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  “Well I’ll sure tell the guys back at camp. Although, I’m not sure that’s a good thing.” He gave Jenny a hot hard stare, before he moved to leave again.

  “The cakes are really good, homemade,” she shouted out, just as the door closed. She grabbed a handful of paper bags off the side and wafts them in front of her heated face as she spoke out loud to herself. “Bloody hell, Jenny, pull yourself together.”

  Over the next few day’s every time the bell tings! Jenny’s head would shoot up to see who had come into the shop. It would drop just as quick when it wasn’t who she was hoping it would be. It wasn’t long before Betty noticed.

  “What in the world is up with you Jenny,” Betty questioned her once the morning rush had subsided and they’d a quiet moment alone. “You’ve got a face as long as a week, and even poor Mrs. Jeffries couldn’t get a peep out of you. Are you on your, you know… time?”

  “No!” Jenny blushed at the mention of the unmentionable. “I’m fine. I’ll just go put the kettle on.” Jenny scurried off so she could avoid any more questions from Betty.

  He smiled up at her, his handsome face with its straight nose, not too big, not too small and firm jawline that was clean shaven, not a stray hair to be seen. His blue eyes seem to see into the very heart of her, making her hand shake as she pores the tea into a china cup.

  “Thank you, Jenny… Jenny…Jenny…”

  “Are you going deaf or something?” Betty’s voice makes her jump, bringing her out of her daydream, only to find that the tea had spilled over the edge of one of the cups in front of her. She quickly grabbed the tea towel to mop up the spillage from the work surface, tipped the tea that collected in the saucer into the cup, before wiping it down along with the outside of the cup with the dish cloth.

  “Jenny, what are you doing in there?”

  “Coming Betty,” she picked up the two cups and made her way back up front. Her hand started to shake and the clinking of the rattling china cups against the saucers, could be clearly heard, when Jenny is greeted by the perfect smile and beautiful blue eyes that had appeared so vividly in her fantasy.

  “Hi there.” The American soldiers gaze was firmly fixed on Jenny, which only made her blush profusely and her hands shook a little more.

  “Ahh!” Betty utters, as she rescued the two wobbly cups of tea from Jenny’s hand. “Now it all makes sense.” She placed them on the counter, before addressing her customer. “Morning, what can I get you?”

  “Morning ma’am,” he replied. “I’m here to try some of your Yorkshire tea and cakes? I have it on good authority that they are home baked.” He gave Jenny a wink. She did a half turn and started to awkwardly re-arrange the few tins of powdered milk on the shelf at the side of her. Not that they really needed it, but she needed a distraction.

  “Well mister?”

  “Theodore James Briscoe, ma’am, but my friends call me Teddy.”

  “No doubt after your former president?” Betty replied.

  “Yes, my parents are republicans, as yet, I myself are still undecided. You’re interested in American history Miss?”

  “Mrs. Armitage. I’ve read a book or two about it, and as we seem to be on first name terms, you can call me Betty.”

  “Pleasure to meet you Betty,” he turned toward the fumbling girl, that now began to look extremely silly. “Forgive me, I didn’t catch your name the other day.”

  “Jenny,” it came out in a whisper. She coughed and spoke again. “Yes, hello, I’m Jenny.”

  “Hi, Jenny. Pretty name for a pretty girl.” Some might think his accent was a little harsh, but to her it was like silk. The small fluttering of butterflies that had started in her stomach, suddenly burst free and morphed into something quite different. All Jenny could do was stand there goggle eyed, at least until Betty, yet again, brought her back to reality.

  “Well then Jenny, why don’t you take Teddy through to the back and show him your buns.” The smirk on Betty’s face and the mischief in her voice had Jenny gawping at her, but only for a moment, at which she then scowled back at her.

  Jenny couldn’t bring herself to say anything, so she just walked through the narrow passageway that led to the makeshift café area, hoping that he followed. Immediately, she went to fill the kettle with water, before placing it on top of one of the rings on the stove. Turning, she found him standing, larger than life, barely a foot away from her. He was close, and Jenny found it a little uncomfortable, but also secretly wished he was even closer. Her eyes dropped to the floor for a few seconds, while she tried to regain her composure, and give a chance for the flush of her blush, that had tinted her face, to subside.

