Page 65 of The Twelve Dates of Christmas
“A mug of builder’s tea, please,” said Kate.
Richard leaned back on his chair and hollered.
“Oi, Trev!”
Trev’s voice squeaked back unseen.
“Two mugs of builder’s tea, please, mate,” called Richard.
Kate’s eyebrows knitted together.
“Is Trev your cousin too?” she asked.
“Nah.” Richard laughed. “Trev’s my nephew. I’m paying him handsomely to be my slave tonight.”
Richard grinned, showing all his teeth, and there was something devilish about him that made Kate’s bones tickle.
As if the fish and chip supper and excellent muddy tea weren’t enough, Trev produced two Cornettos for pudding and then cleared the table and brought out a game of Connect Four.
“I haven’t played this in years!” said Kate.
“That’s good,” said Richard. “’Cause I hate losing.”
They played the best out of three and Kate won, so they made it the best out of five and Richard won, so Kate demanded they play best out of seven and Kate won fair and square.
“I thought you said you hadn’t played in years.” Richard laughed.
“Once a champ, always a champ,” said Kate. “You don’t lose a skill like Connect Four.”
It was late now. The roar of the pub at the end of the long corridor had dwindled to a low hum by the time the bell rang for last orders at the bar.
“I’d better go,” said Kate reluctantly.
The candles in their wine bottle holders had burned down to stubs. Kate played with the soft wax that spilled down the sides of the bottle.
Richard nodded.
“I’d better get young Trev back home to my sister,” he said. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
Richard helped Kate into her coat and fixed her scarf around her neck. With his hand gently resting in the small of her back once more, he led her back along the corridors and through the quiet bar, and out into the snowy car park.
They stood by Kate’s car. The snow was little more than white dust motes in the air. Kate looked up at Richard. Her stomach bounced with butterflies. She hated this part of dates: the anticipation. Would he want to see her again? Would he want to kiss her? Did she have haddock in her teeth?
“I had a lovely evening,” said Kate. “Thank you.”
“Me too,” he said. “Thank you for giving me another chance.”
After his confidence all evening and the easy way in which he had led their date, Kate was surprised to see that he looked nervous. If it was possible, this endeared him to her more.
“I’d like to see you again,” said Richard quietly.
Kate stood on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the lips. Richard’s arms folded around her; he pulled her close against him and kissed her, gently at first and then more urgently. Kate actually felt herself swoon.
Kate’s phone pinged loudly and they broke apart, breathless and starry-eyed. She remembered that it had been well over an hour since she last texted Laura to let her know she was still alive.
“Can I call you?” asked Richard.
“Please do,” said Kate.
