She actually thought he blushed. She wasn’t sure because he went on in his beautiful accent, as if nothing was a problem, ‘This is the train of love. People come time and again. Anniversaries. Weddings.’ He gazed into pleasant past. ‘I have seen men propose on bended knee in the crowded dining car and then buy expensive and beautiful jewellery from my boutique.’ He shrugged with a smile. ‘All of this makes me happy.’
Kelsie decided Max was a bit of a honey as well as a romantic as she tried to decide on the perfect memento of her trip.
Footsteps sounded at the door and whoever it was must have been a favourite face because Max’s eyes softened and his smile would have lit up the room. Kelsie turned to see Winsome smiling back at him and then the older lady seemed to tear her eyes away to beam at Kelsie.
‘Hello, my dear. I thought you might be here. Max’s little boutique is the best part of the journey.’
Kelsie wondered at the unmistakably flirtatious note in her voice, and wondered if Connor knew his gran had a thing for Max.
Another footfall and a deep voice. It seemed he did. ‘Behave yourself, Gran. You’re embarrassing Max.’ When Connor entered, the relaxed and festive vibe for Kelsie seemed to be swallowed by the awareness of his powerful presence. And the way his eyes immediately searched for hers.
Max and Winsome didn’t seem to notice anything, thank goodness, Kelsie thought as she mentally wrapped herself in a suit of armour to stave off the weakness she could feel creeping around her knees.
‘Your beautiful grandmother only ever gives me pleasure,’ Max said heroically to the man lounging at the door. Kelsie had to smile at Winsome, who fanned herself theatrically.
Maybe it was time to change the subject. And prove she was no wilting flower just because Connor had skulked away from her bed. ‘Max is going to help me decide,’ she said to the room in general. ‘I’m stuck. So what should I have as a memento for my trip?’
Winsome winked at the manager again. ‘Max is very good at that.’
Max bestowed a shake of his head on her but the affection between the two was obvious. So Max had a thing for Winsome as well, Kelsie decided with an internal smile. Well, good on them. Nice if it all worked out for someone.
Max returned his attention to Kelsie. ‘Perhaps you could point out those things that appeal to you?’ The wave of his hand included the whole display. ‘Include those that are outside your price range just for the fun of it.’
She looked around. Carefully avoided Connor at the door. ‘I can’t say one of everything because that would be too greedy.’
The crystalware caught her eye as it reflected the light in myriad colours. It would remind her of dinner with Connor, and she would dearly love a set of each of those. ‘The engraved crystal glasses. I love them. And the decanter is gorgeous. At least one of the beautiful snuff boxes and of course any of the jewellery, it’s all divine.’
She stepped closer to the glass cabinet that held the diamonds and gold. ‘I’m particularly fond of the charm bracelet with the tiny train and conductor’s hat, and the diamond earrings with matching pendant.’ She moved along the cabinet. ‘And I should buy one of these beautiful VSOE velvet jewellery rolls to keep it all in.’
She stopped and blushed. ‘Lost it for a moment in the daydream.’ Shook her head. ‘But enough dreaming. I think I would like a silver guard’s whistle and an Agatha Christie book. Thank you, Max.’
‘Excellent choice,’ he said, as he carefully removed the gold-edged book from the pile.
‘Only one of a thousand printed in this edition.’ He was too much a gentleman to look disappointed she hadn’t spent a fortune. ‘And the whistle is very popular.’ He wrapped them swiftly and elaborately, his vast experience obvious. Then placed her purchases in a little gold VSOE carry-bag, along with a catalogue. ‘In case you see something you would like to order online.’
‘You are very good at this. Aren’t you?’
He nodded complacently.
She could feel Connor observing it all from the door, though he didn’t say anything. Couldn’t stop herself babbling to fill the awkward pause, though she was probably the only one who felt the awkwardness of the moment. ‘So you must be going home for Christmas, too, after we disembark?’
‘Actually, I’m not.’ He glanced at Winsome. ‘I have been invited for Christmas in London. And yourself?’
Kelsie wondered if Connor knew that but he made no demur. What a delightful intrigue. Perhaps more than just a flirtation?
Then she realised Max was waiting for her answer. ‘I’m having Christmas morning at the Ritz and then flying back to Australia later tomorrow. I discovered it’s incredibly cheap to fly home on Christmas Day.’