  “Would you like it strong?” Jenny asked, suddenly finding her voice. He gave her a confused look. “The tea.”

  “Damn, I’m not sure. Never drank the stuff before. What would you recommend?”

  “Not too strong, but enough so you can taste it. Mrs. Armitage likes hers stewed. It’s bloody awful.” The last bit she said in a whisper. That gorgeous smile lights up his face, as a soft chuckle escaped his lips. Jenny’s eyes couldn’t help but focus on his fleshy lips. Most people would think the perfectness of them was a waste on a man, but they fitted his face perfectly. Jenny shook her head to clear the idea away of how good it would feel to touch them with her own. “Bun?”

  “Honey, I…”

  “Or we have Victoria Sponge, Honey Cake or if you’d prefer, I have a few honey biscuits. Betty’s favourites, so you’re lucky there’s some left.”

  “Oh, lord,” he laughed.

  “What’s so funny?” Jenny asked, a little annoyed.

  “Nothing, nothing at all. Why don’t I try one of your… buns and a… biscuit,” he replied, not quite sure what they were, but if it meant he could spend a little more time with Jenny, he would be more than happy to give them a try.

  Just as she had finished plating up the baked goodies, the kettle let out a shrieking whistle. Putting them in front of Teddy, now seated at one of the tables, she then busied herself making him a cup of tea.

  Teddy, positioned himself so he got a perfect view of Jenny’s curvy figure as she moved fluidly around the room. The soft sway of her hips and the swish of the skirt of her dress, had his imagination on overdrive, wondering what delights were hiding beneath the red fabric. When Jenny bent over to get something from a low cupboard, the fabric became taught across her round ass. He cursed under his breath, knowing he should look away, but the hardening of his dick, told him otherwise.

  “Did you say something?” Jenny asked, as she straighten and swirled around to face him. Her chin dropped, and her mouth made a perfect O, when she caught him watching her. Once again, the flush of embarrassment cloaked her face.

  Teddy coughed, blinked a couple of times, and ran his hand over his face. The hand that is hidden under the pretty floral table cloth, adjusted his cock into a less uncomfortable position.

  “Looks delicious,” he turned his gaze quickly to the miss-shaped mound, of what looked to be a dense mixture with a few raisins in the top. It looked quite hard and crunchy. In comparison, the cookie that sat beside it was a perfect round. “Does this one have a name?” he pointed to the miss-shape.

  “It’s a rock bun. Don’t you have them in America?” she replied, placing the china cup and saucer that’s decorated with roses to the right of the plate.

  “No honey.” He took a bite and found that once you got past the hard exterior, that the inside was soft and incredibly light. It wasn’t as sweet as he would like it, but the combination of the buttery taste and the tang of the raisins had him nodding his approval. “That’s good,” he mumbled, before taking another bite.

  “Really?” A giant smile lights up Jenny’s face, not quite believing the compliment that she’d just been given. “Try the biscuit, tell me what you think of them.”

  Teddy swallowed his second mouthful of cake, and for a second, considered taking a mouthful of tea to wash it down. However, it looked goddam awfu
l, so he decided to go straight in and took a bite from the cookie. A few crumbs escaped onto the front of his shirt, but he didn’t take much notice. The sweet, crumply goodness had his taste buds jumping in excitement.

  Jenny watched intently, and almost clapped with excitement when she saw his eyes close and heard the soft moan of appreciation escape those perfect lips of his. She also felt the stirring of something deep within her stomach. Who wouldn’t, when you had such a good-looking man, making noises that sounded like sex. Not that she would know, but she had once unwittingly come across Nora having sex with one of the lads she worked with. She’d gone to meet her from work as she did every night, and waited in the usual place. On hearing strange noises, she had walking around the back of the building where the bike sheds were, only to find Nora pinned against the wall. The sounds that came from them both were quite shocking, but it was obvious that Nora was enjoying every minute of it. That’s how she found out what sex sounded like. It also made her realise why she was an only child, as she never heard sounds like that coming from her parent’s room. Thank God.

