Chapter 6 #2
He lifted an eyebrow as his gaze bored into her. “I really can’t imagine that.”
“They think I can’t move on from Hayden.”
“You’re not over him?” he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
“I am,” she said, but didn’t sound convincing even to her own ears. “I just didn’t meet anyone else like he did, so I guess they think I’m not really over it.”
“Did you already tell your friends that you’re bringing someone?”
“Yes. I messaged Frannie last night. But I was vague about our relationship.” She glanced at the door, keeping an eye out for Frannie. “Let’s get back to your parents. I can figure out a plan for the party later.”
The crowd had thinned in the large hall, but it still took them a few minutes to reach her table at the back of the room. Warren’s dad was deep in conversation with the woman selling knitted baby clothes on the next table, while his mum straightened out the wreaths.
“There you are! I sold a wreath. I’m very proud of myself. Not that I should be. They’re so pretty they practically sell themselves.”
“Thanks so much,” Anna said. “I really appreciate it.”
“Did you get something to eat?” Jen asked.
“Yes. That should keep me going for the rest of the afternoon.” Anna was about to slip around the table when movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention.
“Hi!” Frannie said, waving enthusiastically as she approached. “I’ve been looking for you.” She kissed Anna’s cheek and gave her a quick squeeze. When her eyes went to Warren, Anna’s cheeks heated.
“Sorry,” Frannie said. “I’ll come back later when you don’t have customers.”
As much as Anna wanted to let her go, that would make things pretty weird when Frannie met Warren next weekend.
“Actually, this is Warren.” She waved her hand towards him in a weird flourish.
Frannie sucked in a gasp. “The mystery man!” An approving smile flittered onto her lips as she looked Warren over. “It’s so great that you can come to the party.” She gave a small shake of the head and extended her hand. “Sorry, I’m Frannie. Lovely to meet you.”
“I’m looking forward to the party,” Warren said with a genuine smile.
“It’s going to be great.” She put a hand on Anna’s arm. “I look forward to the Christmas ball all year, don’t I? It’s always a fantastic atmosphere.” Her gaze shot back to Warren. “Anna didn’t mention if you’d be staying the night?”
Internally, Anna grimaced. She hadn’t mentioned to Warren that it was an overnight event – or even considered that. Not that she needed him to stay; just having him there for the party would be enough.
“Unfortunately, I have to work on Sunday morning, so I’ll probably have to drive back after the party.” He gave Anna a look, apparently unsure whether he was saying the right thing.
“You’re still staying, though, Anna? You can’t miss out on Sunday brunch.” She beamed at Warren. “Most people will be nursing hangovers. It’s quite entertaining.”
Anna nodded. “I’ll stay. I was going to ask Kylie for a lift home on Sunday.” She’d be going her way anyway, so she couldn’t imagine it being a problem.
“It’s a shame you have to work,” Frannie said to Warren. “What is it you do?”
“I’m a chef,” he said, looking oddly nervous as his eyes darted to his mum.
“And you have to work on Sunday morning?” Frannie asked.
“Breakfast at the hotel restaurant,” he explained.
“Oh, right, of course. That makes sense.”
“He was lucky to get Saturday evening off,” Anna put in. “His working hours are fairly antisocial.” An excuse that would come in handy if she was going to keep up the pretence of their relationship. No doubt any invitations from her friends would include him in the future.
Jen leaned across the table behind them, adjusting a wreath on its stand and drawing attention to herself, leaving Anna no choice but to introduce them.
They exchanged polite conversation for a few minutes, while Anna caught Warren’s eye and tried to convey her panic about the situation. In return, he only looked amused.
Eventually, Frannie spotted someone she knew across the room and excused herself to speak to them.
“We should get going,” Warren said to his mum. “It’s a bit of a drive to Blenheim, and the tickets have specific time slots.”
She retrieved her coat from the chair behind her and waved at Warren’s dad, who’d drifted to look at the other tables nearby.
“Thanks so much for your help,” Anna said again .
“You’re welcome.” Jen came around the table and hugged her lightly. “It’s been really lovely.”
Anna smiled at Warren’s dad and told them to enjoy the rest of their visit.
“I’ll speak to you during the week,” Warren said, as his parents drifted away. “To get the details for next weekend.”
“Yeah.” Anna said, but was distracted by Frannie, who openly watched them from across the room. “She’s looking at us,” she muttered, stepping closer to Warren.
“Who is?”
“Frannie.”
“Is that a problem?”
“I’m fairly sure she already thinks you’re my boyfriend,” she whispered, trying to get her story straight in her own head. “It’s probably for the best. If I want Hayden to think you’re my boyfriend, my friends will need to think so, too.”
“I already thought that was your plan,” he said with a shrug.
“Yes. But it means you need to act like my boyfriend. To make it believable.”
“Am I supposed to conjure flowers or something?” he asked mockingly.
“No!” Stepping closer, she put a hand on his arm and lifted onto her toes to press her lips against his.
It was only a fleeting kiss, and one which might have looked more convincing if he hadn’t looked so surprised. Hopefully, Frannie wouldn’t notice that detail from a distance.
“What was that?” Warren asked quietly.
“I kissed you. So she’ll think you’re my boyfriend.”
“Hmm.” He lowered his face to hers. “Just out of interest, did my parents also witness your public display of affection.”
Her eyes went over his shoulder to where his parents were waiting. His mum caught Anna’s eye and smiled delightedly.
“Yeah.” She pressed her lips together. “I think they probably did, but it was only a peck. It could have been a friendship thing.”
“Not sure they’re going to buy that.”
“It doesn’t really matter anyway, does it?”
“I guess not.” His eyes flashed with amusement. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
Anna watched him walk out, her heart thundering with the realisation that she’d just kissed him.
It hadn’t exactly been earth shattering, but it was the first time in a long time since she’d kissed a guy.
She supposed if she was intent on passing him off as her boyfriend, she’d probably be kissing him again.
It wasn’t a terrible prospect.
“Anna!” Frannie appeared, rushing towards her. “He’s gorgeous!”
All Anna could manage was a murmur of agreement.
“I wasn’t sure from your messages if you were dating or if you were bringing a friend.”
“It’s early days,” she said, hating the lie.
“You’ve already met his parents,” she pointed out. “So not that early. How come you didn’t mention him before?”
“I suppose I didn’t want to jinx it.”
Frannie clutched her arm and squeezed. “I’m so happy for you. He seems lovely.”
“He is.”
“Oh, my goodness!” Frannie sucked in a breath. “Hayden is going to flip out when he sees you at the party with Warren.”
The thought of it made Anna feel much more relaxed about lying to her friends. Not that she wanted to make Hayden jealous. She didn’t even think that was possible.
It would just be nice if he didn’t look so smug when he introduced Anna to his latest fling.