An embarrassing MOMENT

Lily wanted to make an impression on the hunky stranger – and she succeeded

- Fran Benson

I think you've dropped something,’ said a deep but hesitant voice behind Lily.

She paused, a spark of excitement flaring in her chest. The man, tall and tanned with salt-and-pepper hair, always said hello when they crossed paths. Every Wednesday he was here as she walked her collie, Flora. It was the only dog walk she put make-up on for.

As Lily turned, she held his eyes long enough to note their unusual colour, pale blue-green, like starling eggs. Imagine gazing into those, she thought. If only.

Aware she was staring, she followed the point of his finger, to a splash of hot-pink fabric lying in a muddy puddle.

Immediately, a tide of red rushed across her face so vivid, she couldn’t even blame it on a hot flush. Between them, in the puddle on the track, were yesterday's knickers. They must have been tucked in her jeans and had fallen out.

‘Oh...’ If there was anything more embarrassing than exposing your underwear to the most good-looking man on the common, she couldn't think of it.

The only action was to grab the knickers, stuff them in her pocket, mumble a thank you, with no eye contact, and slope away. As she bent to retrieve them, a flash of golden fur brushed against her fingers, snatched the knickers and tore into the bushes, pink fabric flapping like bunting.

‘Stop!’ yelled the man, but the cocker spaniel ignored him. ‘I’m so sorry, she’s in training,’ he said. ‘It’s not going too well.’

Lily dared to look at him. His cheek twitched, and she couldn't be sure whether it was a nervous tic or if he was holding back a laugh.

‘It's fine,’ she muttered.

‘Honey!’ he called and the dog bounded back.

Lily hoped Honey would have ditched the knickers in the bush, but no, they hung limply between the spaniel’s clamped jaws.

The dog stopped and waited for the man to lower his hand, before dropping the knickers into them.

The man looked up, smiling and wincing at the same time.