  “That is one goddamn tasty cookie,” Teddy declared.

  “Cookie?” Jenny put her hand over her mouth to try and stop the childlike giggle that threatened to escape.

  “That’s what we call these back home,” he laughed. “I guess there are more than a few differences when you come to the American and British language.”

  “I guess,” she let the laughter out. Without thinking she swept her hand over the front of his shirt, brushing the crumbs that had collected there. “Oh!” she gasped, suddenly realising what she had done. Lifting her gaze, she found Teddy watching her intently. His pupils were blown, the blue almost non-existent. When she went to remove her hand that was still placed against his firm chest, he stopped her by putting his own hand over hers.

  “Jenny,” he breathed out, “damn your pretty.”

  “Erm, you… haven’t tried your tea yet,” she babbled, sliding her hand from under his. Her eyes dropped to the tablecloth, she noticed a couple of small tea stains that would need a good scrub on the next wash. That’s Jenny, that’s what she does. Awkward situations, she distracted herself with some other immaterial rubbish.

  The sound of spluttering and coughing caught her attention. Teddy’s face was bright red.

  “What the hell? Sorry Honey, but that’s not good. It tastes like pencil lead.”

  It’s enough to break the tension, and Jenny couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the sight of his face distorted with displeasure.

  “What’s so funny?” Teddy questioned, but he joined in with the joviality.

  “Your face, it’s a picture.”

  “Well that’s disgusting. I think I’ll stick to coffee.”

  “We do have coffee, well it’s that stuff made from chicory. Now that is disgusting.”

  “How about next time I bring my own coffee, you could make it for me and I can try some more of your delicious cakes?”

  “I can do that,” Jenny smiled. “Could you tell all the other Yank… men about it too. It was my idea you see, the café, so if it gets a few more people in, then…”

  “I’ll see what I can do,” he says standing, yet almost reluctant to go. “How much do I owe you?”

  “I’ll have to check. Mrs. Armitage has the price list. You can pay on the way out.” Jenny almost kicks herself for sounding like she wanted him to go, when it’s quite the opposite. Despite her awkwardness, she liked the attention that she’s getting from Teddy.

  Jenny moved first, walking towards the hallway that lead to the front, only to feel a hand slip into hers, stopping her and pulling her back around.

  “Will you come for a walk with me?” Teddy asked.

  “I can’t, I’m working.”

  “What time do you finish? I’ll come back and meet you.”

  “I’m sorry, I can’t. I’m meeting someone.”

  “Damn. I should have known that a pretty thing like you would already have a guy.”

  “No,” Jenny sniggered. “It’s just my friend, Nora.”

  “So, can’t you ditch her?” When Teddy saw the soft scowl on Jenny’s face, he quickly changed his tactics. “Bring her along. I don’t mind. I’d just like to get to know you a little better.”

  “Sorry, I can’t.” Jenny said defiantly.

  “Okay,” Teddy held up his hands in acceptance, but with great reluctance. “Maybe another time.” Jenny’s silence does nothing to spur on his goal of getting to spend more time with this beauty.

  Once Teddy had paid at the till, spoke pleasantries with Betty, he said his goodbyes, disappointed that he was unable to catch Jenny’s attention, as she busied herself behind the counter. Just as he stepped out of the door, he felt a soft tug of his jacket sleeve. Turning he found Jenny, timidly stood in front of him. She didn’t say a word, just gave him a smile that’s full of warmth and dare he say promise, as she shoved a fist sized paper bag into his hand, before turning away. With the ting of the bell in the distance and the soft closing of the door, he looked to see what it was that she had given him.

  “Candy,” he said out loud to himself. Enough of a sign in his eyes for him not to give up on Jenny, not yet anyway.

  Popping one of the sugary treats into his mouth, he started to hum the song that had just jumped into his head, that he’d heard many times on the radio. ‘We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when’ but sure as hell, it won’t be too long.

