Chapter Eighteen

R ichie paid the taxi driver before stepping outside and holding the car door open for her.

‘Thanks.' Joining him on the path, she looked across the car park towards Trestow Brewery. ‘This should be fun.'

‘Should it?' Richie took her hand as they began walking towards the entrance. ‘I've never actually been to a tasting evening before and my Uncle Gerald is expecting me to put in an order for a local ale by the end of the evening.'

‘I thought you already offered local ales at the pub? Why don't you just reorder the ones you have?' Debbie frowned. That would be the easiest thing to do, surely?

‘Because one isn't selling. Not very well, anyway, so apparently, it's time for a change.' Richie grimaced.

‘Oh, well, I'm afraid I might not be much help to you.' Debbie leaned in close to him and lowered her voice. ‘I'm not a big ale drinker.'

Drawing in a quick breath, Richie widened his eyes and looked at her, an expression of mock-shock on his face. ‘And you're telling me this now? I could have asked someone else to come, Ian maybe. He likes ale. I'd say he's probably a true expert in the field.'

‘Well, I didn't think it'd be too polite if I shouted it out once we were inside.' Debbie grinned. ‘And, oi! There was me thinking you'd simply invited me to come along because you enjoyed spending time with me.'

‘Haha, of course that's the reason. I know you don't drink ale. I serve behind the bar, remember?' Pausing, Richie turned and enveloped her into a huge hug before kissing the top of her head. ‘Can I tell you a secret too?'

‘What's that?' She looked up at him and pecked him on the lips.

Quickly looking around them, Richie lowered his voice to match hers. ‘I'm not such a great fan of ale myself.'

‘No way! Are you being serious?'

‘Uh-huh, I am. Of course, I'd never admit that to my Uncle Gerald.' He chuckled.

‘So, I guess this'll be interesting then.'

‘Very interesting.' Drawing her close again, he lowered his lips to hers, the warm softness of his skin delicate against her own.

Stepping back, she took his hand again. ‘Let's do this.'

‘Yep, let's.'