‘I got your text!’ she said. ‘I almost gave the game away by grinning like an idiot.’
‘I thought I’d let you know I was out here. I think we were rudely interrupted. Shall we go to our bench?’ he said.
Our bench. She liked the sound of that, although there was still a possibility they’d be seen by prying eyes. She led the way into the gorse and they sat down. At high summer, the scents were heady and butterflies joined the bees buzzing around them. The path was busy with walkers and families so there was no way she could resume the kiss, however much she longed to.
‘There’s no hiding place,’ Lachlan said.
She nodded vigorously. ‘No …’ A daring thought struck her. ‘I can’t help thinking we should get away from Porthmellow completely,’ she said.
‘For a day, do you mean?’ he asked, then shared a look that thrilled her. ‘Or longer?’
‘Longer if you want to. Maybe …’ She was thinking on the hoof, becoming more daring. ‘We should find somewhere without any memories or history. Somewhere new to both of us.’
He considered for a few seconds. ‘I’d love to. I can’t stay away from the new business for long, but I’m sure Aaron could spare me for a few days over a long weekend. He won’t mind.’
‘I have a free Friday and Monday coming up, and I can rearrange my Wave Watchers shifts.’
‘Did you have anywhere in mind?’ he asked.
She remembered the ad in Tiff’s magazine. ‘There is somewhere, actually. It’s not far away and they might have a last-minute vacancy. Tiff was invited to a new set of luxury cottages that have only opened this week on the Isles of Scilly, but she couldn’t spare the time. They were coastguard houses and they’re on St Agnes, the most remote island. The views are to die for and I’ve always wanted to go to the Scillies.’
‘Remote sounds perfect.’ He quickly kissed her again. ‘If you can bear to be stuck with me alone.’
‘I think it’s exactly what we need and …’ Her brain worked overtime. ‘We can get there by boat, so shall I look into it? Tiff says the owners are keen for visitors and I could report back to Tiff so she can write about it.’
‘I’ll check it’s OK with Aaron. We could go early on the Friday and come back Monday evening, maybe? Have the whole four days to relax?’
‘Sounds great. I’ll ask Tiff how I go about booking it.’
‘And I’ll call Aaron as soon as I get home and we’ll take it from there.’
They walked home, chatting about the weekend plans like kids. The kiss had been thrilling but, somehow, it felt too soon for anything else – or perhaps they were both waiting to get away from prying eyes and bad memories. But if this break came off, she was well aware that four days meant four nights too.
Chapter Twenty-Five
‘You sound happy.’
Marina glanced up, a little startled to hear Tiff’s voice. She’d expected her to be out with Dirk – or in with Dirk.
It was a sultry afternoon and Marina had been deadheading the geraniums to encourage them to flower again. She’d also been humming to herself, possibly more loudly than she’d intended. She’d been humming a lot over the past few days and felt her life was finally blossoming as promisingly as her garden. ‘Yeah. I am.’
‘You look glowing, too,’ Tiff said.
Marina laughed, a little embarrassed. ‘Probably because I forgot to put any sun cream on before I came out.’
‘It’s nothing to do with the sun, as you well know. You’ve been like this since you decided to go on this weekend away. He’s good for you and, judging by the smile on his face whenever you’re around, you’re even better for him.’
‘I hope so. I daren’t let myself believe that things could go so well.’
Tiff flopped onto the garden bench. ‘You deserve it.’
‘Can’t remember when I last had a weekend break like this. As a … couple, I mean. I’ve been on a few hols with work colleagues and training weekends with the Wave Watchers but, ahem, this isn’t quite the same.’ She laughed nervously.
‘Have you heard back from the Lighthouse Cottage Company yet?’ Tiff asked, kicking off her pistachio-coloured lace-up pumps. Marina didn’t think she’d seen her cousin in pumps since they were kids.
‘We’re waiting for a confirmation but we’ve booked our ferry tickets. I suggested taking the boat because of … well, you can guess why I didn’t ask him to go by air.’
Tiff’s nose wrinkled in horror. ‘Good idea. I’ve seen those so-called aircraft take off from Land’s End. They’re like toy planes.’
