Page 33 of The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop

‘Something will come up. I want to make sure I make the right decision, that’s all. What about you then?’ Isla said playfully, taking another sip from her glass, the delicious cocktail zingy on her taste buds, and other parts of her body too, although whether that was down to the drink or the impact of sitting opposite Guy, she couldn’t really tell. ‘I’ve told you my innermost secret. Do you have any that you want to share with me?’

‘What, apart from my wife and three children in Scotland, you mean?’ His expression was serious for long enough for Isla to experience a momentary sense of alarm before his features broke into a wide smile. ‘No, only kidding. I told you about my dad. Well, my mum lives in Wales with her new partner, and my younger sister lives in Canada with her boyfriend; she works for a pension fund over there. We’re all a bit scattered now, but we try to get together when we can. I’ve had my share of disappointment, like you, but that’s just part of life, isn’t it?’

‘Really?’ she asked, eager to hear more, wondering if he was going to spill the beans on a tortured love affair.

‘Yes, football was my thing when I was growing up. When I say it was my thing, it was my whole life. I’m not being big-headed, but I had a natural talent and instinct for the game. I suppose in the same way that you have for books and literature. I was scouted when I was fairly young, joined the development centre with one of the big Premier League teams, represented England at youth level and had just signed a professional contract at the age of seventeen when I had a pretty major injury.’

‘Oh no, that sounds terrible!’

‘It was pretty bad. I suffered an ACL tear which didn’t heal. I went through several surgeries, but none of them were terribly successful and then following the last surgery, I got an infection in the wound which pretty much put paid to my footballing career.’

‘Oh goodness! You must have been so disappointed,’ Isla said. She could detect the depth of emotion beneath the dispassionate way Guy had recounted the story and wanted to reach out a hand to stroke his arm but stopped herself.

‘It was devastating at the time. My whole life had been building up to that point so to have it all cruelly snatched away when it was within touching distance was hard to take. I mean, this was a long time ago, over fifteen years ago now, so I don’t want you thinking I’m still brooding on it all these years later.’ Guy gave a self-deprecating smile. ‘Admittedly, I could have been a celebrated player by now, with a multimillion-pound lifestyle and a glamorous WAG at my side, but would I have been happy?’ he asked, a light shining in his eye.

She met his gaze, grateful to have learned more about his earlier life.

‘Probably,’ she said nodding. ‘And rich too.’

‘Yep, thanks for that, Isla—’ he quirked an eyebrow ‘—but I’m happy where I am now in my life, especially so being here with you tonight. You can’t live your life constantly looking back or going over what-might-have-beens. You just have to deal with the hand you’ve been dealt, but I agree it’s tough when you lose something that’s so important to you. I hope there’s something much better waiting for you around the corner.’

‘Thanks, Guy. So, are you a big football fan still?’ she asked.

‘Yep, I still follow my team, and the big matches, but it’s not the obsession it once was. Do you like football?’ he asked doubtfully.

‘No.’ She shook her head unapologetically.

‘Hey, no worries, I’m not a great book lover either, but I hope you won’t hold it against me. Don’t they say opposites attract?’

‘Do they?’ she said, her eyes wide, as she tried to ignore the fizzing sensation racing around her body, as his gaze wandered over her features. ‘You probably haven’t found the right type of books to read yet. I’m happy to give you some pointers if you’d ever like any.’

‘I might take you up on that,’ he said holding her gaze.

They enjoyed the remainder of their food, the conversation flowing, and when it was time to leave, Guy insisted on paying the bill. Walking out into the December cold night air, Isla thought how much she’d enjoyed herself. A couple of years ago, she’d signed up with several online dating sites and had even made it on to a few dates, but none of them had progressed any further than that. She hadn’t gelled with any of the guys who had never lived up to their online personas and she got to the point where she considered it a complete waste of time. In a burst of frustration one day, she’d deleted all the apps, resigning herself to the fact that she would leave romance to the gods. If she was meant to meet the love of her life then she would. Only she hadn’t.

Her evening with Guy had reminded her that dating could be fun and knowing him a little beforehand had helped to make it a more relaxed affair. If every date turned out to be as good as this one, then she decided in that moment that she should definitely do more of it. Now, against the romantic backdrop of the old stone buildings on the high street, she could feel a frisson of excitement and anticipation wrap around her at the prospect of the opportunities opening up in front of her. She hadn’t made dating a priority because she had been so focussed on her career, but look where that had got her. She wouldn’t make the same mistake again. The new year would bring a different career path, but she was also determined to widen her social circle too, get involved in the community somehow and spend more time with friends old and new. Although… Her gaze travelled to Guy’s profile as he walked alongside her. The success of tonight’s date had more than a little to do with the man beside her, who had been charming, entertaining and respectful. Not to mention very good-looking too.

He looked across at her and offered his arm, which she gladly accepted, tucking her own through his, feeling the firm strength of his body through the warmth of his coat. It felt entirely natural to lean into his side, as though they were a couple.

As they walked towards the taxi rank, Guy stopped and pulled her into a shop doorway, illuminated by twinkling lights, so that they were facing each other.

‘Thanks for coming tonight, Isla. I’ve really enjoyed it. I hope you have too?’

‘Yes, it’s been great fun,’ she said, feeling her skin tingle under the scrutiny of his gaze. He lifted a hand to caress her face and it sent delicious sensations running down the length of her limbs.

‘Good.’ There was a moment’s pause, as they were caught in the still of the night, the air between them sizzling with anticipation. ‘Can I kiss you?’ he asked. ‘It’s been something I’ve been wanting to do from the moment I first met you.’

Really? She’d had no idea that he had felt that way. Although one thing she knew for certain was that she wanted nothing more than for him to kiss her. She nodded and leaned in to feel one of his hands around her shoulder guiding her towards him, his other hand still cupping her face, and when his lips found hers, it ignited a melody of delights around her body. His arms fully embraced her, pulling her closer into his hold. He tasted of a dozen delicious flavours and his masculine scent that had proved so elusive until now wafted seductively in front of her. His kisses were warm, tender and full of a promise that fired all her senses. When they both came up for air, she smiled, her gaze scanning his expression, finding an understanding within his dark eyes.

‘Should we do this again? Soon?’

‘I’d like that,’ she said without any hesitation, looking up into his eyes and wrapping her arms tighter around his body, searching for more of his enticing kisses.

22

‘Morning, Henry! How are you today? Are you all ready for Christmas?’

Henry gave a low chuckle as he wandered in through the front door and took off his flat cap, folding it into the pocket of his coat.