainforest’ power shower that was big enough for four, never mind two people. ‘You’ve really fallen on your feet working for this company. They obviously really look after their employees.’

He shrugged nonchalantly as he shrugged off his coat. ‘I’m worth it,’ he joked with a grin.

I chuckled. ‘Of course you are. Nice new coat, by the way. Ooh, and new jeans and sweatshirt as well.’ I admired the sandy-coloured jeans and mint-green top with a slow assessing nod. ‘Very nice. I’ve been telling you for ages you’d look good in paler colours.’

‘Well, I took your advice at last. Coffee?’ He smiled questioningly and I followed him into the kitchen. ‘They don’t drink much tea here.’

‘I know. I brought teabags just in case. But looking at that fancy grinder and the even more amazing coffee machine, I think I’ve changed my mind.’ I examined the contraption in wonder. ‘Can you really make cappuccinosandhot chocolates with this thing?’

‘You really can.’

‘So does it wash the cups up afterwards and put them away in the cupboard? Because if not, I’m going to be really disappointed.’

He laughed. ‘I was thinking instant coffee for now. We can do the complete grinder-coffee machine demo tomorrow. But tonight, we have special things to do.’

‘Do we now?’ I closed my eyes and turned my face up to his for a kiss, and when his lips touched mine, a rush of glorious remembered desire tumbled through me. I was all for hauling him straight off to the bedroom, but then he drew away and with a smile, told me we had a reservation for dinner at eight, and that he had other plans for me before that.

‘I thought a stroll along Fifth Avenue before we go for dinner?’ he murmured, pulling me in for another hug. ‘You’ll love the window displays. Especially at night. And if you see something you like, we can always go back in the daytime, when they’re open.’

‘Sounds good,’ I agreed with a happy smile. Flirting a little over a lovely dinner would stoke the simmering excitement I was feeling inside... an excitement that would be fully expressed when we returned to the apartment afterwards...

‘So... why not get yourself ready while I phone work?’ he suggested. ‘And we’ll head out in about an hour, okay?’

‘Oh. Okay.’ My heart had dipped at the mention of work, although I tried not to show it. But Richard must have detected my dismay.

‘Don’t worry. I am officially on holiday.’ He shrugged apologetically. ‘It’s just I’m working with a particularly demanding client at the moment and I want to keep him sweet if I can.’

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