Chapter 52
CHAPTER 52
“ Y ou did not say that to him,” Gemma said as she collapsed into giggles.
Kent had been talking about his work abroad, specifically some mishaps that had happened whilst he was learning French.
“Honestly, I thought I was doing so well, ‘beaucoup’ and ‘beau cul.’ They’re so similar. I thought I was saying ‘thank you very much,’ not complimenting his arse.”
“What did he do?” Gemma asked, still giggling as she went for another sip of her drink.
“Well, thankfully, he spoke English, so he corrected my error and suggested a language school that I could go to in the evenings.”
“Did you?”
“Of course, I just told my boss he had a nice arse,” Kent replied.
Once again, they descended into giggles. The bottle of champagne had gone down incredibly easily, and even though they had three small tasting glasses of white wine with the meal, Kent had purchased another for them to share after they finished dessert.
“I thought you were on an extreme budget,” Gemma said. “Let me split it with you.”
“It’s fine, honestly, the prices are reasonable here. And I’d pay triple for this company again. You know, I don’t remember the last time I laughed this much on a… night out.”
The pause between his last words was as obvious as it was endearing.
“You were going to say date, weren’t you?” Gemma said.
“No, maybe. It has kind of felt like that, hasn’t it? I mean, I’m pretty sure I’ve got you convinced that these kinds of nights would work well at the café.”
“I don’t know. I think I might be a bit sad to be on the other side of the counter, rather than sitting, enjoying the food.”
“Well, I’ll still be there with you; that’s got to make up for something.”
“You think?”
“Maybe…”
He paused, and it was only then that Gemma noticed that his hand was on hers. She wasn’t exactly sure how long it had been there, and her first instinct was to move it, but it felt so natural. Before she could work out whether it was okay to leave it there a little longer, another thought struck.
“I don’t know where you live,” she said suddenly. “Do you live in Maldon? You’re not from Maldon, are you?”
“No, I’m from all around, really, but my housing situation is a little... tricky at the minute. I’m not sure that’s the right word. Eclectic, maybe.”
“Eclectic housing?” Gemma’s interest piqued. “What does that mean? Are you part of a commune? Are you a cult leader? I could see you as the dashing autocrat. All these people following your every word.”
“I’m not sure that’s a compliment,” Kent laughed. “And I’m not sure anyone would follow me. No, I’m not part of a commune. Not exactly. Money’s been a bit tight since I bought the restaurant, so I’ve been staying in a caravan on a friend’s farm.”
“What?” Gemma’s hand flew to her mouth. “You’re not serious?”
He shrugged lightly.
“It makes sense. No real bills mean I don’t have to pay myself a proper salary. I can eat at the cafe so I save there too, and it’s not like it’s going to be long term. Just until the cafe—” he paused and tightened his smile. “Just until the cafe makes a bit more.”
“Wow,” Gemma didn’t have any other response. “Okay, now I am definitely splitting the champagne with you.”
“No, you’re not,” Kent said. “If there’s one thing I’m happy to spend my money on, it’s this.”
His hand was on hers again, and she had no idea how it had got there. It was like her fingers had a will of their own, and all they wanted was to be entwined with his.
“I think I’d like to do this again,” Kent said quietly. “This type of…night out. With you. In case that part wasn’t clear. I’d like to have dinner with you again. And not call it work.”
Gemma wasn’t sure what to reply. A lump filled her throat and while the butterflies that had invaded her insides knew exactly what they wanted her to say, she couldn’t do it. It would be rash and silly and wasn’t the type of decision you made after more than a bottle of wine. As she avoided answering, she glanced around the room.
“Did you realise everybody else has gone?” she said, pulling her hand away from Kent in surprise.
“What?”
“We are the only people in here.”
“That can’t be right, it’s only—” Kent glanced at his watch. “It’s 11:30. How did that happen?”
“I don’t know, but I’m at work tomorrow. That horrible boss will make my life a living hell if I’m not in a fit state for working.”
They giggled again, but it didn’t last for long. “I guess we ought to find Magdalen and grab the keys to our rooms,” he said, making no attempt to hide the disappointment in his voice.
Five minutes later, he had tracked her down and paid the bill.
“I’m glad you had a good night,” Magdalen said as she hugged them both, before stepping back and looking at Gemma. “And I’m glad this one’s finally found someone to meet his ridiculously high standards. You two are very cute together.”
“Oh, we’re not together,” Gemma said, shaking her head unnaturally quickly. “We are just work friends. Colleagues. He’s actually my boss.”
“Sort of,” Kent interjected. “I bought a café?—”
“Only he didn’t tell me he bought the café; he told me he was just running it,” Gemma interrupted.
The wine had clearly loosened her tongue, and she prepared to tell the entire story. Only something about Magdalen’s expression stopped her.
“What is it?” Kent asked, apparently noticing the same change. “Mags? Is something wrong?”
“I’m so sorry,” Magdalen said. “You two came in together. I just assumed… I’m afraid I may have made a slight error of judgement.”