The Bake Off by Susan Willis Read Free Book Online Page A

remove the Spanx knickers, which were now cruelly digging into her waist, but when she looked into David’s eyes she knew she couldn’t resist the temptation.
    ***
    David insisted upon buying them all a drink at the bar and Nicola headed off to secure a table and four chairs. Music was playing in the busy pub with big groups of students celebrating and early evening shoppers stopping off for a drink. Simon and Thomas sat to her left and she placed her handbag on the chair to her right keeping the seat for David. Carrying the drinks on a tray he set them down on the table then plonked down next to her. Gratefully, they all took big gulps of the cold drinks.
    ‘Phew, I needed that,’ David said rubbing his neck and moving his head from side to side. ‘I’ve been at it from six this morning.’
    ‘It’s a shame Gemma couldn’t make it.’ Thomas muttered, to which they all nodded.
    Although she’d politely agreed with the others, she was glad Gemma wasn’t there to captivate the men with her chest and legs. She glanced sideways at David remembering the way he’d ogled Gemma. But surely, she thought, that couldn’t be classed as genuine interest in her? Wasn’t he was just like all the other men and TV crew who couldn’t take their eyes off such a beautiful young girl? Well, everyone except Simon, who had, she remembered wanted to cover her up with an apron.
    While Thomas and Simon struck up a conversation David turned to face her and smiled. ‘So, Ms Librarian, another win and notch on your belt.’
    Her heart thumped under his direct gaze and she looked into his eyes. ‘I can’t quite believe it,’ she said. ‘And to get into the final was way beyond my dreams…’
    ‘You deserve to be there. Your baking skills are tremendous for someone with no actual cooking qualifications. I’ve been amazed at all this local talent but none more than yours,’ he said, and then lowered his voice. ‘Tell me, are you this talented in other areas of your life?’
    She wriggled in the chair and then felt his knee press against hers under the table – she gasped with pleasure. The bodily contact sent waves of desire shooting through her and she longed to feel the touch of his skin on hers. She teased, ‘I’m not sure what you mean about other areas.’
    His face was close to hers now and he whispered in her ear, ‘I was thinking more of the bedroom area?’
    Heat radiated across her chest and she knew her face was flushed. She felt quite light-headed with the knowledge that he was truly flirting and seemed to want her as much as she did him. ‘Oh,’ she said. ‘Let’s put it this way – I don’t think you’d be disappointed with my skills in that department either!’
    ‘Touché,’ he uttered pulling away from her and relaxing back into the chair.
    He grinned and then flexed his shoulders casually linking his hands behind his head. In any other man this, she decided, would look arrogant and conceited but because he was so handsome it looked a completely natural pose. The pale blue shirt seemed to make his blue sparkling eyes even more prominent and she shivered with delight. He was so damn attractive and sexy that it was impossible to restrain her thoughts and she wished with all her heart that she was alone with him. She sipped the drink and daydreamed of throwing all caution aside, swiping the glasses from the table, and lying on top of him to kiss him until he cried for more.
    Simon interrupted her thoughts by asking David where he lived.
    David told them about his new apartment on the Quayside overlooking the river Tyne. ‘I moved there after our separation and although I love the new property – it only has two bedrooms. But I’m looking upon it as a transitional home until I meet someone to share things with again.’
    Had he glanced at her when he’d mentioned he was looking for someone, Nicola wondered, and hoped she wasn’t imagining it. She thought of herself rattling around alone in her big old