Chapter 30
Itook in our surroundings as we drove along country roads and passed through villages. Despite the sunshine and blue skies, frost glistened on cottage roofs and smoke billowed from chimneys, showing just how cold the day’s temperature was. As I stared out of the window, a little voice insisted I had more important things to do than ride around the countryside. But refusing to listen, I pushed all thoughts of the next few days to the back of my mind, knowing I’d soon enough be run ragged trying to get ready for Christmas.
I didn’t have a clue where we were headed. Oliver had refused to divulge. “So where did you say we’re going?” Making sure to sound casual, I snuck a glance his way, hoping Oliver would forget himself and let slip our destination.
A smile crossed his lips, but he kept his eyes on the road. “I didn’t,” he replied. “I said it was a surprise.”
“And if I don’t like surprises?” I said.
“Not an issue. You’ll love this one.”
Admiring the man’s confidence, I realised there was no point trying to guess. We could have been going anywhere. According to Jules’s research there were lots of events in the area. From bandstand carol concerts to pop-up ice rinks and everything in between. I just hoped we weren’t about to partake in the latter. I struggled to stay upright in a pair of boots thanks to the freezing weather, no way could I have managed on blades. I pictured myself on an icy arena, flailing my arms around as I slipped and slid because my feet refused to co-ordinate. Shaking the image away, I knew I’d spend more time on my backside than I would any vertical position and as far as I was concerned, I’d embarrassed myself enough in front of Oliver Chase.
“Granddad said to say hello,” Oliver said.
I smiled. “How is he?”
“Grumpy as ever.”
I let out a laugh as I pictured Ted, sat with his arms folded, with a cranky look on his face. “I wouldn’t expect anything else.”
“He said to remind you to come and have a nosey in his skip. Although to be honest, I doubt there’s much in there worth salvaging.”
“You never know. The little chair he gave me doesn’t need much TLC.”
“I think he just wants to see you again. He likes your company.” Oliver turned his head to look at me. “He’s not the only one.”
He held my gaze for a moment longer than necessary, and I felt myself blush thanks to the intenseness in his eyes. And while he returned his attention to the road with another little smile, I tried to quell the fuzziness in my tummy.
“You need to stop doing that,” I said.
“Doing what?”
“Looking at me as if you’re… you know? Attracted to me.”
Oliver flicked on the car’s indicator, before pulling over to the left and bringing the car to a standstill.
“What are you doing?” I asked, suddenly confused.
He took off his seat belt and unclipped mine. Without saying a word, he got out of the vehicle altogether and walked round to the passenger side.
“Where are we going?” I couldn’t see anything but fields.
Opening my door, he took my hand and pulled me onto my feet. My heart raced as he gently cupped my face in his hands, all the while keeping his eyes on mine. He seemed to be about to kiss me. Jesus, in that moment I wanted him to kiss me.
“May I?” he asked.
My brain screamedno!It told me I was going back to London in just over a week and that I needed to be sensible. It reminded me that I didn’t do casual or partake in holiday romances. It insisted I had more important things to think about than Oliver Chase. Like organising Christmas and sorting out my new venture.
My head, however, nodded.
Slowly, he brought his lips closer to mine, until at last they touched in the gentlest and sweetest of caresses. My body began to melt as one caress led to another and then another. Our lips parted, and our tongues entwined. I heard myself moan. Oliver’s kiss tasted so good, I wanted it to go on forever.
He pulled away. “Antonia,” he said, his tone soft. “I look at you the way I do sometimes because I’mmorethan attracted to you.”
I swallowed, hard. “That’s not the point,” I said.
Oliver laughed. “You know you’re as weird as the rest of us around here, right?” He stood back and gestured to the car and, thinking that was the most romantic experience I’d ever had, I climbed in while he made his way back round to the driver’s side.
