‘Are you sure?’
‘I’m sure.’
In answer, he closed her curtains and carried her to her bed.
* * *
The next morning, Claire woke before her alarm went off to find herself alone in bed, and Sean’s side of the bed was stone cold. She was a bit disappointed that he hadn’t even woken her before he left, or put a note on the pillow. Then again, he’d said that he had early meetings. He’d probably left at some unearthly hour and hadn’t wanted to disturb her sleep.
At that precise moment he walked in, carrying a tray with two paper cups of coffee and a plate of pastries. ‘Breakfast is served, my lady.’
‘You went out to buy us breakfast? That’s—that’s so lovely,’ she said, sitting up, ‘but you really didn’t have to. I have fruit and yoghurt in the fridge, plus bread and granola in the cupboard.’
‘I noticed a bakery round the corner from yours. I thought croissants might be nice, and I’m running a bit short on time so I bought the coffee rather than making it.’
‘That sounds to me like an excuse for having decadent tendencies,’ she teased.
He laughed back. ‘Maybe.’
He sat on the bed and shared the almond-filled croissants with her. ‘You thought I’d gone without saying goodbye, didn’t you?’
‘Um—well, yes,’ she admitted.
‘I wouldn’t do that to you. I would at least have left you a note.’ He finished his coffee and kissed her lightly. ‘Sorry. I really do have to go now. Can I call you later?’
‘I’d like that.’ Claire wrapped herself in her robe so she could pad barefoot to the kitchen with him and kiss him goodbye at her front door.
She still couldn’t quite get over the fact he’d gone out to buy them a decadent breakfast. And he’d stayed last night. This thing between them was moving so incredibly fast; it scared and exhilarated her at the same time. She guessed it would be the same for Sean. But would it scare him enough to make him push her away again, the way he had the other night? Or would he finally let her in?
* * *
They were both busy during the week, but Sean texted her on Friday.
Do you have any appointments over lunch?
Sorry, yes.
And, regretfully, she wasn’t playing hard to get. She really did have appointments that she couldn’t move.
OK. Are you busy after work?
Yes, but that was something she could move.
Why?
Am trying to be like you and plan a spontaneous date.
She couldn’t help laughing. Planning and spontaneity didn’t go together.
OK.
Cinema? he suggested.
Depends. Is popcorn on offer?
Could be... he texted back.
Deal. Time and place?
Can pick you up.
She wanted to keep at least some of her independence.
Saves time if I meet you there.
OK. Will check out films and text you where and when.
Claire had expected him to choose some kind of noir movie, but when she got to the cinema and met him with a kiss she discovered that he’d picked a rom-com.
‘Is this to indulge me?’ she asked.
‘I’ve seen this one before. The structure’s good and the acting’s good,’ he said.
‘You’re such a film snob,’ she teased, but it warmed her that he’d thought of what she’d enjoy rather than imposing his choices on her regardless.
They sat in the back row, holding hands, and Claire enjoyed the film thoroughly. Back at his place afterwards, they were curled in bed together, when Sean said, ‘I had a focus group meeting today.’
She remembered the samples he’d given her. ‘Did it go how you wanted?’
‘Not really,’ he said. ‘We need a rethink.’
‘For what it’s worth, I’ve always thought that your caramel hearts would be great as bridal favours. That’s the sort of thing my brides always ask me if I know about, because not everyone likes the traditional sugared almonds.’
‘Bridal favours?’ he queried.
‘Uh-huh—the hearts could be wrapped in silver or gold foil, and you can offer a choice of organza bags with them in say white, silver or gold, so brides can buy the whole package. They could be ordered direct from your website, or you could offer the special bridal package through selected shops.’
He nodded. ‘That’s brilliant, Claire. Thank you. I never even considered that sort of thing.’
‘Why would you, unless you were connected to a wedding business?’ she pointed out.
‘I guess not.’
‘So why didn’t the focus group like the salted caramels? I thought they were fabulous.’
‘It’s a move too far from the core business. Farrell’s has produced hard toffee for generations. We’re not really associated with chocolates, apart from the caramel hearts—which were my mum’s idea.’