The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with

by Donna Ashcroft

  Connor sighed as he dragged a tongue across one nipple, sending Madison’s thoughts and hormones skittering. ‘This is happening fast. And I’ve never been one to rush into things,’ he admitted, kissing a measured path to the other nipple. ‘But once I’ve made a decision, I don’t back out.’

  ‘Good to know.’ Madison smiled, letting herself sink even lower. ‘Does that mean we can stop talking?’

  ‘For a flibbertigibbet you’re not very romantic.’ Connor laughed and licked the other nipple, sending all of Madison’s senses and reason flying again. How could one man manage to take such a hold over her body? Make her feel and want things she’d never experienced? Madison grabbed at Connor’s hair, holding him to her as he continued to lick, suck and stroke. He was hard beneath her – as she moved up and down Connor moaned, and she reached out a hand to move him into position.

  ‘Impatient,’ Connor teased, moving backwards so he could look into Madison’s eyes as she thrust down, her insides stretching as she took him inside her. He stilled for a second, keeping the connection, before joining her in a slow, steady rhythm. Up and down. Deepening the link between them.

  Madison’s insides were on fire – her body felt like liquid. She’d never felt like this. All her relationships had been fleeting, born of necessity while she was growing up, because she never knew when she’d be moving on. Even Seth had had the air of transience, a friendship honed through short breaks and a recognition that they’d never be permanent. She’d never let herself get close to anyone. Never let herself feel like this. But with Connor she couldn’t help it. From the age of fifteen she’d wanted him, for reasons she’d never understood. And now that wish was coming true.

  As they continued to move, Connor watched her. His eyes were so dark now – the blue-green irises had all but disappeared as his pupils dilated. His hair was a mess from where she’d run her hands through it, and his mouth – so often clenched with tension – had relaxed.

  Madison felt herself building, knew soon she’d fall. Their pace increased, as if Connor could read her mind. She let her eyes flicker closed. Then in one short sudden burst, she exploded, and Connor joined her, shattering into tiny fragments before fluttering back down. Madison rested her head on Connor’s shoulder, listening as his fast breathing slowed. Would he pull away now they’d got so close? Or would this mark the change in their relationship she’d been hoping for?

  Twenty-Five

  I am an idiot, Connor told himself for about the thousandth time, as he walked hand in hand with Madison towards The Hideaway, noticing for the first time how bright the stars were. It was as if this one short evening had brought him to life, making him taste, feel and see things as he never had before. Beside him, Madison’s hair tumbled around her shoulders, catching the moonlight on the tips. The lights were on in the guesthouse, which meant Dee was still up, and perhaps the guests were too – eating cake, playing games or chilling out in front of an open fire. Connor looked at the building, squashing down the layers of guilt that had taken up permanent residence in his stomach.

  Guilt at not coming clean with Madison despite their evening together, of raising her hopes about saving The Hideaway for her aunt and uncle – even though he knew there was none. Guilt made worse by what they’d just shared – something he hadn’t planned on, but had blown his mind anyway. There was no way he could continue to keep things from her now. Despite what Dee and the Skylars wanted, he had to come clean. He just didn’t know how.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Madison asked suddenly, brushing wild hair from her eyes. ‘Sorry, I phased out. I didn’t realise I was so tired.’

  ‘It’s okay. It was an amazing evening,’ Connor murmured.

  ‘I hope you’re not regretting it?’ Madison sounded concerned and Connor found himself shaking his head because – despite the guilt – he couldn’t imagine having done anything else.

  As they drew closer to the guesthouse, the front door opened and Dee and Stanley walked out, followed by a man Connor didn’t recognise. Madison sighed and then gasped.

  ‘Seth?’ She sounded annoyed. ‘What are you doing here?’ They came nearer, and Connor hung back as the man approached Madison with a huge grin on his face. He was tall, with blond hair cut short and muscles that told of long hours spent in the gym. In two long strides, he’d wrapped Madison in his arms and was spinning her around in front of the house. Connor took a step backwards, shocked by the intensity of the jealousy that shot through him.

