as if it were some giant snake. The room itself had a high ceiling and from that high ceiling hung a grand chandelier the likes of which Willow had never see. Bright white LED lights gave the room the appearance of daylight.
“Straight ahead and to the left,” she heard him shouting. “I’m sorry just a little tied up back here.”
She followed the directions, passing through the room that emptied into another large hallway. To the left, was a short passageway and to the right, a door. Directly ahead, were glass doors and windows. They were fashionable draped as one would expect in such a house.
The short corridor to the left dumped her into the galley way of a huge kitchen. The kitchen was built for someone who enjoyed cooking and enjoyed company while cooking. The massive wrap around island had a serve top and space to seat at least a dozen people. He was facing her direction, a plume of steam rising from a pot he’d opened.
“That smells good,” she said.
“I hope you like it."
“What are we having?”
“Pasta and my unique, secret meat sauce.”
“Do you need a hand with anything?” she volunteered.
"If you don't mind fetching the bread from the oven," James said.
James noticed she wore stockings below her mini-skirt. Her blouse was long but its v-cut showed enough to be flirty but not over the top. Her hair was caught behind her in a loose bun. As he watched her place fresh garlic rolls on the platter he provided, he wondered if the stocking ended in laced top and garter. He wondered if she’d dressed for him tonight.
"You're staring," she said without looking up.
"I…I…."
She caught him off guard.
"If you don't stare, I won't," she said.
"You are infinitely more pleasing to the eyes."
"And you are infinitely more interesting."
They were dining in an enclosed outdoor living area. The table was set for two. A patio heater kept the area warm, without being stuffy. The outdoor living area had a clear glass roof, massive glass windows that automatically retracted, leaving the area open when desired or fully enclosed as it was now. This was truly a luxurious lifestyle.
He lit two candles before they sat. There was a wonderful view of the evening sky beyond the glass as the last glow of the sun danced between trees.
"Is a casual dinner always this elaborate?" she asked looking at the two course spread.
"I like to dine as if there's always someone across the table from me," he admitted. "Of course, it is better when there is actually someone across the table. Especially if that someone looks like you."
"Thank you, you’re too kind. I thought you lived at St. James Place.”
“I have a flat and an office there.”
“I like to think I know a lot about politics and celebrities, but I never knew you had a house in this part of London.”
“I’ve never had anyone here except my staff,” he said.
“Until now,” she added.
“Yes, until you.”
“I promise your secret is safe with me,” she said. “Besides, it’s as I told Larry, my privacy is every bit as valuable as yours.”
“And I am grateful for that.”
“How do you do it?” she asked.
“Do what?”
“Keep this a secret.”
“If I told you that, you would have to stay.”
“Let’s have a toast,” she proposed holding up her glass of white wine. “To being good neighbors.”
“To new friends,” he said as his glass touched hers.
They talked about the lighter side of the news over dinner. James flinched every time she would look up at him from those long lashes that seemed to fan out and brush her cheeks when she looked down. The lighting played beautifully on her face.
"So besides cooking and driving like a maniac, what other hobbies do you have?" She asked.
"I'm not going to live down that accident, am I?"
"That depends on how many Brownie points you earn. You currently have two, one for breakfast and one for dinner."
"How many points do I have to earn?"
"Let's say ten," she said looking directly into his eyes. "There are massive points for fixing my car quickly."
"So a week's worth of breakfast, lunches and dinner should solve it," he said.
"No way," she said. "Brownie points are unique. But, I think you have more pressing matters on your plate than hanging out with your neighbor."
"That all depends on how I structure my plate," he retorted.
"I think the people like your plate just fine," Willow replied. "So what other adventures do you gets up to?"
"Reading," he replied. "I like to catch up on history,