Page 84 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Well then, shall we give it another try? Just to check we’ve got it right.’ Tom’s eyes were sparkling in the glow of the candlelight.

‘Yes, why not.’ He’d certainly got it right, but she wasn’t going to stop him now!

So, they moved back in for another tantalising taste. Lips warm and welcoming, bodies pressed much nearer this time, side by side on the damp grass under a canopy of stars. Tom’s hands gently tugging her wavy brown hair as they kissed, hers cupping the back of his head. And it was beautiful in every way, so much so, that it almost hurt to feel that intensely. She had never kissed like that before.

After a dreamily long kiss, they sat huddled together within the fleece blankets, leaning against each other in the half-light. For a while they were silent, aware of their breathing, their warmth. It felt like words might break the spell. Bring them back to reality too soon.

‘Okay?’ Tom finally said.

‘Yes,’ was all Rachel could utter. Where was this going, what was this leading to? Her body was telling her to touch him, hold him, to make him hers in every way. But she couldn’t rush this, there was too much at stake. ‘Tom, I’m going to have to go.’

If she stayed much longer she wasn’t sure she could stop it. And she wanted to be sure, so very sure, that this wasn’t just lust or emotions getting the better of them. If there wasn’t a future in this for them, then it couldn’t go any further. A quick fling would just spell the end of their friendship. Oh my, they were teetering on the brink as it was. The brink of something beautiful but very scary.

Tom looked at her, disappointed, searching her eyes for a clue.

‘Maisy,’ she reminded him. For the morning, she intended to say, hardly daring to voice the words, the implication that this might take them both to the morning, but she just couldn’t risk that yet. Oh yes, she could rush things, get swept up in the moment, end up dashing up to Tom’s bed as they tore each other’s clothes off. Oh goodness, why the hell not? came a mischievous, yearning voice in her head. For all her words of leaving, she was still leaning close to him.

‘Okay, I’ll walk you back.’ His tone was patient, even if he was disappointed.

‘Thank you.’

They got up from the blankets. They’d shared that bottle of red since Jill and Maisy had left, so there was no way Tom would be using the truck now. They held hands firmly, like a small promise between them, as they made their way along the lane to Primrose Farm. It felt so very natural, like something had shifted far beyond friendship.

The night air was still and cool with the odd baa of a sheep coming from the fields around them, and only the breath of a breeze rustling the leaves in the hedgerow. It was chillier now and Rachel moved closer to Tom, feeling the reassuring warmth of his body. They walked with the sounds of their footsteps crushing the gravel of the farm track.

As they reached the farmhouse, Rachel saw that Jill had left the kitchen light on for her. The two of them stood beside the wooden front door, smiling at each other, feeling a little like teenagers. Tom looked serious as he began to trace her cheekbone gently with his fingertips. Then he cupped her jawline, drawing her to him once more.

Threekisses! Not just the one she’d been imagining. But now she had finally tasted him, there might never be enough. This kiss lingered longer than the first two, their lips pressed firmly, tasting, teasing, tongues entwined, causing a million nerve endings to light up within her.

As the kiss eased, coming to a natural end, they pulled somewhat reluctantly away.

‘Goodnight, Rachel.’

‘Night, Tom. Thanks for such a lovely evening.’ Her words didn’t even begin to cover how she was feeling right now.

‘See you soon, yeah?’

‘Yeah.’ She kissed his cheek, taking in his gorgeous aftershave smell once more, then moved to go into the house, feeling a pang of reluctance to leave him.

‘Bye.’ She took a step, then turned to smile slowly at him.

‘Bye.’ His smile matched hers.

‘Better go.’

‘Yep.’

Rachel was surprised to find Jill was still up, reading a book at the kitchen table. It was past eleven o’clock.

‘Hello, love. Nice night? Everything okay?’ her mum asked, with a smile.

Rachel could still feel the linger of Tom’s kiss on her mouth, his touch on her skin, and couldn’t help but blush. ‘Yes, great thanks. I’ve had a really nice evening.’ She tried to keep her voice even, not wanting to give anything away. ‘Maisy fine?’

‘Yes, fast asleep. Went out like a light as soon as I popped her in her bed.’

‘Great.’

‘He’s a nice chap is Tom,’ Jill added leadingly.