  ‘Mads.’ Seth laughed, putting her down. ‘I thought I’d surprise you.’ He grinned, holding a hand out to Connor. It took everything Connor had not to ignore it. Instead he shook it, quickly letting go. ‘Hi, I’m Madison’s boyfriend, Seth.’ The man didn’t come out and ask who Connor was, but he had the air of someone staking his claim. Boyfriend? Seriously? Connor really should have expected it: Madison was hardly the traditional type. Despite knowing that, ice penetrated his veins, sliding through his blood until his emotions were paralysed.

  Which was probably a good thing.

  ‘It’s getting late. I’ve got stuff to be getting on with.’ Connor didn’t look at Madison as he spoke. He steeled his heart, determined not to show her how he was feeling. How could he have been so stupid? He knew what Madison was like – a leopard didn’t change its spots. Just look at his father, look at Georgie… This was what you got when you let your guard down.

  ‘Oh, ahhhhh…’ Madison looked horrified as her attention switched between Connor and Seth. ‘I really should explain.’

  ‘No need.’ Connor shook his head, marching down the driveway in the direction of the road before Madison could say any more.

  He wasn’t in the mood for explanations of any kind. Besides, he had paperwork to do. Lots of it. And a pile of beers in his fridge he might just make a dent in. So he continued to stomp away, wondering what the hell had got into him this evening, and how long it would take to get the memories of the dark-haired mermaid, who’d tasted so sweet, out of his mind.

  Twenty-Six

  ‘Who was that?’ Seth asked, as Connor headed down The Hideaway’s drive in the direction of his home. Madison closed her eyes and shook her head, trying to block out Connor’s expression as Seth had introduced himself. Two steps forward and a million steps back – that seemed to be the mantra for their relationship, no matter what she did.

  ‘His name’s Connor. I’ve known him for a while,’ Madison answered, hearing irritation in her voice and trying to hide it. ‘What are you doing here?’ She looked up into Seth’s face, at the cropped blond hair and sharp cheekbones she knew so well, feeling a familiar tug of affection, but nothing like the mind-numbing attraction and confusion that overwhelmed her every time she got near to Connor. Dee took Stanley’s hand and swiftly disappeared inside The Hideaway, no doubt attempting to give them time alone. Madison pulled Connor’s coat around her shoulders, realising she hadn’t returned it, feeling suddenly cold. ‘Shall we go inside?’ She didn’t wait for an answer. Instead she trudged into the hallway and closed the door.

  ‘Thought I’d surprise you. I said I wanted to catch up?’ Seth looked puzzled, his light blue eyes clouding. ‘I knew you’d be bored by now, so we can spend a couple of days together and mix things up. Maybe you’ll want to come back with me to Amsterdam after?’

  ‘I’m working, and I told you I want to stay,’ Madison grumbled, exasperated. Why did no one believe her? Of all the people she’d met on her travels, Seth was the one who knew her best, yet even he didn’t seem to know her at all. She could hear voices from the sunroom, so made her way towards the door leading to the kitchen, knowing from the quiet tap of footsteps that Seth had followed. She switched on a light before flicking the knob of the kettle. ‘You want some camomile tea?’

  ‘Please.’ Seth stood next to the long breakfast bar with his hands in his pockets, looking both handsome and out of place. Madison had never imagined him at The Hideaway. They’d always met in other places – hotels, campgrounds, on boats, i
n cities. Never anywhere she’d lived permanently or cared about. And it felt wrong. He felt wrong and she wasn’t sure why. Had she always felt this way? Had they always just been a convenience to each other?

  ‘I’m in the way.’ Seth looked put out. ‘I got the sense that guy – Connor – wasn’t that happy to see me?’

  ‘He doesn’t really do happy – I wouldn’t take it personally,’ Madison explained, putting teabags in two mugs so Seth couldn’t see her expression.

  ‘You’re seeing him?’ Seth asked gently, sounding out of sorts. ‘I know we’ve always agreed we’re not exclusive, so I don’t want to tread on any toes.’ He talked quickly, obviously trying to get the words out.

  ‘Yes, no, I’ve no idea. We’re – I don’t know what – just friends,’ Madison admitted. Now Seth had arrived, Connor probably wouldn’t ever talk to her again.

  ‘I could speak to him?’ Seth offered, walking around the kitchen to look out of the window, avoiding her eyes. ‘Explain our relationship?’