Marina stripped off her gloves, happy to abandon the gardening now Tiff was home. ‘I must admit I’m nervous, but that has nothing to do with the trip itself.’
‘As long as it doesn’t turn out like a Bridget Jones mini-break, you’ll be fine.’
‘I hope not. Wasn’t it all ruined when they got home to find Daniel Cleaver’s girlfriend naked in the bath?’
Tiff nodded. ‘Personally, I’ve always been more of a Cleaver fan than a Mark Darcy one. You’re not really worried about this trip, are you? Dirty weekends are meant to be fun.’ Tiff raised an eyebrow.
‘It’s not a dirty weekend … I’m sure nothing like that will … happen,’ she said, yet she was unable to keep the smile from her voice at the thought of things moving to a new physical level with Lachlan.
Tiff reached forward and patted her arm. ‘Go on, you’d be disappointed if it didn’t! Oh, Marina, it’ll be fine. I’m sure. More than fine. Lachlan seems like one of the good guys, you fancy each other and you deserve an amazing time. Try to stop worrying.’
‘You’re right and it should be idyllic. Hope so, anyway.’ Marina went into the kitchen and brought chilled lemonade outside with a dish of tortilla chips. There had been a few more kisses between her and Lachlan but nothing else yet … and she was more certain than ever that they both needed to get away from past associations, somewhere fresh and new.
‘Dare I ask how things are going with Dirk?’ she said, sitting down at the table again.
‘I wouldn’t go there if I were you.’ Tiff grabbed a handful of chips.
‘I’m sorry. I should have asked you sooner – I thought you seemed quiet and you haven’t mentioned him for a while. I’ve been so wrapped up in my own little world.’
‘I’m glad you haven’t. Dirk and I have had a tiny falling-out.’
‘What over?’
‘The Herald ran a story about Amira – his ex – and her new boyfriend and how she was having a wonderful time getting over Dirk and his moods.’
Marina groaned. ‘Oh God, I bet that went down like a lead balloon.’
‘You could say that, but that wasn’t the worst of it. The story mentioned me in a roundabout way, and Dirk accused me of telling the Herald we were seeing each other.’
‘No!’ Marina was genuinely shocked. ‘How could he do that? You wouldn’t do that!’
‘Thank you for the defence. You’re right, I wouldn’t do it and I didn’t tell them. They could have found out in numerous ways, but Dirk jumped to the conclusion it was me.’
‘Does he still believe that?’ Marina was amazed and fuming on Tiff’s behalf. Dirk was an idiot; she’d thought that the two of them were finally building a real rapport but this showed otherwise.
‘He back-pedalled a little but I was so furious that I walked out.’
‘Have you seen him since?’
‘He has messaged me, asking to meet, but I’ve ignored it. Haven’t seen him for over a week now. Like all fireworks, we appear to have enjoyed a spectacular display and then fizzled out.’ She grinned. ‘And at least I’m now able to get my beauty sleep. Now, don’t worry about me. You worry about this trip. I hope you’ve no intention of packing those “sensible” knickers I saw in the laundry basket. Trust me, it won’t end well …’
A few days before their trip, Marina invited Lachlan round for dinner while Tiff went to a Pilates class at the community centre. She said s
he’d probably go to the pub with some of the other women afterwards so they had the place to themselves.
A warmth stole into her cheeks at the thought she might not have quite so much sleep over their weekend away, if they took things further than kisses.
Lachlan brought their plates through and sat down but didn’t even pick up his knife and fork. ‘It’s no good. I can’t wait any longer. I want to tell you something.’
‘Oh? What?’ She readied herself. Lachlan seemed twitchy. What was about to happen?
‘I’ve got a bit of a surprise. I hope you won’t be disappointed … there’s a slight change of plan for our trip.’
‘Oh … I see,’ she said, readying herself for disappointment. Was he going to say the whole thing was off? Was that why he’d spent a while on her iPad and gone quiet before dinner?
‘We’re not going to Scilly on the boat,’ he said, with a smile.
‘Oh no! Have they had to cancel?’ she said.
