This was one of the worst jobs she had taken on. Everything that could go wrong had gone awry. First they had prepared for an indoor wedding, at the last minute the bride changed it to an outdoor affair. The marquee I had clearly and carefully described to the wedding planner as necessary was a simple canopy. I mean who thinks of these things, as if aesthetics is more important than purpose. So now in the middle of fall, I was meant to serve a four course meal from a tent using the kitchen of an old manor house. This was more in keeping with an army's mess rather than a high society wedding. I don't know how I pulled it off but my crew deserve a bonus and I need my terms and conditions reviewed.

My hair was covered with a white coating along with the top half of my trousers, the blowback from a bowl of icing sugar. I'd managed to change into one of team T-shirt. I refused to do the usual meet and greet and left that to Abby while I sneaked a quick cigarette behind the main building. I rarely smoked but I needed it today.

The voices drifted up to me, a couple was having an argument, I couldn't see them but they must be close by.

The female was definitely angry but the man sounded kind of bored.

'Two of your friends came round and you couldn't even introduce me to them. What the hell is that?'

'They said hi and let's talk later. It wasn't the right time. Leslie, one of them was the groom!'.

'Why invite me here and pretend as if you don't know me?'

'Technically Leslie, you invited yourself'

'I don't know why I do this to myself. I allow you to disrespect me well I am worth more than that. Find your own way back'. Sounds of heels crunching into the sand drifting away.

I smiled to myself, my day was not so bad after all. Then I giggled out loud stopping when I heard footsteps coming closer.

I quickly hurried from the approaching steps unfortunately this took me away from the backdoor I'd used. I would have to use the front entrance but I couldn't do that with the way I was dressed. I stopped and schooled my face before turning around towards the backdoor. "I am a successful business woman and I've done nothing wrong". My next step was into a solid wall of chest. I looked up into the greenest eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Don't you think its rude to eavesdrop?"

For a second I thought of pretending not to know what he was talking about but tossed this idea when I saw the tiniest beginning of a smile at the corner of his mouth.

"I was out for a smoke, I wasn't listening"

"You were laughing at my misfortune and that's just wicked". The way his lips curled when he said wicked made her think wicked and naughty thoughts. His mouth looked so soft and I can just imagine them on my lips. Down girl, I know it's been a while but don't ogle strange men!

"I was laughing at a ….a …." He stood nodding, his smile broader now as he waited for my non-existent excuse. "Ok, you got me but I was sneaking a smoke not really paying attention to your love life".

"Who were you hiding from". I could see the twinkle in his eyes. I can't deny the excitement he was igniting in me.

"Abby the wicked witch of the world. My boss". I laughed at that, Abby always behaved as if she was the boss not me and I let her. I preferred the kitchen to the crazy world of bridezillas.

"So now you owe me"

I am puzzled at that and scrunched my face up unawares. "How". He moves in closer to me and his hands gently hold on to my arms. The belly flutters at this contact and he pulls me in closer to him as I let him whisper in my ear. I swear there was a thrill running straight through me and no man has ever affected me that way. I didn't even know his name.

"You laughed at my misfortune and I won't tell on you to the wicked witch". His hot breath on my neck exciting me more than I have been in two years. "That's two things".

I start to talk but my voice is so husky I barely recognise it as mine. "How can I pay you back for forgiving me and protecting me from my boss". He leans in and touches his lips to mine and every sound fades away except the extraordinary pounding of my heart. His lips were even softer than I expected and he tasted so sweet, sweeter than any dessert I've ever crafted I could stay on him all day. My hands reach up behind him, splayed on his back and hugging him closer. Before I could succumb any further I pulled back from his lure. His hot tempting sweet lips, I had to look away.

"Was that for forgiving me" I stared at him under hooded eyes and was glad to see he was affected by the kiss too. He nods, his eyes on my lips as if he wants to claim it again. Aftr a short while, he looks up at me

"Dinner. You owe me dinner"

"I owe you dinner" I agreed with him. "Where's your phone?". Once he hands it over and I add my details and hand it back. On impulse, I lean up and give him a kiss on the cheek before returning indoors.

I don't feel I need to hope he will call, I'm certain he will. Shit I don't know his name. and when I catch my reflection in the stainless steel of the kitchen I am shocked. I look frightful. I must pull out all the stops when he calls.

My phone buzzes in my pocket.

"I was thinking my place tomorrow night. I make a mean pasta. Jake"

I could not stop smiling in spite of the canopy and the wind blowing the autumn leaves in my display. Yes, it's good to eavesdrop sometimes.