Page 44 of Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Hey Ben, I’ve made—’

‘Just gonna shower,’ he cut in, draining his glass.

‘Oh okay,’ she whispered, lingering a little awkwardly by the entrance to the kitchen.

He didn’t seem to have noticed her dress, her lipstick, her hair … but maybe he was still in his after-work autopilot mode. Eve decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps after his shower as she passed him his cold beer … then he’d really see her.

‘I thought we might eat out in the garden,’ she ventured, as he popped his empty glass down on the side, ready to head upstairs to the bathroom. ‘We could have some nice chilled time, just you and me …’

‘Ah, right. Better be quick though.’

‘Oh … why?’

Ben was opposite her now. She suddenly felt horribly self-conscious in her get-up, the lipstick and jewellery. Had he not noticed any change?

‘It’s darts tonight. The Black Bull team are one short. I said I’d fill in. You don’t mind, do you?’

‘Oh …’

‘I’ll be heading off soon after my shower.’

And that was it. Her heart plummeted faster than a stone. All her anticipation and excitement landed in a heap around her kitten-heeled ankles.

22

Rachel rapped on the side door to Tom’s kitchen and walked on in. Tom was there at the stove, looking slightly harassed yet very handsome, in dark jeans and a navy shirt worn open at the neck.

‘Sorry I’m late. It’s just been one of those days,’ she explained, as she walked across to greet him.

He was stirring a creamy-looking sauce. ‘It’s okay, you’re here now and that’s all that matters.’

Aw, that was sweet of him. ‘Yeah, it’s been a bit of a crazy afternoon, what with Jake arriving out of the blue and–’ she almost let the cat out of the bag and said ‘staying for tea’ – ‘and everything.’

‘Oh, right, yeah, of course.’

Rachel moved in to kiss him on the cheek. He turned towards her, holding the wooden spoon in the air, smelling rather deliciously of aftershave and cooking aromas. ‘So, are you hungry?’ he grinned.

‘Yep! Can’t wait to tuck in.’ Rachel put on her cheeriest voice.

‘Great, as I’ve gone all out and cooked three courses. I know I’ve been a bit of a grump and I want to make it up to you.’

‘Brilliant.’ Oh my God.

‘So, pour yourself a glass of wine, relax and take a seat. There’s a bottle of red already open on the island unit – I used some in the mushroom starter I’ve made.’

A glass of wine was probably just what she needed right now, but definitely not a full three-course dinner. She sat and sipped the mellow red, chatting away, whilst Tom got the starter plates ready with rocket and toasted ciabatta, then spooned over some garlicky mushrooms (very impressive).

‘Okay, we’ll go and eat in the dining room. I’ve got it all set up ready.’ He looked pleased with himself.

‘Ooh, sounds very nice.’ Rachel felt suddenly anxious.

They hadn’t ever eaten in the dining room. Usually, if Tom cooked, it was a more casual affair at the kitchen island. When Rachel walked into the room, she realised just how much effort Tom had put into this meal. There was a white tablecloth set out on the table, with soft lighting and tealights glowing in two pretty glass holders. He’d even put some flowers in a vase; white roses that she recognised from his garden. And, there was another bottle of wine, a white, in a cooler. She’d have to ditch the Land Rover at this rate and come back and fetch it in the morning.

‘It looks gorgeous in here. Like a restaurant. Thank you.’

‘You’re welcome. I just wanted to make tonight special for you.’ He placed her starter before her. ‘Mushrooms à la Tom. I kind of made it up.’

‘Well, they look delicious.’ Rachel made a start, digging her fork in. ‘Thanks for going to all this effort.’ The mushrooms were so tasty they went down well, luckily.