Читать книгу Mills & Boon Christmas Delights Collection - Джанис Мейнард, Rebecca Winters - Страница 21

Chapter Twelve

The warmth hit us as soon as we opened the door. Michael ducked the low beam and closed the heavy oak door behind him. To one side of the bar, a log fire burned brightly, the woody smell filling our nostrils. On the other side, a huge Christmas tree lavishly, if a little randomly, decorated touched the ceiling. Tinsel was pinned along the top of the bar and cards hung from string all around. It was busy, despite the weather, and we shuffled through the tables and people to get to the bar.

‘Kate! What a lovely surprise! We haven’t seen you in here for a few weeks now.’ Linda the landlady beamed. Her gaze locked behind me and I had a pretty good idea as to what, or rather who, had caught her eye. ‘And now I can see exactly what’s been keeping you busy. Good Lord, I don’t blame you. You know darlin’, our food is great here, but if it’s a choice between that and staying and in bed with him…’ She’d dropped her voice to a whisper. Unfortunately, in order to allow for the general chatter of the pub, this was still pretty much normal volume for most people, which meant I was fairly sure Michael had heard every word. ‘So, what I can get you?’

I looked round at Michael.

‘Just a coke for me, thanks.’

‘And a lime and soda for me, please. And do you have a table for two?’

‘When for? Now?’

‘If possible,’ I smiled, hopeful. I didn’t want to wait too long to get to the rescue centre so that we would still have plenty of time to take Rooney out before it got dark.

Linda patted my hand and gave me a wink. ‘Leave it to me,’ she said, giving Michael a broad smile which he returned before she disappeared off to the restaurant side of the pub.

‘She seems nice.’

‘Mmmhmm,’ I agreed, hoping that he hadn’t picked up on what Linda clearly thought was going on.

‘You’ve been here a few times, then?’

‘We come as a group sometimes, all the rescue centre workers and volunteers. Linda has had a couple of rescues from us and she’s great at finding people who might be looking for a new pet too, so she’s a great resource.’

‘Looks like she’s got us a table,’ Michael said as Linda waved at us across the room.

‘Great. I’m starving.’

‘That’s what happens when you don’t have bacon sarnies in bed,’ Michael whispered close to my ear as he bent to avoid another beam.

I looked round and his eyes were dancing with laughter. He wiggled his eyebrows and I couldn’t help laughing.

‘Harlot,’

‘I try.’

I shook my head and scooched into the corner seat by the window that Linda had found us. Michael took the one opposite.

‘Do you know what you want or do you want some time to look at the menu?’ Linda asked.

‘I’m going to have one of your Sunday roasts, but Michael might want a few minutes to look.’

‘No, I’m fine. If she says the roasts are good, that’s enough recommendation for me. I’ll have the same.’ He smiled and Linda nodded, a big grin on her face. Taking the menus off the table, she turned to me.

‘I’ll put a rush on them,’ she said, then walked off, fanning herself with the menu.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

‘Sorry,’ I said, not quite able to look at him.

‘What for?’

‘Linda’s…misconceptions.’

‘Why should you be sorry?’

I shrugged my shoulders. ‘I don’t know. Just seems a little awkward.’

The drinks arrived and I gratefully took advantage of the distraction.

‘Don’t worry about it. The fact that she thinks we’re ordering quickly so that I can get you back to bed doesn’t do my ego any harm.’

I felt my mouth drop open. Michael’s lips teased a smile at my expression.

‘I don’t think your ego is ever in any danger.’

Michael did a maybe yes maybe no head wobble and took a sip of his drink.

‘I’m sorry if it’s made you feel uncomfortable though. I can put her right if it’ll make you feel better.’

I lifted my eyes. His face was serious.

‘Katie – ’

‘Two roast beef with all the trimmings,’ the waitress announced before lowering the plates and catching sight of my lunch companion. At which point, his plate went down on the table and the contents of mine went on my lap. Stuck in the corner, I couldn’t jump up quick enough and, shit, that gravy was hot!

‘Oh my God!’ the waitress shrieked as she realised what she’d done. ‘I’m so sorry! Are you OK? Can I get you a cloth?’

‘Take both of those back to the kitchen Emily,’ Linda said, bustling up. Like any good landlady, she had eyes everywhere and had obviously seen the mishap. I, meanwhile, had wiggled out of the window seat and was now frantically wiping at my jeans to remove food detritus. In my hurried attempts to get out of my seat, I’d also managed to knock over my drink, which although making the mess worse had at least stopped the burning sensation from the gravy, so silver linings and all that. Linda handed me more napkins and, after a few minutes, I had at least got the worst off. My jeans felt cold next to my skin, I felt a complete idiot and I was still starving. But apart from that, everything was just peachy.