‘No. We’re going by air.’
‘What? But we’ve booked the Scillonian tickets already.’
‘We had … but I rebooked them earlier and upgraded to Skybus. They’re all part of the same company and they managed to squeeze us onto an early morning flight. It’ll be much faster and give us more time on the islands to relax. Don’t worry, I’m paying for the upgrade,’ he added, possibly seeing her jaw drop in amazement.
‘No. I’ll pay for my share. I don’t mind at all and I’d love to fly but … how will you handle it? I thought you wanted to sail?’
‘I want to fly, Marina. I need to try and get back to the way I was or at least regain some confidence. I’ll be honest and say that I am bricking it but I need to do this. And besides,’ he added with a smile, ‘you’ll be there to hold my hand, won’t you?’
No wonder he’d seemed on edge, she thought. It was a bold and unexpected step. Wow. ‘Yes, of course! This is … very brave of you.’
‘Brave?’ His brow creased and she worried she’d said the wrong thing. ‘It’s not brave,’ he said. ‘Brave is flying out in dangerous conditions to save a stranger or going into battle.’
‘You are going into battle. You’re facing up to very real fears when your instincts are screaming at you not to. I understand a little of what it’s like to decide to re-engage with your fears, to decide to come back to the world instead of hiding away. I respect that and I’ll help you in any way I can.’
He looked at her with what she thought for a second were eyes glistening with tears but then he reached for her. ‘Better toughen up, hadn’t I? If I’m to live up to you.’
‘I don’t expect a “tough guy” or a “hero”. I’m happy to have a kind, decent man who’s prepared to face up to life, even when it gets difficult. You don’t need to prove anything to me.’ And one she fancied like mad too, of course.
‘Ah, but I want to and I’m going to do my very best to show you what I was – what I can be.’
She didn’t argue any longer and after they’d eaten, they wandered down to Porthmellow Beach with a bottle of wine and some glasses. Lachlan put his arm around her and they drank their wine, watching the waves break softly on the sand. There were still people strolling, walking their dogs and watching the sunset. She’d missed this so much: the pleasures of sharing a meal with someone special in her little back garden or walking on the beach on a summer’s evening.
Most of all, she was touched that Lachlan was ready to set his fears aside for her sake and to try to move on. She’d missed that most of all: someone doing something for her, not out of pity, but because – dare she even think it – she was special to them. It was a heady feeling, and one she was rapidly becoming addicted to … one that would be even harder to lose, second time around. And no amount of reminding herself to live in the moment could stop her from hoping it would go on forever.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Wrinkling her nose, Tiff scrutinised herself in her bedroom mirror. She hadn’t worn a swimsuit for years and the designer one she’d brought from London was black with a plunge front and a gold chain. She’d once thought it sophisticated and had lain around the odd spa pool in it, sipping a cocktail. Here it seemed more ‘Marbs’ than Cornwall so she purchased a new one with a discreet flower print in the mid-season sale at the boutique.
She’d had to go up a size as a result of Marina’s great cooking and being too polite to refuse free goodies from the clients – not to mention being ravenous from all the walking and step climbing around Porthmellow. She also had a ‘farmer’s tan’ from wandering around in short sleeves, plus freckles and a very pink nose despite slathering herself in SPF moisturiser. That was the least of her worries.
She was hardly in the beach mood, but Marina had been keen to make the most of the light, warm evenings and suggested they have an evening swim, so she’d agreed to go.
She hadn’t heard from Dirk for well over a week and she was still lightly simmering. She’d even wondered if maybe it was time she thought about moving on from Porthmellow, even though it had wormed its way into her soul. But it quickly transpired that jobs weren’t lying around like pebbles on the beach, so she’d have to stay put for now, keep her hand in with the freelance stories and wait for an opportunity.
She was considering whether there was time for a quick once-over with the tinted body lotion before Marina came back when there was a loud rap on the door.
Swearing to herself, she lifted a corner of the curtain to see Dirk on the doorstep. Her heart rate sped up.
‘Hello?’ he called.
She shouted through the open window. ‘I won’t be a minute.’