  ‘Can you?’ Madison cocked her head. ‘Because now I’ve taken a step back, I’m not sure I can explain it myself.’ She poured water over the teabags and handed a mug to Seth.

  Seth frowned, putting his hands in his pockets. ‘I care for you, Mads.’

  ‘I care for you too, but I’m sorry, I don’t want to do the friends with benefits thing anymore. I don’t want to lose your friendship, but I need more… I want something different.’ She sipped from the mug, burning her tongue.

  ‘I thought keeping things casual suited both of us. This feels sudden…’ Seth looked unhappy.

  ‘I think it’s been coming for a while,’ Madison admitted. She just hadn’t known it until recently. ‘How long do you plan on staying?’

  ‘I thought a few days, if that’s okay?’

  Madison nodded because she couldn’t really say no.

  ‘Are you sure you’re happy with this, Mads?’ Seth asked, looking bemused. ‘You’ve never wanted anything but casual, never craved a permanent home – we always said we never would.’

  ‘You said that.’ She hadn’t said anything. ‘I want different things. This is a new beginning for me. I’ve been running for most of my life – it’s time I found somewhere permanent.’ Madison sipped some more of the hot tea, relishing the burn now as it slid down her throat.

  ‘Running?’ Seth asked.

  ‘I never felt like I belonged.’ Madison glanced around the room. ‘But this place is different. I can’t explain why. It’s always been different.’

  Seth looked around the kitchen, a line appearing on his forehead. ‘It looks ordinary, exactly what we said we never wanted. But if you’re happy… do you want me to leave?’

  ‘Of course not. You can stay in one of the guest rooms. I’m going to be working but you can do a yoga class, go for a walk. I’m pleased to see you, Seth. It’ll be good to catch up.’

  ‘It’ll be good to spend time with you too – I’ve…’ He paused. ‘Missed you.’

  ‘I’ve missed you too, but don’t expect me to change my mind.’

  ‘We’ll see.’ Seth’s expression turned thoughtful. ‘Remember, I’ve known you a while too, Madison Skylar. I know all about the ache in your blood, the need to move on. This place looks cosy, but not very exciting. I’m guessing a few more weeks and you’ll be climbing the walls and booking that ferry out of here. And when you do, you’ll know where to find me.’

  Would she?

  ‘We’ll see,’ Madison echoed, sipping more of her drink, feeling unsettled. Hoping Seth wasn’t right. Knowing – whatever happened – she had to make things right with Connor first.

  Twenty-Seven

  It was dark in the cafe. Probably because it was only 6 a.m. Connor put the lights on before taking a step backwards. Jesse had obviously finished the counter last night – it gleamed – and the oak shelves had been given another coat. The walls looked dull in comparison, a combination of dirty brown paint and multiple chips reaching down to bare plaster suggesting someone may have once been throwing darts. In the kitchen, Jesse had cleaned the brushes and lined them up beside the can of varnish. Connor hadn’t seen the boy this morning – he’d still been in bed. But after tossing and turning for most of the night, he’d thought he might as well get up, call Jaws, go for a run and get started. If for no other reason than to force the image of Madison and Seth out of his head.

  Dammit, he needed a strong cup of tea and at least three pies. He’d probably head into town later and treat himself. He heard the sharp tap of heels on the stairs leading into the cafe from outside and braced himself for Madison – somehow, he knew it was her before she’d even appeared.

  ‘You’re up early.’ He busied himself with the tile cutter without looking at her. He heard Jaws go to greet her and cursed the traitorous dog under his breath.

  ‘Couldn’t sleep,’ Madison murmured, plonking a mug of tea at his side before kneeling to give Jaws a tummy rub. ‘I brought you a peace offering. I’d like to explain about Seth.’

  ‘There’s no need,’ Connor said gruffly. ‘I’m a grown-up. I know what happened in the yoga studio was a mistake.’

  ‘It wasn’t for me,’ Madison answered after a long pause. ‘Seth and I are friends… okay, we’ve been more than that. But it’s always been casual. That sounds bad,’ she added, when he fixed her with an incredulous glare.