‘I’ll go and get you both new meals. I’m so sorry Kate. Of course, all of this is on the house.’

‘No Linda please. It was an accident. I want to pay.’

‘Too bad. I’m not taking your money. Now, I’ve found a table nearer the fire, it’ll help dry you out.’

‘No, really. We’re fine here. Honestly.’

‘This table is booked. Sorry, my mistake. That one by the fire is the only one free.’

I gave Linda a look as we changed tables and she smiled.

‘I’m never coming here again, you know that?’ I said.

‘Sure, sure. Now, here you go. Isn’t that better?’

It was, I had to admit.

‘Now, I’ll be right back with your food and another drink for you. Do you want anything else sweetheart?’ Linda directed her question to Michael.

‘No, I’m good thanks.’

She smiled. ‘I bet,’ she winked at me and headed off to the kitchen.

‘Are you OK?’ Michael asked once she’d gone.

‘Yes, yes,’ I said, waving the enquiry away, trying to pretend I wasn’t horribly embarrassed at the whole scenario.

‘You really don’t like people making a fuss of you, do you?’

‘It’s not that. I was just fine where we were.’

‘Katie jeans are bloody horrible when they get wet and your teeth were beginning to chatter.’

I conceded that he might have a point.

‘Are you warming up?’

‘Yes. Thank you.’

He shook his head.

‘What?’

‘When you realised I’d come off my bike the other day, you were fussing around me within moments – in a good way!’ He held up his hand before I could say anything. ‘And I know for a fact you are always checking on Janey and the kids, especially now with the baby coming. But the moment someone tries to do the same to you, you look like you just want to disappear.’

I pulled a napkin off the table and dabbed at my lap with it, more as something to do with my hands than for any effective purpose.

Because Michael was absolutely right. It wasn’t that I didn’t like people fussing over me. It was more that I just had no idea how to react to it. It had always been me taking care of others, a role I had grown up with and got used to. It was the way it had always been and one I knew I was good at.

I shook my head and tried to laugh it off. ‘I just don’t like a fuss.’

Michael looked like he was about to say something else but Linda’s arrival with the dinners interrupted.

‘Right. Let’s try again, shall we?’ She placed the plates and my drink down safely. ‘Are you warming up again now? Are you sure you don’t need to check that gravy didn’t burn you?’

‘No, really Linda, I’m OK. Honestly.’

‘It’s just – ’

‘I’ll make sure she’s all right,’ Michael interrupted, a charming and disarming smile on his face.

Linda looked at him, then at me, smiled and nodded. ‘OK. Well, so long as I know you’re in good hands.’ She winked at me again. ‘Bon appetit.’ And she was off.

‘Now she definitely thinks we’re an item.’

Michael shrugged as he dug in.

‘It did the trick, didn’t it?’ He took a forkful. ‘Mmm, this is really good!’

He was right. It had done the trick. Of course it had.

I loaded up my own fork. ‘Must be nice.’

‘What’s that?’

‘Women bending to your every whim, taking your word as gospel.’

He pulled a face. ‘It can be. But that’s why I like spending time with you.’

‘Oh, I can’t wait to hear this.’

‘You help keep me grounded.’

‘God, you’re arrogant.’ I laughed, taking a mouthful of roast.

‘Maybe you can work on that for me too, along with the house.’

‘Sorry. Some things are beyond even my help.’

‘Ouch. And after I’d rescued you from all the fussing too?’

‘Rescued me? I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think Prince Charming has got anything to worry about just yet.’

‘Is that so?’

I shrugged. ‘Sorry to be so blunt.’

‘I’ll get over it.’

‘I’m sure you will.’

Michael lifted his gaze and met mine. Shaking his head, a resigned smile on his face, he set back to demolishing his dinner.

***

‘God, you smell delicious!’ Mark declared as he let us in and gave me a quick hug. Taking in the look of surprise on my face, and then the six foot four brick outhouse standing behind me, he seemed to suddenly feel the need to elaborate. ‘I mean, literally delicious. Like food. Like…’ He leant over and sniffed me again. I fixed him with a look and he backed off. ‘You smell like roast beef.’

‘Yes. Well, Emily had a moment and it ended with a roast dinner and all the trimmings in my lap.’

‘Oh.’

‘Anyway, Mark meet Michael, Michael, this is Mark. He’s our head vet and pretty much runs this place.’