  Chapter Three

  Jenny got to the steps outside Taylor’s a little later than normal, and found Nora sat on the third step down, with her legs out straight in front of her. You would have thought that the shapeless blue overalls she wore and the scarf around her head, would have impaired her attractiveness. But with Nora, it just seemed to make her look even more alluring. You could wrap her in brown paper and string and she’d still have Jenny feeling insignificant stood at the side of her.

  Nora had started working for the small family run engineering company when she’d left school. It used to make an assortment of machinery parts, mainly for the textile companies, but was now supplying bullet shells. It was a blessing that they didn’t get involved with the actual explosive part of the process, that was done at a factory in Leeds, where the shells were sent.

  “Your late,” Nora chirp’s, while letting out a puff of smoke from between her bright red lips.

  “Sorry,” Jenny replied, taking the offered cigarette from her friends outstretched hand, bringing it to her own lips. She takes a long deep drag, letting the burn of the nicotine hit the back of her throat, before slowly releasing the smoke in short sharp bursts from her mouth. “We had our first customer in the café today. It took me a little longer to clear up.”

  “Who was it? Nosy Doris, come to give you advice on how to make a decent cuppa?”

  “Actually,” Jenny didn’t really want to say, but she couldn’t lie to her friend. “No. It was one of the GI’s from the camp in Halswood.”

  “Really?” Nora jumped up from the step and took back the cigarette, her face lighting up at the mention of men. “What was he like?”

  Jenny knew this would happen, that’s the reason why she was reluctant to take Teddy up on his offer. If she’d taken Nora along, then one look at her, any chance she’d get with Teddy would be gone. Was that a bit selfish? Who’s she trying to kid? It couldn’t happen anyway. Her mam wouldn’t have any of it.

  “Jenny, come on, tell me.” She held the butt of the cigarette between finger and thumb, then flicked it with her painted nail over the curb and onto the road.

  “Didn’t take much notice, I was too busy in the shop.”

  “Then why is your face all red?” Nora stood with her hands on her hips. “I think my girl has a crush on a sexy GI.”

  “Give over Nora.” Jenny turned and started to walk away. Nora did a couple of skips to catch up with her.

  “Guess what,” Nora slipped her arm through Jenny’s as they co
ntinued to walk. “Halswood Village Hall are having a dance to welcome the Yankee’s.”

  “Oh! That’s good of em!”

  “And we’re going.”

  Jenny stopped dead in her tracks and turned to face Nora.

  “You’ve got to be bloody joking.”

  “Am I ekers like,” Nora sniggered.

  “So, how the buggery do you think I’m gonna get me mam to let me go?” Jenny cocked her head to one side. “She’ll be screaming blue murder at me when I get in, because I haven’t gone straight home from work, never mind letting me out at night.” They start walking again, turning onto the main road that runs through the village and towards Jenny’s house. “My mam thinks that if you’re out after dark, you can only be up to one thing. Trouble.”

  “Tell her you’re helping Betty with the stock take at the shop. I’m sure she’ll back you up.”

  “What exactly am I backing you up for?” Betty questioned loudly, appearing out of nowhere behind them. They both jumped.

  “Hello Mrs Armitage,” Nora gave her an exaggerated smile. “Erm, it’s just that…”

  “Nothing, just Nora and one of her silly ideas,” Jenny chipped in.

  “Shut up you,” Nora elbowed Jenny before giving Betty the gossip. “They’re having a dance at Halswood Village Hall tomorrow and I was…”

  “Come on Nora, I need to get home before me mam starts fretting.” Jenny pulled at her friends’ arm giving her no option but to move away. “See you tomorrow B… Mrs Armitage.”

  “Bloody hell Jenny,” Nora spluttered, almost tripping over her own feet. “You’re such an old lady. You need to start taking a few risks, break a few rules. If you don’t, then you’ll never get out of this village and have a real life.”

  They get to the junction, where they part ways in silence. Jenny going off to the right to her house, Nora to the left to go to hers.

  “I’m sorry Nora, but you know what mam’s like.”