In the dining room, she’d laid a table with stars-and-stripes serviettes and a little American flag and Harry was meeting her there at seven when he got back from visiting his family. She’d changed from one of her enormous oversized jumpers into something a little bit cuter, sticking with jeans so she looked laid-back, but teaming it with a sheer top. She’d even done the smoky eye make-up she’d been practising for the mayor’s party to bring out her eyes. She just hoped the steam from the turkey hadn’t melted it all off. It was so hot in the kitchen she was glad they were eating upstairs where it was cooler. She’d texted Cat a picture of her make-up, and Cat had replied with a much-needed confidence boost but had reminded her that he was just a guest and she shouldn’t build it up into anything else. Though Nell knew Cat was right the words had stung. It was all right for Cat who had been with Kieran for ages and was in general, a practical, no-nonsense sort of girl. Nell just wasn’t like that. Yes, she was a bit flighty sometimes, but she liked to think of it as optimistic and open to possibilities.
At ten minutes to seven, Nell took the foil-wrapped turkey upstairs along with a big jug of pale, weird-looking gravy. It smelled divine, but having grown up on the dark, beefy British stuff, it was going to take some getting used. The next trip saw the mashed potatoes and sweet potato pie. Looking at the spread, she’d made more food than two people could ever eat. She hoped he was hungry.
Harry walked in as she was lighting the candle. She’d dimmed all the other lights, giving the dining room a romantic atmosphere. The rest of the hotel was empty until those who had booked her new romance package arrived. Despite the bad review, she’d put up the advertisement today and already had a booking off the back of it. They were arriving tomorrow for a last-minute getaway and Nell was excited at the idea of creating the perfect weekend retreat for them. It had reminded her why she loved running Holly Lodge.
‘Now, this is why you’re the best hostess in the whole of Great Britain, maybe even the world,’ Harry joked as he tossed his coat and scarf onto a vacant chair. ‘This looks and smells amazing.’ Nell flustered but was secretly pleased her hard work had paid off. When he looked up at her, he paused. ‘Wow, you look beautiful.’
‘Oh, thanks.’ Feeling self-conscious, she pushed her hair back behind her ear. Having laid out all the food on one of the other tables, Nell said, ‘Come and help yourself. I’ve made way too much.’
Harry leaned over her shoulder, examining the feast. ‘This looks so good. I can’t wait to dive in.’ He was so close she could see the slight wrinkles at the sides of his eyes. They were having a moment and Nell tried to think loving thoughts, hoping her feelings would be revealed through her gaze. He examined her face for a moment then stepped away and began loading his plate. Unsure what to make of his response, she began filling her plate too.
As they sat at the little table, just the two of them, butterflies pranced in Nell’s stomach as Harry laid a napkin on his lap. Every time they chatted a fire sparked within her. There was something in the air between them tonight she was sure, and from the way Harry was looking at her intently from under his long thick eyelashes, she was sure he felt it too. Who knew where this one dinner might lead? Now was her chance to find out some more about the handsome American who’d walked into her life three weeks ago.
‘So, I have some great news,’ Harry began loading his fork. ‘My business is behaving itself, so I need to extend my stay by at least another week.’
‘That’s brilliant.’ She ignored the little voice that told her his being here for longer didn’t mean he was suddenly going to stay indefinitely. ‘I’m sure your family are pleased.’
‘They are. And so am I, even though I’m missing New York like crazy.’ He took a bite of his food. ‘This is delicious, Nell. You’re a great cook. Now I’m really feeling Christmassy.’
‘Thanks. New York must be amazing at this time of year.’ She placed some turkey in her mouth, pleased it was juicy and not dry. Mrs Meggett would be proud. ‘I’ve never been but I’d really love to go.’
‘Oh my gosh, Nell, you would love it. It really is amazing. You should come visit me one day. I don’t know about you, but I feel like we’re … you know … friends.’
‘I do too,’ she replied shyly and could feel herself blushing. Did he mean friends or friends? Whatever he meant, the evening was going better than any scenario she’d made up in her head. ‘If I hadn’t got this other booking you could put me in your suitcase and take me with you now,’ she joked.
Harry eyed her before placing a forkful of food in his mouth. After swallowing he said, ‘Is everything okay with the hotel, Nell? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a great time and I think the place is amazing but, I’ve noticed that sometimes you
