Read Online Rory's Proposal by Lynda Renham - Free Book Online Page A

time,’ he says again, ‘but I can send someone directly.’
    I try to get my head around this.
    ‘What moment in time do you think you will have someone?’ I ask quizzically, ‘and how directly will that be?’
    Christ, I’m speaking his language and I don’t even understand it.
    ‘I’m sorry?’
    I sigh. It seems he doesn’t understand it either.
    ‘Just send someone when you can please.’
    I hang up and look at the basin, trying to give it my best menacing stare. I imagine the basin is turning into some kind of alien as it seems to hiss at me every time I get close. I turn when I hear the bell above the door tinkle and see him.
    ‘Oh,’ I say, wondering why Tom is standing in my salon.
    I’m thrilled he is of course, but it does seem odd. He is staring at me like I’m the alien. He looks very smart in a white shirt, grey waistcoat, maroon tie and grey trousers. He must be on his way to somewhere posh. He looks good enough to eat, and smells fabulous. In the words of Jethro, he really is one peng man.
    ‘ You’re Flora Robson,’ he says in a disbelieving tone.
    I’m not quite sure how to take that. I don’t think my perms are that famous yet but you never know.
    ‘Yes, the one and only infamous Flora Robson.’
    He seems to quickly recover and smiles at me. My legs go weak and I lean my hand out to grasp the back of a chair.
    ‘This is your salon?’ he says looking around.
    I nod.
    ‘Right,’ he says looking behind me. ‘Looks like you’ve got a bit of a problem.’
    A bit of a problem is, I rather think, an understatement considering I’ve got a mega corporation trying to take over my salon. He’s holding an enormous box of chocolates. Heavens, I’ve never seen one that big before, box of chocolates that is. Even Grant Richards from Rory’s didn’t bring one that size. Just as well because they will go straight in the bin if he does. I won’t be bribed by that Rory corporate piece of scum.
    ‘Oh yes, the leak, the basin’s blocked. It does this on and off. I need new pipes or new basins one or the other. It’s just there is never enough time or more importantly, never enough money and …’
    Jesus, I’m rambling. I wander back into the salon, careful not to slip again. I don’t want to fall arse over tit in front of him do I? I must look a sight. Why is it every time I see him I look like Dot Cotton? I fumble with my hair nervously and lower my eyes to the chocolates and hear myself say,
    ‘They’re big,’ and could have died from embarrassment. ‘I’m sorry, it’s just I thought the chocolates that Rory’s tried to bribe me with were big’, I add. ‘A bit of an insult to my intelligence really, thinking just because I am a woman I can be bribed with chocolate.’
    He looks at the chocolates and then hands them to me.
    ‘Yes, I nearly forgot. It’s an apology … for the car accident. You said you had a sweet tooth,’ he smiles.
    But I thought he said the accident was my fault. Surely I haven’t pulled someone like him? No, that’s impossible. He can’t for one minute fancy me. I’m slightly overweight for a start. Not obese, but certainly overweight compared to the type of model girlfriend he must surely go out with. I’m not in the least glamorous and I’m rubbish with make-up. I always smudge mascara and end up chewing off lipstick in minutes. No, there must be more to this, but what? I feel my mouth water at the thought of the chocolates.
    ‘Wow, thank you,’ I say, taking the box.
    I lift the lid and look inside. Belgian chocolates, ooh my favourites. I’m already thinking of where to stash them.
    ‘Let me help with the blocked basin,’ he says as he takes off his jacket.
    I hand him the wrench.
    ‘It’s all I’ve got to offer I’m afraid,’ I say apologetically.
    He grins mischievously.
    ‘Oh, I think you’ve got a lot more to offer. I’ll get my toolbox from the car,’ he says.
    I feel my face grow hot and I swallow.
    ‘Right,’ I say. ‘Just