Millie Vanilla’s Cupcake Café

Millie joined him. It was true. She nodded. ‘The view’s never the same two days running. But I love it best in the winter when it’s stormy.’

Jed put his arm loosely around her shoulders. ‘I can imagine. Do the storms ever reach you up here?’

‘They can do. I’ve had one or two windows smashed by pebbles thrown up by the sea. It’s not much of a sacrifice to live here, though.’

‘I can see why you love it so.’ Jed turned her to him and pulled her closer. His mouth found hers and his hand cupped her breast.

She pushed him away. Reluctantly. Much as she wanted this man, she needed a shower first. ‘I’ll sort you out some towels.’

Jed nodded but the desire in his eyes was unmistakable. ‘And then food. I’ve an idea I’ll need all my stamina for later.’

Millie went first, leaving Jed engrossed in the news on TV. While he showered, she frowned over the meagre contents of her kitchen cupboards and wondered what to cook.

When Jed emerged, with wet hair and smelling of her almond-blossom shower gel, she nearly jumped on him there and then. Practicalities won by a nose.

‘Just salad and some new potatoes, I’m afraid,’ she explained, as they sat at her tiny table in the kitchen. ‘But I’ve made some mango chicken to go with it.’ She tried to concentrate on the food and failed. Jed looked gorgeous with his hair damp and curling around his collar. The thought of all that clean, tanned skin under his shirt and chinos was making her weak with desire.

‘Sounds great. And we’ve cake for pudding!’ Jed was obviously only thinking of one type of hunger.

‘Oh yes, your sponge cake. Hope it’s okay. I rather threw them together late last night.’

‘It’ll be perfect,’ Jed declared confidently. ‘Everything you touch is perfect.’

Millie laughed, embarrassed. ‘Not sure about that.’

He reached over and took her hand. ‘It’s true,’ he said, simply, gazing into her eyes.

They knew what was coming. The promise of it vibrated in the air. Thrummed between them. And they both knew that the longer they deferred it, the sweeter it would taste.

‘I’ll open some wine, shall I?’ he added.

Millie couldn’t speak. Could barely breathe. Was hollowed out with desire for the man. She managed a nod.

He rooted around in the fridge and found the half-full bottle of white she’d begun last night. He filled their glasses. ‘You know, I really admire how you’re right in the middle of your community.’