  ‘Casual?’ Connor ignored the sharp stab of jealousy and picked up his tea to take a sip. It was exactly the way he liked it, which inexplicably made him annoyed.

  ‘We get together sometimes. We’ve been friends for years. It’s never been serious and it’s over now. I’m not even sure what he’s doing here.’

  ‘Aren’t you?’ Connor shook his head. For a woman of the world, Madison didn’t understand much about men. ‘I think your Seth might feel differently.’

  ‘No.’ As Connor turned to look at Madison, she flushed deeply. Her hair was tied up on her head again and she’d applied no make-up. She wore old jeans and a loose shirt that looked like it might belong to her uncle. She’d obviously dressed in a hurry but she’d never looked more beautiful to him. ‘You’re wrong. He’s got other girlfriends – women – he sees. We have fun, no strings. I’ve never felt strongly about him.’ She looked confused. ‘Sometimes it’s nice to have company. Especially when you’re far from home and alone. We met in Amsterdam and then kept in touch after. I know I don’t admit it, but I get lonely…’ She took a breath, looking embarrassed. ‘Sometimes I crave the company of a friend. But Seth’s only that. He’s a wanderer, he doesn’t want to settle down.’

  Connor shook his head and swallowed the rest of the tea in one, wishing it were beer or something stronger. Did Madison really not understand the effect she had on people? She clearly had no idea what she was doing to him. ‘You’ve spent your life surrounded by people,’ he said, exasperated. ‘I’ve watched them fall at your feet. Follow you around like puppies.’ His eyes dropped to his dog, who was practically drooling on the floor, showing his belly and hoping for another tummy rub. ‘How can you not know the man’s in love with you?’

  ‘He’s not – that’s ridiculous,’ Madison started, before nibbling her fingernail. ‘We’re just friends… He’s never wanted more. We want different things – he’s never been interested in permanence.’

  ‘Seems to me you’re the one pushing Seth away – not the other way around,’ Connor said gently. ‘Perhaps like you do with everyone in your life?’

  ‘You’re wrong. That’s not what I’ve done with my aunt and uncle.’

  ‘Isn’t it?’ Connor looked at her intently. ‘Then why are you always leaving?’

  ‘Because for a lot of years, I didn’t know how else to live. I don’t mean to push people away – that’s not what I’m doing with you.’ Madison pouted but didn’t say any more because there was a crash from upstairs as someone opened and then slammed the door, before loud footsteps headed down to join them.

  ‘Seth.’ Madison sou
nded surprised. The man in question rubbed his eyes. His hair stood up on the top of his head in wisps, and his clothes – a dark blue sweatshirt and black jeans – were rumpled. ‘How did you find me?’

  Seth yawned. ‘Dee mentioned the cafe was in the process of being renovated. I woke up and thought I’d take a walk and check it out. I heard voices when I got outside.’ He glanced at Connor’s empty mug. ‘You got tea down here?’

  ‘In the kitchen.’ Connor pointed to his left. Aside from putting up tiles and painting, they’d finished the kitchen off a couple of days before, which meant they could at least make themselves hot drinks, and there was a microwave to nuke pies. ‘Or there’s coffee and biscuits.’

  ‘I’ll make us drinks,’ Madison offered. ‘Any camomile?’ She gave Connor a half smile that made his insides pitch forwards.

  ‘Georgie gave Jesse a load of stuff to bring down – there might be something herbal in there. I haven’t checked the cupboards.’ Connor watched Madison disappear into the kitchen, then picked up a tile and marked it up. He had work to do this morning. He hadn’t got up early to chat.

  ‘It looks good in here.’ Seth walked up to the counter to join him. ‘I can see this place will be quite something when it’s finished. You do renovation work a lot?’

  ‘I do whatever comes my way,’ Connor admitted, putting a square blue tile in the cutter.

  ‘You known Mads long?’ Seth walked down the counter so he could check out the shelving.

  ‘Since she was fifteen. She hasn’t changed much.’ Connor frowned as Seth walked around the back of the counter to get a better look.

  ‘You do great work,’ Seth murmured. ‘I’m not very good with my hands.’

  ‘You staying long?’ Connor muttered, unable to stop himself. He had an image in his head of Madison and Seth that he couldn’t quite get rid of.