is that?’ I jump up and scamper back, frightened out of my skin.
‘Language, dear,’ Mrs Potts says, giving me a disapproving glower. Completely composed, she approaches and crouches, looking under the table and extending her hand. ‘Come on, boy,’ she coaxes gently.
I frown and bend to see under the table, and it’s only a few moments until a wet nose appears. ‘Aw, look.’ I join Mrs Potts in her crouched position as a big furry beast emerges.
‘Meet Winston,’ she says, a proud edge to her tone.
‘He’s so cute.’
‘And nervous. You have to gain his trust.’ Mrs Potts scratches his ears roughly, and I laugh as he nuzzles into her hand, grumbling deeply as he does. ‘He’s Becker’s best friend.’
Best friend? His best friend is a dog? ‘A British bulldog?’
‘Yes, dear.’
I put my hand out and Winston sniffs tentatively, clearly unsure of me. ‘Hey, Winston,’ I say quietly, moving my hand up to his ears. He recoils a little, unsure, but soon edges forwards again. It takes a few minutes of gentle coaxing, but he eventually allows me to scratch his ears, then a few minutes later, he’s right up close and rolling on to his back, paws in the air. I laugh and give his belly a rub.
‘He likes you.’ Mrs Potts sounds surprised. ‘You’re privileged. He doesn’t like many people.’ My gaze lifts with her as she stands. ‘That’s enough, boy. In your bed.’
Winston displays his displeasure with a few more grumbles before rolling his big body back on to his paws and trotting across the kitchen, curling up in his bed.
I smile and take my seat as Mrs Potts returns to preparing the tea. ‘Becker is very picky about who he has around his treasure. So far, that means no one,’ Mrs Potts states matter-of-factly. ‘But he knows I haven’t got a lot of gas left in my tank. We’ve needed someone for a long time, but he’s categorically refused. It’s a family business, you see. And the Hunts have always been very private about their business dealings.’ The kettle starts to whistle loudly, and she grabs a tea towel before removing it from the stove and filling the china teapot. ‘I’m so relieved Becker has finally accepted we need help. And now that he’s met you, I suppose we can commence business.’
I don’t think it’s a good idea to share the fact that I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting Becker Hunt.
Mrs Potts sighs. ‘But I fear a girl as pretty as you might not be a good idea.’
‘I’m not pretty.’ It’s out before I can stop it, sounding desperate.
Mrs Potts frowns at me. ‘Really, Eleanor? That red hair and those big brown eyes are men magnets. Not to mention that curvy bottom you’re sporting.’
I restrain myself from looking over my shoulder to said bottom. After all, it’s not like I haven’t seen it a million times in the mirror or squeezed it into dozens of pairs of jeans. I get my arse from my mother. And her narrow waist. Does Becker Hunt like pretty redheads with peachy arses? I don’t know, but I need to convince Mrs Potts that I don’t like cocky, arsehole men. ‘I’ve heard he’s a womaniser,’ I state tentatively, wanting her to understand that I know all about Becker Hunt’s reputation. What I don’t want her to know is that I’ve experienced his womanising ways first hand. He’s suggestive, tempting, and has the power of seduction down to a fine art. And he manages to be a total prick during the process. It defies reason that he should have such an effect on me, and I hate him for it.
‘Donald, that’s old Mr H, Becker’s grandfather, calls him spirited,’ Mrs Potts says wistfully, taking a sip of her tea.
I snort. I can’t help it, and she shoots her eyes to mine. ‘Sorry,’ I say.
Her lips curve. ‘Becker can be a charmer when he wants to be.’
I don’t see him as charming, not in the least. I see him as an arrogant pig. A philanderer. Any female with a brain cell should see that.
‘That man sends every woman he meets dizzy with those godforsaken good looks that he’s inherited from his grandfather.’ Mrs Potts confirms it. I’m not alone. I was dizzy, too. ‘He’s a maverick. A rogue. A player. Seduces women for fun. Honestly, he has a problem. It’s unhealthy.’ She looks past me thoughtfully for a few moments before returning serious eyes to me. ‘But he’s the best dealer out there.