Chapter Forty-Eight
Later that day, Flora was about to get into her car when she heard Brodie calling her name. She smiled when she saw him walking towards her.
‘I was wondering if you’d be free to come for that dinner I promised. Tonight?’
‘Just us?’ Flora laughed.
‘Yes.’ He grinned. ‘I promise it will be just us and there will be no interruptions.’
‘And you’re going to cook, are you?’ she teased.
‘Flora,’ he said indignantly, ‘I’ll have you know I have a few signature dishes that I’m very proud of.’
She had to bite back a chuckle. ‘Is that so? Well, I look forward to being surprised then. Anyway,’ she teased, ‘I’m just glad it’s not me doing the cooking. I like you too much to poison you. I’ll bring some wine. What time would you like me?’
He raised his eyebrow and for a moment their eyes locked together. Flora felt her entire body start to tingle. How could this man have such an effect on her?
‘How does seven sound?’
He briefly touched her face and it took monumental willpower not to kiss him right there.
She didn’t trust herself to stop at a kiss and here and now wasn’t the best time or place.
‘Perfect. I’m off to deliver some alterations.
’ She gestured at the carefully wrapped garments draped over her forearm.
‘Then pop to Stirling for some sewing supplies. Just in case you need anything.’
‘Like buttons? Or thread? I’m all good thanks.’ He laughed then dropped a quick kiss on her lips.
* * *
When Flora arrived at Brodie’s flat later that night, she had no idea what to expect.
He opened the door and ushered her in. Looking around, Flora could see it was a typical single man’s pad.
It was functional, fairly tidy and devoid of any soft furnishings like scatter cushions or rugs.
But when she glanced across at the table, it looked lovely.
A candle flickered in the centre and there were two plates, with napkins.
There was a delicious smell of rosemary and garlic in the air, too.
‘Something smells good,’ she said, handing him a bottle of wine.
‘I’m not just a pretty face,’ he joked, then put down the wine on the table. Brodie cupped her face and kissed her slowly. Eventually he pulled back.
‘Mm, that was nice.’ Flora’s breath caught in her throat. Every nerve ending was tingling and she stepped back, her pulse racing.
A smile tugged at Brodie’s lips. ‘Take a seat . . . It’s actually been nice to cook for a change as I can’t remember the last time I did. Wine?’
Flora’s lips were swollen from that kiss, and she realised the only appetite she had was for Brodie. She wondered if it would be rude to bypass the food altogether. However, Brodie had already turned to go into the kitchen and so she sat down at the table and waited.
‘Here you go’, he said, placing a glass of wine next to her. ‘Just give me a minute and I’ll bring through the food.’
‘Can I help with anything?’
Brodie shook his head. ‘Nope. Just sit there. I’ll be right back.’
Tonight he wore a faded pair of jeans, slung low on his hips, and a T-shirt which clung to his muscles.
She gazed at him as he served chicken with new potatoes and green beans.
Even though it smelt delicious, all she could think about was his lips and the way her whole body tingled under his touch.
She tried to focus on the food which tasted incredible.
But she longed for it to be over so they could pick up where they’d left off.
And from the way Brodie looked at her across the table, she had a strong inkling he was thinking the same.
They ate quickly and when Brodie stood up to clear the plates away and refill her glass of wine, his fingers brushed her shoulder.
Flora looked up at him and stood. Her hands slid around his neck, pulling him closer to her.
As she kissed him, they moved clumsily to the sofa, their legs tangling together.
‘Are you sure?’ Brodie’s smouldering eyes were focused on hers while his fingers traced gentle circles on her arm.
She would never tire of gazing into his deep brown eyes and she held his intense gaze. How could anyone be this hot? ‘Definitely.’