Cupcakes and Christmas: The Carrington’s Collection: Cupcakes at Carrington’s, Me and Mr. Carrington, Christmas at Carrington’s. Alexandra Brown

      18

      After several large glasses of Pinot, and lots of talking and laughing, it’s nearly closing time. James, who is sitting opposite me in the red leather banquette booth, leans over the narrow table towards me.

      ‘Shall we do this again?’ he says, staring straight into my eyes.

      ‘Depends what “this” is,’ I tease.

      ‘A date, of course, unless you’re in the habit of frequenting intimate bars with all of your colleagues.’ He smiles and takes my hand in his, giving it a little squeeze.

      ‘In that case, yes, why not?’ I smile, thinking it might be fun, but then wondering if it’s such a good idea when we’re going to be competing at work, and he has just been dumped by his wife. Hmm, guess there’s no harm in seeing how it goes.

      ‘Great. But let’s just keep this to ourselves – neither of us needs the wagging tongues at the moment,’ he says, stroking the back of my hand. ‘And the last thing I want is for you to be cited in the divorce. No, I want it to go as smoothly as possible.’

      ‘I agree, as long as you’re not just saying so in case a particular person called Maxine finds out?’ I say before I can stop myself.

      His face drops and I immediately know I should have kept my mouth shut. I scan his eyes for clues as to whether he still has a thing for her.

      ‘You know about that then?’ he says, staring intently at his empty wine glass. He pulls his hand away.

      ‘Yes, you know how news travels in Carrington’s.’

      ‘It was well and truly over years ago,’ he says, taking my hand again.

      ‘So, did you two work together or something?’ I say, trying to sound uninterested. I’m curious, no more, and I don’t want him thinking I’m some kind of mad bunny boiler.

      ‘Not exactly. I met her on a training course. It didn’t last long though. It was around the same time I met Rebecca.’

      ‘So I imagine Maxine was pretty pissed off at being dumped for another woman,’ I say, feeling my way for fear of probing too much.

      ‘Just a bit, but then can you blame her? I did mess her around.’ I decide not to push it any further but then he says, ‘Like I told her in the meeting, it was a long time ago and we have to be professional about it, given our work situation.’ So they discussed it then.

      ‘But won’t it be difficult, with her overseeing things? She is the boss now, after all.’

      ‘Sure. But it doesn’t have to affect things between us, and I promise I won’t betray you. Believe me … I know what it feels like.’

      ‘Of course,’ I say, squeezing his hand, but wondering how Maxine really feels.

      ‘So we’re agreed then? This will be our secret? I really don’t want you getting dragged into the divorce proceedings … Rebecca is desperate to try and pin something on me, and as she refuses to move out until the house is sold … well, it’s complicated.’ He drops his eyes.

      ‘Oh James, of course that’s fine,’ I agree, thinking it’s probably better this way until I see where it’s going.

      We leave the bar, stumbling and giggling our way up the narrow basement steps, the fresh evening air exhilarating as we reach the pavement, where James grabs hold of my hand. For a moment it feels strange as his warm fingers entwine mine. I can’t believe what’s happened this evening. Only a few hours ago he was off-limits.

      ‘You OK?’ he says, heading towards the taxi rank, which is deserted.

      ‘I’m great. Never better.’

      At the end of the road a taxi with its light off performs a swift U-turn and grinds to a halt alongside us.

      ‘I’m on my way home, going east, so if you’re heading in my direction?’ James turns to me, and as he lives the opposite way I presume the evening is over. He puts a finger on my lips and leans down to whisper into my ear.

      ‘I’m so glad we’ve finally got together,’ he says, softly. I tiptoe up, intending to kiss him on the cheek, but he gently turns my face towards his and kisses me tenderly, his lips soft on mine, his hand around my waist, pulling me in close. My stomach flips and my right foot actually pops up like it always does for the heroine in those soppy films.

      ‘Sorry to break up the party.’ It’s the taxi driver, and he’s tapping the meter. We instantly break away. James looks into my eyes and I just know he wants to continue things. In an instant I realise that I do too. I forget all my reservations and decide to go for it.

      ‘It’s Mercer Street,’ James says to the taxi driver as he pulls open the door for me. I step inside and reach my hand out to his.

      ‘Are you sure?’ he asks, and I block out the doubts, focusing on the moment instead.

      ‘Yes,’ I smile. James gets in beside me and puts his arm around my shoulders. I cuddle into him and savour the feeling of anticipation at what the rest of the evening will be like. And then I remember, I still haven’t managed to tell him about the extra commission coming through from Malikov. He’ll be so chuffed. Perhaps we’ll even go on that holiday after all. But I don’t want to talk about work and spoil our night together, so I make a mental note instead before turning towards him for another kiss.