‘I think it is,’ said Lawrence, and he laid a hand on her forearm. ‘I think you’re amazing.’
A prickle of discomfort made her want to pull her arm away, but she was mindful of causing offence, and kept it there against her will.
‘Thanks, but I’m not. Where is this man? I hope he isn’t caught in traffic?’
She looked anxiously through the thick, not very clean, net curtains.
‘Is there somewhere you need to be? I can give you a ride, if you like. Leave the tyre man to tow your car to the garage.’
‘No, no. I was only going to the retail park to look at computers.’
‘Ah, well, I’m glad we met again. I’ve been meaning to call.’
‘Have you?’
‘I have a friend opening a new restaurant in town. I thought you might like to come to the Grand Opening with me. I know it’s hardly the Grammys or the kind of thing you’re used to but …’
‘Oh, I don’t know.’
‘Well, I expect you’re used to personal five-star chefs and valet parking. It was just a thought.’
‘No, that’s not what I’m saying. Do you think I’m a snob? You do, don’t you?’
‘Of course not. It’s just hardly surprising that the opening of a tuppenny-ha’penny restaurant in a grim little English town doesn’t exactly fire you up. Don’t worry about it. I’m sure I can find a cheaper date.’
‘Lawrence, stop it. I’ll go. I’d love to support local business.’
His smile over the rim of his coffee cup was wide and toothy.
‘I like the way you make me work for you, Jenna,’ he said. ‘You must know that.’
‘I don’t know what you mean.’ But she did and she couldn’t help smiling along with the flirtation.
‘I just hope my hard work pays off. I think it will.’
Oh God, if you only knew, somebody else has been working harder …
Her guilty reflections were interrupted by the arrival of the tow truck.
Jenna banged down her coffee cup and ran outside.
‘It’s tomorrow night,’ Lawrence called after her. ‘I’ll pick you up at seven.’
The tyres were replaced, the new computer ordered and Jenna returned to the house with groceries and a large cheque for the kitchen fitters.
They left with all their equipment, leaving Jenna with a brand new but rather dusty kitchen. She was wiping down the Corian surfaces, marvelling at how the sparkle emerged from beneath the reddish patina of brick dust, when Jason emerged, half-naked and wrapped in the duvet.
‘Have you been in bed all day?’ Jenna was appalled.
‘Seemed like the best plan. You’ve drained all my creative juices, woman. Put the kettle on, eh?’
‘Put it on yourself. I’ve had a long day.’
She began emptying the grocery bags into the brand new, stainless steel American-style fridge, but she had only unpacked a few items before Jason wrapped her in the duvet from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
‘Get off,’ she said, laughing, trying to push him back, but this only resulted in a tumble on to the granite tiles. They scrambled and squirmed against each other until Jenna was on the floor, pinned beneath an exultant, still unshaven Jason.
‘Brand, spanking new kitchen, eh?’ he said. ‘You know what this means?’