‘So sorry. Can’t control this wretched thing. I should have changed it, but you don’t quite have the heart, do you?’ Then she looked at the contents of his trolley again and wished she’d just said ‘sorry.’ Those choice items did not indicate a man who’d appreciate small talk about shopping trolleys.

But he smiled. ‘They’re not very well designed, are they?’ It was only to make her feel better but she was grateful – and he had a lovely voice.

She sighed. ‘No.’ Then she frowned. ‘I’m looking for agar agar. I’ve got the family for Christmas and I don’t cook much as a rule.’

He glanced down at her load which she now had under control. ‘You wouldn’t guess that from the amount you’ve packed in there.’

She laughed. ‘Panic buying. My sister-in-law is a vegetarian and I can’t decide what to cook for her. I thought agar agar would be useful.’

‘I’m sure you must have the ingredients for several recipes – a whole book, possibly.’ His gaze roamed over the disparate ingredients – quinoa, bulgur wheat, various forms of tofu, and some mushrooms she’d have sworn were poisonous if they hadn’t been for sale in an upmarket shop.

‘That’s what I thought! But as I can’t decide I think I’d better have—’

‘Here you are.’ He put the packet on top of the other things.

‘Thanks. I wish I liked cooking more. It’s my turn to have them all and I dread it. Some of them are such foodies.’ The pheasants and champagne caught her eye. ‘Oh, you probably are too.’

‘Well, I do cook, but I have no one to cook for this year. My parents are on a cruise. I’m living in the family home, looking after the cat.’

‘I expect you’re looking forward to a quiet Christmas. I know I would be.’

‘Mm, yes, sort of. It’ll be different, anyway.’

Evie looked up at him, and on impulse she said, ‘Would you think I was absolutely mad if I invited you round for Christmas dinner?’ Aware of his astonishment she went on. ‘Of course, say no. I don’t expect you to accept, but I wouldn’t feel right about myself if I didn’t ask you.’

He laughed. ‘Why ever not?’