The Lunchtime Special

Chapter 12 - Sunday

The sun hasn't completely chased away the morning's chill as I pull up outside Mia's house, scattering gravel when I brake harder than intended. Striding to the door I admire the ordered neatness of the small garden bordering the pathway, wondering if this is yet another facet of the woman I already find so captivating. She answers the door promptly after my knock and my first thought is how beautiful she looks in faded jeans and a charcoal grey knit jumper; my second, the nastiness of her bruised eye.

"Ouch!" I wince at the sight of the angry deep plum and cherry colouring that's darkened overnight.

Mia just gives me her radiant smile. "You should see the other guy!" she quips and I can't help but laugh with her before leaning in to kiss her mouth briefly.

"Good morning." She tastes of coffee and toothpaste.

"Good morning. Come on in." I ask how her ankle is as I follow her to the kitchen, though I can see from the slight limp to her gait that it's much improved.

"The swelling has gone down a lot and it's not terribly painful, so I think it was a pretty light sprain. I've bandaged it up for support," she tells me, "but that's posing a problem footwear-wise."

I follow her gaze down to her feet, which up until now I hadn't paid much attention to. A bubble of laughter floats up from my stomach and out my mouth as I realise she's wearing fluffy Hello Kitty slippers. "Well, you're rocking those," I grin, earning a giggle in response.

"The only things I can fit over the bandage – apart from these, obviously – are my Ugg boots, so I'm going to look pretty bogan."

I couldn't care less what she wears on her feet – or anywhere else, for that matter. "I can always put a paper bag over your head if I feel too embarrassed to be seen with you in public," I sass her. A pinkly pointed tongue pokes out at me as I grin and she swipes my chest playfully with one hand.

"Oh, so that's how it's going to be, is it?" she asks, grey eyes sparkling mischieviously.

"That's how it's going to be," I agree, feeling almost lightheaded. I reach out an arm and pull her close, lowering my lips to hers before she can say another word. "Don't worry what other people think," I tell her softly, "You look beautiful no matter what you wear."

"Oh...well...okay...thank you."

Five minutes later we're in my rental on our way up the highway to Leura, where I've booked us in for brunch at the Bon Ton Bistro & Wine Bar. Mia keeps me entertained as we drive with a potted history of the places we pass through – Linden, Hazelbrook, Lawson and Wentworth Falls – until we reach the small picturesque township. The Bon Ton is easily found on the main street and looks even lovelier than it did online; we debate whether to sit inside near the open fire or in the beautiful garden courtyard, finally choosing the warm cosiness of the fire.

"Here, put your foot up." We have a spare chair so I fold my jacket and put it down for Mia to rest her injured ankle.

"It's fine, but thank you." Casting a speaking glance and quirking a brow, I just wait. "Oh, I see," she sighs, the corners of her mouth pulling up, "This is bossy Jake mode now, is it?" I simply raise the other brow. "You know, I think I prefer the knight-in-shining-armour-mode," she grins, but places her foot on the chair nevertheless. When I flash her a sweet smile she laughs. "Hmm, note to self: the man likes to get his own way."

"The man likes to look after those he cares for," I correct her quietly. She blushes and I'm smitten all over again. Before I can say any more our waiter arrives and talk turns to the menu and all it offers; we both decide to go with the barramundi.

---

"And there are the Three Sisters."

We've driven the scenic Cliff Drive from Leura to Katoomba, stopping with what seems to be a hundred other tourists at Echo Point, where I look out over the iconic rock formation. Beyond it lies the vastness of the Jamison Valley and I have to admit the area holds a rugged and primitive beauty all its own.

"You can walk down to them if you like," she adds, pointing to my right. "There's a path over there. Then it keeps going down the Giant Stairway to the floor of the valley."

I peer over the railing at the path. "It looks pretty rough and I'm sure your ankle isn't up to it; I'll do it some other time."

Intending to visit Scenic World and ride the Skyway cable-car and the world's steepest incline railway, we stroll hand-in-hand back to the car just as dark storm clouds begin rumbling overhead. By the time we're buckled in it's pouring buckets and we both agree further exploration is futile.

"There's a movie theatre just down the road," Mia suggests, "or I have plenty of DVDs at home."

"I make epic popcorn," I reply.

She raises a sceptical eyebrow. "Epic, huh? That, I have to try."

So we drive back to her place, stopping on the way to purchase popping corn and I also pick up some rocky road ice cream as she's told me it's her favourite. Once we're in her hallway I pull her close, wrapping my arms around her. "You pick a movie while I make the pop corn. Shall I light a fire too?"

"You have boy scout skills as well? Is there no end to your expertise?" she teases.

"I have many hidden talents," I grin, kissing her hair. "You haven't even begun to scratch the surface." Her laugh warms me and I have a smile on my face walking into the kitchen. As I wait for the corn to work its magic I look to the fireplace but see that Mia has already gotten it lit.

"Hey, beautiful, what do you think you're doing stealing my thunder?"

"Sorry handsome," she smiles, "it was laid and ready; all I did was strike the match."

Grumbling, I tell her she's forgiven and head back to the kitchen. "What are we watching?" I ask a few minutes later, placing a large bowlful of popcorn in her lap and throwing a couple of good sized logs on the fledgling fire before sitting beside her on the couch.

"Edge of Tomorrow." Her answer surprises me and I say so. "Are you kidding?" she responds, "Emily Blunt is totally kick-arse in this; I love it."

The credits roll and her eyes are glued to the screen but I wait and watch as she takes a handful of popcorn, her delicate pink tongue snaking out to snaffle a couple of kernels then returning for more. I see her eyes widen then turn to me.

"God Jake, this popcorn is amazing."

"What'd I tell you?" I reply smugly, thrilled she likes it. "Epic."

"Definitely epic," she agrees, then shifts her body a little so she can rest her head on my shoulder. Sighing contentedly, I put an arm around her shoulders and grab a handful of popcorn myself. The movie begins.

By half way through I'm more captivated by her reactions to the movie than what's happening on the screen. She's totally into it; fist pumping, yelling and catcalling, so completely absorbed and enthralled that I move a little so I can watch the expressions chasing across her face. After about fifteen minutes a smattering of popcorn kernels come flying in my direction.

"Hey!"

"Stop staring at me," she deadpans, her gaze not wavering from the action before us.

"Make me."

She stills then puts the bowl to one side, turns and grabs my collar, pulling me toward her as her focus shifts to my lips and I suddenly find oxygen in short supply. I pull too, until there's no space between us, and in the last second before her lips claim mine I realise I'm completely lost in this woman; she invades my every thought and I wouldn't have it any other way.