Summer at the Heartbreak Cafe: Summer Sweet Romance (Lakeview Contemporary Romance Book 0) by Melissa Hill Page A

wanted was a clingy woman. He too wanted to enjoy a summer fling with no strings attached.
    When the remaining time on his lease was over, they would go their separate ways.

26
    E vening came , and Nina quickly changed out of her work clothes. Ella gave her a wink as she hurried out and Nina winked back, feeling odd, as though everyone could tell what she was planning for the evening.
    She rushed through the main street and headed back to her little flat, not stopping to exchange pleasantries with people as she often did.
    The sun was still out, although not as warm as it was during the day.
    Nina felt clammy after the long day at work, and she longed to stand under a cool shower and wash off the grime from her skin.
    In the privacy of her bedroom, Nina stripped and walked naked to the adjoining shower. She stood under the cool water letting it wash over her, her face turned upwards. Then she poured a dollop of shower gel into her palm and rubbed it all over her body. Her mind was blank, concentrating in the simple pleasure of showering.
    When she finished and turned off the water, Nina experienced a moment of panic. Was she ready for this? What if she froze, it had been so long since she’d been with … Then maybe she was running away with herself. Maybe Sam wouldn't make any kind of move at all …
    But if the chemistry between them was anything to go by, Nina knew chances were they would end up in each other’s arms.
    Her hair had always been easy to blow dry. In five minutes it was done, and from the reflection on the mirror, she could, tell it looked sleek and shiny.
    It was a warm evening and Nina chose a strapless lavender dress to wear for dinner. She applied very little makeup, just a pale pink lip gloss and eye shadow. The last touch was a dab of perfume on each wrist and on her neck.
    When she was ready, she went to check the time on the clock in the kitchen. It was almost eight o’clock. Time for her to go.
    Reaching Sam’s cottage, she stood outside, frowning. The curtains were drawn and there was no sign of any activity inside.
    Nina blinked. It actually looked dark. She would find out soon enough.
    She knocked gently on the door, and a second later it swung open.
    “My, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes. You look ravishing.” Sam said, his eyes running from her head to her toes.
    “Thank you, you don’t look too shabby yourself.”
    Sam had dressed up for the occasion. He wore a white shirt, tucked into khaki trousers. He looked smartly casual and Nina was glad that he had made the effort. He moved aside and let her in.
    She knew these cottages well but right then she barely recognised the place. It was lit by tens of candles and the dining table had been converted into a table for two.
    “It’s beautiful!” Nina exclaimed.
    “This way madame,” Sam said, leading Nina to the dining table and pulling out a chair for her.
    It was an open plan kitchen and she watched him as he served dinner on two plates and then bring them to the table. He sat down, and busied himself opening a bottle of white wine. He looked up momentarily from his task and their eyes met. Nina hastily looked away concentrating on the food before her.
    “I’m impressed.” Nina said. “I didn’t figure you for a cook.”
    “I have very many hidden talents.” Sam said, catching her eye again.
    Nina knew that her face was pink again. She smiled shyly at the innuendo and then moved on the conversation back to food.
    “I recognise pasta, but what’s the rest of it?” she asked.
    “It’s lemon garlic penne. You can’t go wrong with penne,” Sam said with a grin.
    Nina laughed. “Very smart. It smells wonderful.”
    “Dig in. You’re most welcome.”
    Nina hardly tasted the food, her mind full with Sam’s presence. He had a way of filling up a room so that you were constantly aware of his presence.
    “It’s really tasty, thank you.”
    “Anything for you.” He reached across the table and touched her cheek. Nina was