Chapter 19
Waking with a ray of morning sun and a big smile across her face, Cath knew from the weighted dip in the mattress, the extra body heat and the arm that was stretched snoozily across her, that Will was still there beside her in bed.
Also, from the way her body felt tingly and kind of well used this morning.
So, it was all real. Not a very sexy act of wishful thinking.
Watching Will stretch and then get out of her bed felt incredible yet surprisingly natural.
As he padded towards the bedroom door, she greedily took in the V of his broad shoulders that slimmed down to his waist, above those well-defined cycling muscles of his buttocks and thighs.
Hmm, those buttocks that she’d held so close to her last night. Wow, had that really happened?
She lay in a softly sensual haze, not wanting to break the spell by getting up quite yet.
The sound of the flush, the sink running, in the bathroom. Her bathroom. Everyday sounds, yet miraculous in the circumstances. Will was here. Will had stayed over.
Walking back in, absolutely starkers, he grinned. ‘Well, that was some night,’ he said casually, as he slipped back under the covers beside her.
‘Hmm, it was indeed.’ And her smile was like the cat who’d got the cream, and who’d very much enjoyed lapping it up. Who knew sex could be like that in your fifties? She actually hadn’t thought she had it in her anymore, but was very glad to have been proven otherwise.
Leaning over, he gave her a gorgeous morning kiss, his breath all minty, having used a blob of her toothpaste. She was a little afraid her own might not be quite as fresh, but it didn’t seem to bother him. His arousal a sensual reminder as it brushed against the side of her leg.
Unfortunately, as he snuggled close, he then added, ‘Ah, I need to get to work. Shop opens in forty minutes. I don’t think I can get away with wearing my evening clothes. Bit of a giveaway to my clients. I’m usually in a cycling top, sweatshirt and cargo pants at this time of year.’
‘Well, that’s a shame – I wouldn’t have minded a repeat performance,’ she said minxily, sounding very unlike herself, as she looked into his dark eyes.
Who the hell was this new woman? The battered, bruised and discarded Cath of old had been very much revived, and replaced with a new sexier model, all thanks to this gorgeous guy next to her. She felt amazing.
As he got up to go after one last, lingering kiss, she hoped to goodness that he was feeling the same way as she was this morning, and not now experiencing a sense of grief-fuelled guilt. She knew how gigantic a step this was for Will.
*
‘Hi, lads.’
‘Morning, Cath, darling,’ Dan greeted her warmly, even though his slightly red-rimmed eyes were a clue to his having enjoyed several glasses of Merlot last night.
‘Thanks so much for a fantastic evening,’ said Cath. ‘Just perfect, the food was a-mazing.’
‘Ah, you’re very welcome. And how are you today, lovely?’ Andreas asked.
Feeling rather wonderful after a romp of a night with our sexy cyclist came to mind, but she merely gave a small knowing smile and said, ‘Very well, thanks.’ Though she couldn’t stop the heat of a blush forming across her cheeks.
‘Marvellous,’ he responded, his own smile wide.
Had they guessed? Cath felt a touch embarrassed, feeling like a teen again. But hey, they were both grown adults so what did it matter? she reminded herself. The lads would probably break into a round of applause if they actually knew.
‘Well then.’ Andreas moved swiftly on, much to Cath’s relief. ‘I’ve been working on the poster for next Sunday’s Village Hall SOS DIY and Paint-a-thon. What do you think?’ Andreas lifted an A4 sheet from behind the counter. ‘If you approve, I’ll get it laminated and up in the window, forthwith.’
Cath had to smile. He’d done a great job, with a graphic image of a muscled Rosie the Riveter–style arm holding a paintbrush and spanner.
With an army-style tagline of: Tilldale Needs You!
Bring along your brushes, tools, and any spare magnolia paint!
And a further line: Refreshments provided – baklava and tray bakes for the troops.
‘I love it. I’m sure it’ll draw in some helpers, even if only for the baklava.’
‘That was my plan. And we’ll mention it to everyone who calls in at the stores between now and then. It’ll benefit the whole village, after all.’
‘Exactly,’ added Dan. ‘And we need to be cracking on. Christmas is fast approaching.’
‘I know. Do we risk putting out the flyers yet? The invites? There’s been lots of talk in the village, but guests will need some notice. And the home will need to organise transport and staff.’ This had been very much on Cath’s mind.
‘Yes, I think we need to. It’s a risk, with the repairs ongoing and the ovens still to fix.’ Nikki’s Kev was on the case, but the parts were still proving tricky to source. ‘But I suppose we’d just have to find another venue last-minute,’ said Andreas.
‘Would that be possible so late in the day?’ Dan sounded unsure.
‘Oh, ye of little faith,’ said Andreas. ‘We’d find a way. There’s always a way.’
Despite Andreas’s confidence, Cath’s fears were nipping like a terrier at her heels.
She forced herself to sound positive, however.
‘But yes, the hall is pretty sound otherwise. And it’ll be getting its revamp very soon.
Fingers crossed for a good turn-out on Sunday.
So yes, let’s get Lily on the case with the invites and flyers.
’ She’d already mentioned to Cath that she was keen to help with that.
‘And I’m off to the Kirkton care home for a visit again this afternoon.
I’ll confirm the date and time with them.
We’re going for a twelve noon arrival, yeah? ’
‘Yep.’
This was real. It was happening. There was no going back once the invites were out.
As she left the store with her groceries a few minutes later, Cath wasn’t sure if it was excitement or trepidation she was feeling. Most likely, a huge dose of both. The anxiety terrier gave a big old yap!