They shook hands and Mark threw me a private look which I made a point of ignoring.

‘So, how’s things?’ I asked.

‘Good. Timmy got picked up today and I swear to God he was smiling.’

‘I told you he smiled.’

‘Yeah. Well, I just thought you were a bit nuts.’

‘Thanks. He just never smiled at you because you’re a vet and do nasty things and I do all the nice things.’

‘Rubbish. He just smiled at you because he’s a tart and you’re pretty.’

Michael chuckled and I rolled my eyes.

‘And you heard about Sara’s engagement?’

‘Yes! Isn’t it wonderful? I’m so happy for them.’

‘Bit of a surprise, I have to say. Never thought old Henry would come round to the idea of marriage again. Sounds like his first one was a right disaster.’

I was madly making signals with my eyes, hoping that we could drop the subject of first marriages that hadn’t gone particularly well, bearing in mind my present company. Unfortunately Mark wasn’t picking up on any of them up.

‘But you can’t assume just because one didn’t go well, the next one won’t. I mean, it’s a whole different set of circumstances, isn’t it? Thank God Jilly didn’t give up on the concept after her first one ended.’

Forgetting the task of trying to avoid potential awkwardness for a moment, I smiled at his expression. ‘You old romantic,’ I said, nudging him with my arm.

He gave me a look that as much as said ‘you caught me’.

‘So, anyway. I imagine you want to know how your boy Rooney is today?’

‘Rooney,’ Michael said quietly, shaking his head.

‘Bit of a crap name, isn’t it?’ Mark agreed. ‘You could always change it. He won’t mind.’

I stifled a smile. Mark had used practically the same phrase as me but Michael saw it anyway and shot me a look. Which made me smile even more.

We got to the kennel block and Mark turned to Michael. ‘Look, I know this is all Kate’s idea, more than yours. I’m not doubting your ability to look after a dog, or anything, and I know you’ve had one before, but like I said to Katie, it’s got to be the right time for you. Sadly there are always new ones coming in so if it’s not the right time, then it wouldn’t be fair on the animal if you took him now, only to bring him back a bit later. I’m sure you’re a great guy, and everything, or Kate wouldn’t have even brought you here – she’s kind of protective of our charges,’ Michael and Mark both looked at me and I found a fascinating spot on the ground to study. ‘But please think about this before you make a final decision. I’m sorry if that’s blunt, but I have to put the animals first, even before people’s feelings.’

Michael nodded. ‘Not a problem. I totally agree.’

‘OK then,’ Mark said. ‘Let’s go and say g’day.’

Rooney’s tail was wagging so hard he was practically bending himself in half when we got there.

‘He heard your voice,’ Mark said, smiling as he unlocked the door.

I snuck a glance at Michael laughing at the dog as he wiggled himself silly.

‘I’ll leave you to it.’

‘OK. Thanks Mark.’

I headed into the kennel and Michael followed, closing the door behind him. Rooney bumped against my legs, his bum still wiggling like mad. And then he started licking my jeans, ramming his nose into my leg. I could hardly blame him. If Mark could smell it, then Rooney’s sensitive nose must be driving him mad.

‘He obviously thinks you smell delicious too,’ Michael laughed as I pushed the dog off me. Crouching down next to me, he called Rooney who bounced over, shoving his head against Michael’s thigh and making happy little groaning noises as Michael gave him a good scratch and rubbed his chin.

‘Want to take him out for a walk with me? I mean, if you’re feeling up to it and don’t mind hanging about a bit longer…’

Michael looked up at me from where he was now sat on the floor with Rooney sprawled across one of his legs.

‘Sounds great. If only to get the feeling back in my right leg.’

I giggled and pulled out a doggy treat from my pocket. With the uncanny ability that dogs have to sniff out a treat at a hundred paces, Rooney looked at Michael for a second and then, with a scrabble of toenails, scooted himself up to hurriedly pad over in my direction, whereupon he sat down a little sideways in front of me.

‘Lie down.’

The dog did so.

‘Good boy!’ I ruffled his jowls and he bounced up, waiting for the next fun thing to happen.

‘He’s had training then?’ Michael asked, pushing himself up and half-heartedly brushing at his jeans.

‘Yes, he’s good on the lead and off. Seems to have all the basics down. Isn’t possessive about food or toys, and gets on well with other animals and children.’

‘So what’s the catch?’

‘Huh?’ I asked, looking up at him whilst clipping a lead to Rooney’s collar.

‘Why’s he in here?’

