Chapter Thirteen #3
She dragged her mind to safer ground before she allowed herself to fall into that look and where it might lead. ‘Do you remember the hotel I told you about, the one with the spa in the stables?’
‘I do.’ Raf’s gaze never left hers, and she was certain he had seen straight through her abrupt shift in conversation.
‘I’m waiting to hear back from them, but if they’re interested in the distillery, then I think it could be a great fit.
Vince mentioned when we met the other day that right now you only sell to the pub and, of course, that makes your brand exclusive.
But with the distillery increasing capacity, you’re going to need to widen your reach, and the hotel could be ideal.
Produce a flavour that’s exclusive to the hotel, and if everyone agrees, you could also take part in the occasional event.
Exclusive tastings, meet the makers, new product launches, that kind of thing. What do you think?’
‘I think you’re brilliant and I’m grateful for your help. I love the idea of an exclusive gin for the hotel, and I’m sure Kenny and Vince will too.’ He downed his glass of water. ‘Right, I’m going to shower.’
‘Before you do,’ she said idly, ‘would you mind sending me a copy of your movie list? I’d love to see what else you’ve got on there.’
Hopefully, he would assume she was simply keen to avoid sitting through any more romcoms with him rather than suspect her interest was connected to his birthday.
Plans were moving on, and Pippa had suggested that Cassie take Raf somewhere for the day so she could set up while he was safely out of the way.
Cassie had found an off-road experience for the four of them, so Isla and Rory could have a go on quad bikes, and she and Raf would drive Land Rovers.
‘Sure.’ He disappeared, and Flynn gave a little whine. He turned to Cassie, plonking his head on her lap instead, and she smiled. He might be missing Raf, but it seemed he was staying with her.
She switched her mind back to work instead of picturing Raf soaking wet upstairs.
Distraction aside, it was fun to put her experience to good use without the usual pressures.
She emailed the magazine, letting the editor know he was interested.
The managing director of the hotel had already accepted her connection request, and an email popped into her inbox shortly after.
Raf was back in less than thirty minutes, and she’d switched to an online food shop.
‘So how would you like to have dinner at the hotel?’ she said casually, saving her basket. ‘The hotel has already replied, and the chef patron has sent an invitation to try the tasting menu, to see if you like what they do.’
‘On my own?’ He frowned as he opened the fridge and removed a pot of blueberries.
‘No, not on your own.’ Cassie cleared her throat.
‘He was kind enough to include me in the invitation as well. It would be a great way to experience the hotel as a guest, and it’s so generous of him to suggest it,’ she rushed on, ignoring Raf’s widening smile.
‘We can have a table at seven p.m. next Friday if you’re up for it.
I know it’s the evening before your birthday, but we might be waiting weeks if we say no. ’
‘I’d love to.’ He closed the fridge door, leaning against it to regard her. ‘So like a date, yeah?’
‘Not a date,’ she told him firmly, even though she longed to say yes. It would be all too easy to let such an evening resemble a date, if they chose. ‘It’s work, Raf. Let’s not forget that, even if we do have an exceptional meal to look forward to.’
‘Work. Right.’ The mischievous grin still lingered. ‘But we get to dress up?’
‘Of course. It’s smart casual, no shorts or trainers.’ Cassie mentally ran over the clothes she had brought with her from London, searching for something which would be suitable for a professional evening she hadn’t expected. She’d left most of her work outfits behind.
‘Then I’m definitely in.’
‘And you don’t mind the idea of taking part in a few events later on?’
‘Not if…’
‘I’ll be back in London, Raf,’ she told him quietly. ‘You really don’t need me for that.’
‘Yeah, but you could come up.’
‘What if you don’t keep the house?’ She wondered about this daily.
Already she felt so at home, and it was clear he did too, despite the faded 1980s décor and almost total lack of contemporary comforts, such as underfloor heating and a wireless speaker system in every room, something Rory had told her Raf was looking into.
‘I’m thinking about that. Cassie…’
‘Jago’s asked me to have lunch with him,’ she blurted out.
She didn’t know what Raf had been going to say, but the question had been clear in his eyes.
He wanted more and she wasn’t ready to say yes, and so she’d rushed out the first thing in her mind that could place a barrier between them.
‘He was busy last night, and he didn’t get to show me his work. ’
‘Right. So when are you seeing him?’
‘Today, actually, while he’s still around for the opening weekend.’ She snapped her laptop shut and leapt up. ‘I should probably get going. I hadn’t realised how late it is. I don’t want to keep him waiting.’
‘Well, I hope you have a nice time.’
‘Thanks.’ Cassie was already regretting it. There was simply no point, not when her heart felt as it did. But she’d agreed because maybe it would be another small step into a world in which she dated again. Began the process of putting that kiss with Raf behind her for good.
‘So I’ll see you later, then.’ He made for the door, Flynn at his heels, before turning to face her. ‘Cass?’
‘What?’
‘Be careful, yeah?’
‘Of course I will. You don’t mind?’ Her toes curled. It was exactly the wrong thing to have asked him. To discover if, and how much, he really cared about whom she saw.
‘Why would I mind?’ His eyes narrowed, and he shrugged. ‘It’s a good thing, right? Moving on.’