Page 67 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

“I’m not sure about that,” Warren replied, but wasn’t dreading the family get together like he usually would.

In fact, he was looking forward to it.

Which was worrying, since his anticipation for the trip had absolutely nothing to do with spending time with his family.

And everything to do with Anna.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

When Warren called on Wednesday evening, Anna’s heart thundered. Sure he was going to cancel their trip, she contemplated not answering, but in the end her desire to talk to him won out. As she answered, she told herself she could talk him into it again if he tried to back out.

But he only asked if she was sure she was okay with joining him, and warned her again that his family could be difficult to spend time with. When she insisted she was happy to go, they chatted about the details of when they’d set off.

He also asked how her workshop had gone that afternoon. Touched that he remembered, she told him all about her chilled-out session at the care home and how much she enjoyed spending time with the elderly.

“They don’t make you nervous, then?” he asked, while she relaxed back on the couch.

“Not really. I had a few nerves before I arrived, but not like the other workshops I do. In my experience, old people are easy to please.”

“That’s true.” He paused, and the conversation felt like itwas winding down. “What have you got planned for the rest of the week?”

“I have a craft fair on Saturday, so I need to make sure I have enough stock. And I might do some Christmas shopping on Friday.”

“I thought you wanted to go shopping in Bath?”

“I do, but I doubt I can get everything in one shopping trip.”

He made a hum of acknowledgement. “I suppose you also can’t buy my gift when I’m with you.”

She spluttered a laugh. “What makes you think I’m getting you a gift?”

“I think it’s the least I deserve after you keep insisting on me pretending to be your boyfriend.”

“You’re the one who wanted me to pretend to be your girlfriend for your family holiday.”

“Because you answered the phone to my mum!”

Her smile lingered. “If you’re expecting a gift from me, does that mean you’re getting me one?”

“If you want. Just send me a link with what you want. Maximum twenty quid.”

“That’s not how gift giving works.”

“It is in my family. But without the spending limit.”

“You’re supposed to put some thought into it. Get something special.”

He groaned. “Who has time for that?”

“I see you have no Christmas spirit. You realise it will be embarrassing when I give you a thoughtful gift and you have nothing for me in return.”

“I don’t really do embarrassment. I find it a waste of time.”

“Lucky you.”

“Hang on,” he said, at a noise in the background. She listened to half of a muffled conversation before his voice came clear again. “I have to get back to work.”

“Okay.” She felt a rush of disappointment over ending the call.