behind her wavy caramel-coloured hair that usually hung midway down her back between her shoulder blades. But she always tied it up whenever she was baking for fear of producing the dreaded hair in the dessert one day.
‘Thank you for the compliment … I think. But unless Jem wants to come to a feisty bachelorette party, she’ll have to make do with her own cake.’
‘Don’t even suggest it to her or she’ll be there in a flash, probably out-dancing half of the younger crowd.’
He pointed to another lady who had taken to the dance floor at the insistence of the younger ones. She had the family traits: dark hair, dark eyes and a smile that dazzled anyone in its path. ‘That’s my mum, Martha. She’s been trying to persuade Jem to move out of her unit and into the granny flat at her place for years now. Mum’s off on a holiday to Canada as of tomorrow, but I know she’s hoping Jem will finally give in when she gets back.’
‘Does Jem still live alone?’ Maddie tried to ignore the way Evan’s eyes continually dropped to her mouth.
‘She does, and she sees moving out as admitting that she’s old. And from what you know of Jem already, I think you’ll probably be able to see she doesn’t want to do that.’
‘Does your mum live alone too?’
‘Yes, and between you and me, I think she gets lonely. Dad died years ago and then eventually Holly and I grew up and moved out, too.’
Before Maddie had a chance to ask him more about his dad, a rainbow of streamers exploded from a party popper at the edge of the dance floor. Seconds later a pink streamer floated down from the ceiling and landed on her knee. She caught her breath when Evan lifted it off and handed it to the young boy who already had a multicoloured collection scrunched in his fist.
It was a long time since she’d reacted like that to a man’s touch, and it left her dazed.
The palms of Evan’s hands settled on firm, strong legs that were long but not lanky. His dark hair had a delicate sprinkling of greys just visible when he dipped his head to look at her, reminding her of George Clooney in his late thirties. She watched as he fiddled with his collar, loosening it around the neck where his tie held it firmly in place.
‘You look uncomfortable,’ she said.
‘I’m not used to this kind of get-up. Suits are strictly for weddings and funerals. And Jem’s birthday parties.’
‘Don’t you wear a suit for work?’ She could see him as a lawyer or a manager of some sort, poised and self-assured, ready to argue his case.
‘I’m a teacher, so I can’t be overly scruffy, but it’s definitely a smart-casual dress code.’
So much for the lawyer theory, but as he spoke about his occupation, Maddie realised that, as well as his obvious physical appeal, he had an approachable demeanour, was easy to talk to and was a good listener too. In fact, by the time they finished chatting, she realised how much being a teacher suited him.
Jem appeared beside them as Evan began to fidget with his shirt collar again. ‘I told you to wear whatever you wanted, Evan. But you do look gorgeous in a suit. Doesn’t he look gorgeous, Maddie?’
What was she supposed to say to that? Was she supposed to admit that her insides had flipped over when he first introduced himself? Or should she say she found it difficult to look at him without her mind running on spin cycle, wondering whether her words would come out as gobbledegook or not? Luckily, she didn’t have to answer as Ava appeared, barefoot after dumping her shoes and socks beneath a chair.
‘Uncle Evan, will you dance with me again?’
Maddie wasn’t sure anyone could resist Ava’s smile and the two honey-coloured bunches that swung from their bottle-green bows on each side of her head.
‘How about you start and I’ll be over in a sec?’
Jem turned to talk to a gentleman dressed in a tweed jacket with leather pads on the elbows.
‘Are you hanging around, Maddie?’ Evan asked.
‘I’d better not.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘I’m due at the bachelorette party right about now.’
Ava was at Evan’s side again, tugging at his hand.
‘Give me a minute, Ava.’ Evan ignored the pulling. ‘Well, it was lovely to meet you, Maddie.’
His words cascaded through her body with every syllable.