One Summer in Cornwall by Karen King (best books to read for success .TXT) 📕

be a wise thing to do. Hattie would be moving away soon so it might be best for them not to get too close. Maybe it was a good job Nick would be there. Besides, he seemed like a decent guy and Marcus was looking forward to a pleasant evening. It had been ages since he’d had company around for dinner. It wasn’t something he did often, unless he was dating someone but even then he often preferred to eat out. His home was his sanctuary. And it had been a while since he’d dated anyone long enough to invite them around for a meal.

He took a white linen tablecloth out of the bottom cupboard and put it on the table, his mind going back to the red, checked, plastic tablecloth Albert had always used, the one Hattie had wrapped herself up with. As a chef, Marcus knew the importance of presentation – not just of the food but of the table too. His nan had always had a supply of tablecloths and serviettes, using different ones to suit the occasion, and most of them were still as good as new. Marcus preferred white linen, it always looked good and you could use any colour serviettes with it. Today he was using red. And sparkling crystal glasses – his grandmother’s. He took her box of silver cutlery out of the cupboard too, without stopping to ask himself why he was going to so much trouble for his next-door neighbour and her stepbrother.

The table was laid, and everything almost cooked, when Hattie and Nick knocked on the door. Marcus took a deep breath to still the ridiculous butterflies that were somersaulting in his stomach and went to let them in.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

‘That was a delicious meal,’ Hattie said, rubbing her stomach as she pushed aside her now-empty plate.

‘It certainly was,’ Nick agreed. ‘That salmon was cooked to perfection.’ He put his thumb and finger together and kissed them to show his appreciation. ‘Parfait.’

‘Thank you.’ Marcus stood up and reached out for the dirty plates but Hattie was already piling them up. After he’d cooked them a heavenly meal like that, she wasn’t going to sit there and leave Marcus to clear up.

‘Anyone want dessert?’

Nick’s eyes lit up. ‘Yes please!’ He certainly loved his food, Hattie thought in amusement.

‘What is it?’ she asked, her tummy felt so full she was sure she couldn’t squeeze in another morsel.

‘Warm chocolate brownie with cream or ice cream. Or you can have cheese and biscuits.’

How could she resist chocolate brownie with cream? She’d find room for it somehow. ‘Chocolate brownie, please,’ she called as she carried the plates over to the sink.

‘And for me. Need a hand?’ Nick offered.

‘You could open another bottle of wine,’ Marcus suggested and Nick immediately got up to get one out of the fridge. They’d brought two around with them, despite Marcus telling them not to.

Marcus looked good in his stone-coloured cropped trousers and black T-shirt, Hattie thought. He’d tied his hair up into a man bun which showed off his chiselled cheekbones and amazing eyes. She got the impression he’d made an effort. Was it for her? She had made an effort too, putting on a pair of floaty patterned trousers and a lacy vest top and even some mascara, powder and a darker shade of lipstick, as well as a dab of concealer to hide the shadows under her eyes. She was tired, and knew that Nick was too; they’d both worked really hard the last few days, but she was delighted with the results. And glad that Nick had come over to help her. She liked Nick, he was easy company, laid back and amusing. He treated her fondly, like a little sister, and she knew that it had done her good to have him there.

Marcus took the brownies out of the oven and placed them on the cooling rack. There were already three empty dishes waiting on the worktop, so Hattie got the cream out of the fridge while Nick opened the wine.

‘I see you’ve modernised your cottage but managed to keep the character of the place too,’ Nick said as they sat down with their desserts. ‘I like the light oak cupboards; they open the kitchen up a bit. I noticed a couple of radiators so am guessing that you’ve got central heating too?’

‘Yes, I had it put in a couple of years ago. My grandparents lived here all their married life, and their parents before them, so the cottage needed tidying and modernising, like Albert’s cottage does, but I didn’t want to lose the character.’ He took a sip of his wine. ‘How are you getting on with things next door?’

‘It’s mainly a “tidy up what you see” job, but the new bathroom suite has made a big difference, as has painting the walls and decluttering, although Hattie still has loads to do. I feel guilty leaving her to it really.’

‘There’s no need. You’ve been an amazing help,’ Hattie assured him.

‘Is there much left to do?’ Marcus asked.

‘Wardrobes, cupboards to declutter, and the shed. Uncle Albert was a bit off a hoarder, every cupboard I open is brimming with stuff.’ Hattie reached for the jug and poured a little more cream onto her brownie.

‘I’d help tomorrow but she’s refused to let me do anything else.’ Nick broke off a chunk of the brownie with his spoon and put it in his mouth. ‘Mmmm,’ he mumbled appreciatively.

‘I’ve insisted that Nick has tomorrow off and comes for a tour of Port Medden. He goes back Saturday morning and I feel guilty that he’s spent the whole time he’s been here doing up Fisherman’s Rest,’ Hattie explained.

‘I don’t mind, that’s why I came over,’ Nick said, his mouthful of dessert now finished he started to scoop up another spoonful.

‘Even so . . .’

‘Let me know if you need a hand. I can help any afternoon. It’s no trouble, so don’t feel awkward about asking,’ Marcus offered.

‘Thanks,’ said