Page 66 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

“Tell me about it,” Warren said, rolling his eyes. “If you’d met my family, you’d realisejusthow strange it is.”

“No.” Lewis chuckled. “I was commenting on the fact that Anna doesn’t enjoy doing stuff like that. When she was with Hayden, she’d get nervous about going to his family gatherings, so I’m surprised she’s volunteering to go with you. You should be careful…”

“How do you mean?”

“Maybe on your side it’s just a friendship thing, but it might not be for her.”

Warren’s heart rate sped up even more. “I don’t think so, but if it’s an issue, I can cancel the trip. It’s not a big deal.”

“I wasn’t saying it’s an issue. It’s fine. I just don’t want things to get awkward for either of you, but it’s also nothing to do with me. Don’t tell her I said anything.”

“I won’t, but I also don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

“I’m not worried.” He reached down to stroke Molly, then finished his beer. “Shall I get another round?”

“Okay.” Warren checked his watch as Lewis headed to the bar, surprised by him suggesting more drinks. “It’s a late night for you, isn’t it?” he remarked jokily when Lewis returned.

Lewis chuckled, but otherwise didn’t reply.

“How’s everything with you and Erin?” Warren asked.

“Good.” He shrugged. “Yeah. Fine. Why?”

“No reason, just asking. But your reply has me concerned. You didn’t sound too sure there. Are you avoiding going home, by any chance?”

“Kind of.” He blew out a breath. “But not because there’s any big problem.”

“What then?”

He scratched the bridge of his nose. “I think I might be a bit of a clingy boyfriend.”

Warren couldn’t help but smile. When Lewis glared at him he raised his hands and schooled his features back to a more serious expression. “Explain,” he prompted.

“It’s just that Erin’s always busy. When she moved here she made a real effort to meet people and make friends. She joined different clubs and classes – yoga and art stuff and whatever else took her fancy.”

“So she has a hectic social life and you sit at home waiting for her to have time for you?”

“No.” He shook his head but didn’t look convincing. “Well, it’s not quite like that. But her being busy draws attention to the fact that I’m not. I used to spend all my time at the hotel. Now that I’m not there so much, I’m not always sure what to do with myself. I walk Molly, and I spend more time with my dad these days, which is nice.”

He looked thoughtful. “When the weather was better I was doing some fishing trips with old school friends, but sometimes I feel as though I should have more of a social life.”

“So you’re just hanging out with me this evening to tick a box?”

“No!” Lewis grinned. “But we also don’t hang out much these days. We should go for drinks more often.”

“It’s because we always used to hang out at work and now you’re never around.”

“Exactly. We need to get into new habits. Go for a drink once a week or something.”

“I’d love to,” Warren said, a mischievous smile pulling at his lips. “The problem is I work long hours for my demanding boss.”

Stretching out his leg, Lewis kicked him, causing Molly’s ears to prick up as she lifted her head to check what was goingon. She sank back onto her paws when she decided they weren’t about to get into a fight.

“I hope he at least pays you well,” Lewis joked.

“I can’t complain.”

“We’ll hang out more,” Lewis said, then took a sip of his pint. “It’s good that you’re taking the time off next week, too. It’ll be nice for you to spend more time with your family.”