‘Oh.’ I explained about the size issue. ‘But he’s fully grown now so he won’t get any bigger. And there are plenty of people who will want him. Because you’re a sweetheart, aren’t you?’ I said, nuzzling my face close to the dog’s, which he reciprocated, speeding up his tail and giving Michael’s leg a good thwack in the process.

I pulled my head up, just in time to catch him wince.

‘Oh no, I’m sorry. Is it still bruised from the accident?’

‘It’s all right,’ he brushed it off, watching me.

‘What?’

‘I’m thinking you should have Rooney.’

I handed him the lead. ‘If I took every dog I’ve ever wanted out of here, I’d need a vastly bigger place than the broom cupboard I currently live in. Besides, I’m not home enough with my job and I can’t take a dog into people’s homes. Some would be fine, but some people don’t like dogs or are allergic or whatever. It just isn’t feasible unfortunately. Which is why I get my pooch fix like this.’

We walked out of the block and I opened the gate that led into the fields next to the centre. Michael pulled his baseball cap down a little more.

‘You could do with a woolly hat to keep your ears warm. Let me see if there’s – ’

Michael caught my arm. ‘My ears are just fine. Now just relax and walk with me and this damn dog you’ve dragged me down here to see.’

***

‘I can’t believe how anyone could give him up.’

‘I don’t think it was an easy decision. Mark said the kids practically had to be peeled off him when they left.’

Michael shook his head. ‘Jesus. I don’t envy the parents living with that for a while. Janey had to throw away one of Lily’s dolls when its head broke off and you should have seen the drama! I can’t imagine taking away a living, breathing friend like this.’

We had paused for a moment and were sat side by side on a fallen tree. The dog was lying in front of us, playing with the ball we’d brought along and which Michael had been throwing for him, wearing both of them out.

The light was fading a little now and the air becoming damp and heavy. They’d predicted snow for this afternoon which hadn’t arrived but it was looking now like the forecast had just been a little off in its timing. But a part of me didn’t want to move from here. Even though my bum was getting cold and I was losing feeling in my fingertips. I wanted to stay, breathing in the clean air, feeling joy from watching the dog tap the ball away with his nose and then slap a paw on it to roll it back, and sensing the solid bulk of Michael sat next to me, his knee brushing against mine as he moved to lean and give the dog a pat.

‘We’d better head back if we’re going to beat that.’ Michael’s voice broke into my thoughts. I followed his gaze to the sky and nodded. He hadn’t said anything about taking the dog home. But I’d had a feeling about Rooney and that had only been confirmed by how Michael’s whole demeanour had changed the moment he’d crouched and called the dog in the kennel. The tenseness in his jaw, the way he held his shoulders- the moment he connected with that dog, it all dissipated. And I knew he felt it too.

As we got back to the kennel block, Michael handed me the lead.

‘Can I meet you in the car? I missed a call and I need to call them back.’ He bent over Rooney and gave him a cuddle. ‘See ya buddy.’ And with that, he strode off back towards the entrance.

I watched him go, stunned. The longer we had spent with the dog, the more sure I was that Michael felt that same way as me- that he too knew this was the right thing for him. The dog loved him, he loved the dog and could provide a wonderful home for him. What more did he want? I looked down. Rooney was watching the retreating figure. When Michael turned the corner and disappeared from sight, the dog looked up at me, and gave the smallest whine. At which point I, most unexpectedly, burst into tears.

‘I’m so sorry puppy,’ I said, as I finished towelling off his fur and fluffing up his bed and blankets. ‘But you know what? It’s his loss and you’re going to find a lovely home very, very soon.’ I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him to me. He snuggled his head into my shoulder and I felt the tears start again. He was a great dog and I knew this was the last time I’d see him. By the time I was back in he’d have a new home. But I was also sad at the missed opportunity for Michael. I wanted to be angry at him but I couldn’t. Like Mark said, and like I knew to be true, it had to be the right time. I’d thought it was the right time but maybe it wasn’t only Michael who could be arrogant at times. Perhaps I’d assumed I’d known more than I had, even if it had been meant with the best of intentions.

‘I can finish up here.’ Mark’s voice made me jump.

‘I’m pretty much done,’

‘OK. Your friend is out waiting for you. Probably best to go now, before the weather sets in.’

I nodded. ‘Yes. Right. OK. Bye then Rooney. You be a good boy now.’ I bent and kissed the top of his head and then walked out of the kennel. As I turned to lock the door, he was looking up at me, his head resting on the edge of the bed.

‘Shit,’ I whispered, my voice cracking.