Emma gave a small sigh and walked across the landing to her bedroom. She looked at Luke’s photo in its wooden frame by the bed, remembering how excited she had felt that day when they first met in the school staffroom, how she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She sat down on her double bed and popped on her plain white M&S bra and knickers.

Maybe she should just pull out now? Duck out politely from the drink with Max this evening – she could always leave a message with Danny in the bar. Yes, just let the memory of that first kiss and today’s walk live on as a pleasant moment in her mind.

Hah, her alter ego kicked in, she was just being silly. It was a drink in a pub after all, not even a proper date. Yes, so Max was hunky, rather gorgeous and he seemed nice and friendly, but hey, there was a long way to go. She might never see him again anyhow after this evening. She pushed her mind to what she was going to wear, choosing jeans with a pretty flowery top. Emma erred towards the boho chic style of clothing for her time off. A spritz of perfume, some moisturiser, quick slash of pale peach lip gloss, and eyeliner and mascara – done. As per usual, her make-up routine was achieved in five minutes’ flat.

She brushed her long, wavy red hair. She had to keep it up in a ponytail for work so it was nice to let it loose occasionally. It took a bit of taming, mind you, and when she washed it it needed tons of conditioner, or else the brush battled and generally lost.

She fed Alfie, then let him out into the back yard. After popping him back to his bed in the upstairs kitchen area, she was ready to go. She slung a jacket on, left The Chocolate Shop by the back door, and headed down the hill towards the harbour. By this time her stomach was in full spin mode.

21

She spotted Max getting out of his jeep from a parking space just in front of The Fisherman's Arms.

Her throat felt a little tight. Here goes. ‘Hi.’ She approached tentatively.

He turned and rewarded her with a gorgeous smile.

‘Hey. So, you’re about to show me where it’s all happening in Warkton, then.’

‘Oh, yes. If you want a pint of real ale and game of draughts – this is the place to come. We might even stretch to dominoes tonight.’ Actually, that was on a Wednesday night.

She wondered if she should have suggested somewhere less rustic. They could have driven into Alnwick or somewhere. And, thinking about it, everyone knew everyone in here. There would be no secrets about her meet-up with Max. The whole village would know about it in precisely three minutes’ time.

Max held the bar entrance door open for her.

‘Thanks.’