While he was cooking

While he was cooking, Marie explored his bookcase. She’d offered to help with the meal. Chris had shooed her away, softening the rejection by handing her a glass of white wine and an invitation to make herself at home.

‘This won’t take long,’ he said, chopping an onion with a chef’s professionalism.

Perhaps that’s what he did for a living. Marie hadn’t been able to get that piece of information from him in three dates. Mystery man, she called him – to his face – and said she would bide her time. ...