Page 39 of Tricks & Treats at The Cosy Cornish Bakery

‘Exactly.’

‘How did you cope?’

‘With great difficulty. I’ve never channelled my professionalism harder.’

Chloe giggled. ‘Was that the only thing that was hard?’

‘Not helpful.’ Ginger drained her glass. She pointed it at Chloe. ‘Your round.’

When Chloe was back with more drinks, Ginger had got herself more under control.

‘Come on then, girlfriend, spill.’ Chloe pushed another half towards Ginger and fished out more packets of crisps from her gilet pocket. ‘How did all this come about? And, more importantly, is he as hot in the flesh as you’d expect.’

‘Oh, he’s glorious.’ It came out on a tremulous breath. Ginger felt herself beginning to heat up again. ‘I’ve never seen a more beautiful male body. I wanted to rip all my clothes off, throw myself on him and grind up and down.’

Chloe snorted. ‘But you–’

‘Tried to detach myself. Remembered the treatment room is supposed to be a safe space and what I was feeling was completely inappropriate and unethical. Tried hard to remember to put my boundaries in place. Get myself under control and do the job I was supposed to do. But, oh, Chloe, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I was so exhausted afterwards I had to go and lie down.’

‘What did he do? How did he react?’

‘As far as I know he simply got up, put his robe back on and left.’

Chloe straightened. ‘What, you mean he was naked?’

‘Of course he was naked,’ Ginger blurted out, too loudly. ‘He was having a massage,’ she added, more quietly. ‘What do you think he was wearing? Haven’t you ever had one?’

‘No. Not really. I’m not that keen on strangers touching me, to be honest.’

‘You’re weird.’

Chloe lifted her glass in salute. ‘And you’re horny! But happy to own my issue.’ She drank wine and then put her glass down carefully. Halfway through ripping open a packet of crisps she stopped, ‘But he had underwear on, right?’

‘Nope. Stark butt naked. He’s obviously used to getting massages, he’s told me he has lots of treatments for any injuries he picks up during filming, and I suppose he may have done nude work on film. I’ve no idea.’ Ginger shrugged. ‘I’ve only ever seen him in that Captain Titan movie. He seems completely comfortable being naked around people.’

‘Isn’t that a bit icky?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Getting his kit off in front of you.’

Ginger sighed. ‘He’d just had a shower; he was covered up by a towel. What do you think he should wear for a massage? A full body wetsuit? You don’t like him, do you?’

‘I do,’ Chloe protested. ‘Think he’s a great bloke. And he’s a great actor about to zoom off back to actor land any time soon, leaving my heartbroken friend in his wake.’ She reached out and put her hand over Ginger’s. ‘I just don’t want you getting hurt again, that’s all.’

Ginger exhaled gloomily. ‘Think it’s too late for that. I’m too far gone.’ She flashed a quick look at Chloe. ‘And not just because he’s got a hot bod, I like him because he’s kind and reads and is actually quite normal–’

‘Beyond being a mega superstar, you mean. How were things between you afterwards? Do you think he even slightly returns your feelings?’

‘I’ve no idea.’ Ginger frowned. ‘It’s been a bit odd all-round today. He was quiet at breakfast, said he was trying to make a decision and at dinner we hardly spoke. It was really tense. Maybe he was still mulling over whatever he had on his mind.’

‘Maybe.’

‘Do you know the hardest thing about today?’

‘Go on,’ Chloe said, spluttering with laughter.

‘Not that! Get your mind out of the gutter.’