Page 116 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

“So he did ask?”

“Yeah. I’m confused. You like Warren?”

She stared at him. “Yes.”

“Ah, okay.”

“Are you sure you didn’t say something to make him think you weren’t okay with it? Because he said he wanted to talk it through with you and then he’d ask me on a date. Except he didn’t ask me on a date, and I don’t know why. He was vague when I spoke to him. He said he was busy with work, but I think that’s just an excuse.”

“I didn’t realise you were interested in Warren.”

She frowned. “You used to tease me because you thought I fancied him!”

“Yes, but that was ages ago. And it was before Carla told me you weren’t over Hayden.”

“I am over Hayden.”

“Really? So you didn’t go on a date with him recently?”

“I went out with him. It wasn’t a date…”

Lewis grimaced and took a defensive step away from her.

Anna slapped a hand across her mouth as she gasped. “Youdidn’t?” she growled. “Please tell me you didn’t tell Warren I went on a date with Hayden.”

He held up his palms. “He asked if I was okay with him asking you out. I told him it was none of my business, but I didn’t think you were interested because you’d been on a date with your ex.”

Anna growled.

“Sorry,” Lewis said.

“I’m not angry with you. Well, I am. But mostly I’m angry with Warren. Why the heck wouldn’t he just tell me what you’d said and check the facts?”

“Maybe because he’s a guy and was worried about his ego.”

“He should probably worry about more than his ego now.” She shook her head, then kissed Lewis’s cheek. “Have a good time in London. I’ll see you on New Year’s Eve.”

“Are you going to see Warren?”

“Yes.” She rushed around the car and opened the door.

“Remember, it’s Christmas! Go easy on him.”

“I can’t promise that,” she said, smiling as she hopped into the car.

One way or another, she was determined to get some answers. It was the most positive she’d felt all day.

Chapter Forty-Six

Drinks were clearly flowing in the hotel lounge. The cheerful chatter of the guests mixed pleasantly with the Christmas music and the pine scent from the Christmas tree, which permeated the air. At the back of the building, the restaurant was empty except for a middle-aged couple sitting at the bar.

Through the small windows into the kitchen, Anna spotted Warren hunched over the bench at the back of the room, perched on a stool. A couple of the younger kitchen staff stood chatting in the centre of the room. About to push at the door, Anna stopped as she felt her phone vibrate. Pulling it from her pocket, her pulse skittered at the notification of a message from Warren.

Quickly, she clicked into it, then rolled her eyes at the message, which simply wished her a happy Christmas. She supposed it was at least comforting to know he’d been thinking of her. Definitely a bit lacking, though.

Another message came through.

I’m sorry.