‘I can’t stay. Could you let me in?’ he called up at her.
‘Um. Is it urgent?’
‘Yes.’
‘Hang on.’ She grabbed a robe from the back of the door, tied it tightly and padded downstairs in her bare feet.
Tiff pulled open the door. Dirk loomed on the doorstep but she looked down at him from the added height given by the step. ‘You said it was urgent,’ she said haughtily.
‘It is. I’m here to apologise. I was too harsh and I’m sorry.’ His words rushed out in a torrent.
‘And rude,’ she said.
Dirk looked solemnly back up at her. ‘Yes, I was rude.’
Tiff kept him on the doorstep. ‘And arrogant and unfair.’
‘If you say so …’
Clutching the robe tighter, she raised her eyebrows.
‘OK, yes, I was arrogant, rude, harsh and unfair. Plus, any other adjective you want to throw at me,’ he said. ‘And that’s why I’ve come to eat humble pie and offer an olive branch.’
Tiff was enjoying herself immensely, especially the idea of Dirk eating humble pie, but her curiosity was piqued by his last comment. ‘What olive branch would that be? I don’t see any flowers or chocolates.’
‘I’m not a flowery kind of guy … my olive branch is of a different kind. Are you free on Friday evening?’
She held her chin. ‘Hmm. Well, I was thinking of taking up Troy Carman’s invitation to go mackerel fishing with him but if you’re saying you have a more tempting offer, I might be persuaded to change my plans.’
The truth was, that although she’d made light of Dirk’s lack of trust in her to Marina, she was more hurt than she’d ever let on. She was more worried about the fact that she was bothered by what he thought at all. Their relationship was meant to be one of ‘no strings sex’ but that wasn’t working out how she’d hoped, which wasn’t Dirk’s fault, to be fair. She’d been determined for things to stay casual, but she hadn’t bargained for the strength of her feelings.
Dirk swore softly. ‘Has anyone ever told you that you are the most infuriating and frustrating woman on the planet?’
‘Frequently. So what is this olive branch?’
He grinned. ‘You’ll just have to wait and see.’
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Marina refused to say what kind of knickers she’d packed, even to Tiff, b
ut she had popped into the M&S at Hayle the day before their trip. Before she knew it, it was time to go. Marina could sense that Lachlan was on edge but wasn’t sure if she should ask him if he was OK or try to distract him. So, it was with a mixture of excitement and slight apprehension that she waited with him in the departure lounge at Land’s End airport on a scorching July Friday morning.
She enjoyed flying, although she’d only done it a few times, on the occasional holiday abroad with her parents and on a backpacking adventure to the Far East with student friends immediately after her degree. She and Nate hadn’t flown anywhere at all.
She assumed Lachlan was a veteran of many types of aircraft, but this morning, you’d think he was the most nervous of first-timers. It was totally understandable and there was really nothing she could do about it.
Perhaps, she thought, when she saw the six-seater prop plane parked right outside the departure lounge, it might have been better to have chosen a bigger aircraft for Lachlan’s first time back in the air. This one had to be ‘trimmed’ or balanced, and that meant all the passengers and their luggage had to be weighed on a baggage scale when they checked in. Although Marina was fascinated by watching the planes taking off and landing so close to the windows, she was worried about Lachlan.
There was also a helicopter service to and from the isles and at one point one of the helicopters owned by Trinity House, the organisation that looked after the lighthouses around the coast, took off from right outside the lounge windows.
‘OK?’ she asked, squeezing his hand. ‘I’m here for you.’
He took a breath. ‘Is it too early for a wee dram?’
She smiled. ‘I don’t think they’ve opened the bar yet. Should have brought a hip flask,’ she added.
‘Why didn’t I think of that?’
He settled for a herbal tea and the passengers for their flight were summoned to a safety briefing in the terminal, because there was no room for a demonstration in the plane itself.
He sat ramrod straight throughout, and, in his defence, Marina had to admit even she was a little freaked out by the talk of ditching in the sea and how to remove the aircraft windows. The moment it was over, Lachlan sprang up from his seat, looking white.
A Perfect Cornish Escape Page 20
