Page 17 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

Jen leaned across the table behind them, adjusting a wreath on its stand and drawing attention to herself, leaving Anna no choice but to introduce them.

They exchanged polite conversation for a few minutes, while Anna caught Warren’s eye and tried to convey her panic about the situation. In return, he only looked amused.

Eventually, Frannie spotted someone she knew across the room and excused herself to speak to them.

“We should get going,” Warren said to his mum. “It’s a bit of a drive to Blenheim, and the tickets have specific time slots.”

She retrieved her coat from the chair behind her and waved at Warren’s dad, who’d drifted to look at the other tables nearby.

“Thanks so much for your help,” Anna said again.

“You’re welcome.” Jen came around the table and hugged her lightly. “It’s been really lovely.”

Anna smiled at Warren’s dad and told them to enjoy the rest of their visit.

“I’ll speak to you during the week,” Warren said, as his parents drifted away. “To get the details for next weekend.”

“Yeah.” Anna said, but was distracted by Frannie, who openly watched them from across the room. “She’s looking at us,” she muttered, stepping closer to Warren.

“Who is?”

“Frannie.”

“Is that a problem?”

“I’m fairly sure she already thinks you’re my boyfriend,” she whispered, trying to get her story straight in her own head. “It’s probably for the best. If I want Hayden to think you’re my boyfriend, my friends will need to think so, too.”

“I already thought that was your plan,” he said with a shrug.

“Yes. But it means you need to act like my boyfriend. To make it believable.”

“Am I supposed to conjure flowers or something?” he asked mockingly.

“No!” Stepping closer, she put a hand on his arm and lifted onto her toes to press her lips against his.

It was only a fleeting kiss, and one which might have looked more convincing if he hadn’t looked so surprised. Hopefully, Frannie wouldn’t notice that detail from a distance.

“What was that?” Warren asked quietly.

“I kissed you. So she’ll think you’re my boyfriend.”

“Hmm.” He lowered his face to hers. “Just out of interest, did my parents also witness your public display of affection.”

Her eyes went over his shoulder to where his parents were waiting. His mum caught Anna’s eye and smiled delightedly.

“Yeah.” She pressed her lips together. “I think they probablydid, but it was only a peck. It could have been a friendship thing.”

“Not sure they’re going to buy that.”

“It doesn’t really matter anyway, does it?”

“I guess not.” His eyes flashed with amusement. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

Anna watched him walk out, her heart thundering with the realisation that she’d just kissed him. It hadn’t exactly been earth shattering, but it was the first time in a long time since she’d kissed a guy. She supposed if she was intent on passing him off as her boyfriend, she’d probably be kissing him again.

It wasn’t a terrible prospect.

“Anna!” Frannie appeared, rushing towards her. “He’s gorgeous!”