They reached the farm a few minutes later, and after a quick word with the farmer, parked the car, folded he back seats down to accommodate the logs, and went into the barn.
“Jack, is there something you want to say?” Bella asked.
He stared at her for a second, his face hard to read in the shadowy barn, and she was disappointed when he shook his head. “No, it’s fine,” he said, starting to load various sized logs into the back of the car.
She didn’t ask again, and once they had enough logs, they drove in silence back to the boardwalk where Jack parked and took hold of her hand.
“You okay?”
She thought it was an odd question to ask, but presumed he was referring to her being stuck on the rocks, earlier. “Yes, thanks. I’m fine.”
“Good, I’m glad.”
He looked at her a moment longer, still holding her hand, their eyes locked, then he abruptly let go and got out of the car. They took the logs from the boot straight on to the beach, working silently until they had used made a neat pile.
“I think we need another load, don't you?” asked Jack.
Bella nodded, it wouldn’t be much of a bonfire, otherwise. They returned the car and drove back to the farm for another load. She didn't mind one bit. She was enjoying being with Jack, even though he seemed a little pensive. It was just nice to spend time alone with him.
“Bella,” he said, breaking the silence, his voice quiet as they loaded the car for the second time.
She stiffened, concerned at his serious tone. “Yes?”
He turned to face her. Taking her by the arms, he checked over his shoulder that the farmer wasn’t within earshot. “You know the other day, when I… well, when we kissed and then you stopped me.”
“Sort of,” she said, though she’d barely thought of anything else. “Go on.”
“How do you feel about me?” He studied her face, waiting for her to reply.
Bella couldn’t lie to him. He knew her too well for her to get away with that. Besides, he was her friend and he lived in her house. The last thing she needed or wanted was for them to fall out or for there to be any tension between them.
“I like you, Jack,” she admitted. “I think you know that I do.”
“And I feel the same about you, as I'm sure you know,” he said. “I know that the first time we kissed, Sacha took it badly. I understand why she reacted like that. She was trying to protect us both, but we’re adults now, and I’m not the same person I was when I was with Nicki. Sacha will understand. She’d want us to be happy. What you think?”
Had Jack really changed that much? Would Sacha be angry that something might have been going on between Bella and her brother behind her back? She couldn’t bear to ruin their friendship.
“I’m not sure,” she said honestly, hating the disappointment in his face. “What if things don’t work out, and Sacha stops speaking to me, and you have to leave the cottage, and…”
“Leave Sacha to me,” he interrupted, gently stroking a strand of hair off her cheek. “If that’s what you’re really worried about, I’ll talk to her.”
Bella decided to trust him. “Are you sure that’ll be the right thing to do? I wouldn’t want to upset her..”
“I’ll do my best to reassure her that I’d never hurt you.”
Her insides tumbled with a mix of nerves and joy. She believed him and wanted to take a chance. A chance on her and Jack.
They arrived at the boardwalk and as Jack parked the car, Bella spotted Nicki walking towards them. Her heart plunged. “Looks like you’ve got a visitor,” she said, opening the car door. “I'll unload the logs and take them down to the beach.”
“Wait,” Jack grabbed Bella’s wrist. “Do you really think there’s still something between me and Nicki? After that farce with Oliver Whimsy the other night?” He shook his head. “Seriously, Bella?”
She could see he was angry, or maybe disappointed, and didn’t like it. “You’ve been on and off with her for years, Jack,” she said tightly, as Nicki drew closer. “You need to sort things out with her, once and for all.”
“I didn't even know she was still here,” he said. “I thought she'd left when that Whimsy bloke did.”
“Exactly.” Bella pulled away and got out of the car. “She’s unpredictable, Jack. I don’t want to have to deal with her popping up, if you’re serious about us having a relationship.”
“I am.” He got out and opened the boot of the car. “I’ll speak to her right now.”
“Oliver Whimsy didn't look very happy when I saw him.”
Jack frowned at her. “You saw him?” he said. “When?”
“Never mind that now.” Bella indicated that Nicki was almost at the car.
“Jack!” she called, giving him a wave, ignoring Bella altogether.
He turned to face Nicki, his face grimly determined, and grabbing an armful of logs, Bella descended the granite steps to the beach and left them to it, the sound of Nicki's bossy voice ringing in her ears. She was her complete opposite, Bella thought, dropping the logs on the sand. She was elegant and groomed and brilliant at her job. Why would Jack find Bella attractive? Yet, he clearly did. The memory of their kiss made her face heat up, even as she heard Nicki's voice rising in the air.
“You’re talking rubbish now, Jack,” she said. “I don't know why you won't discuss this sensibly.”
“Because, I have nothing left to say to you.” Jack’s voice was weary.
Unable to resist returning to the car, Bella went back up the steps to see Jack marching towards the café. “Bugger,” she muttered. Now she was stuck with Nicki.
“What?” Nicki snapped as soon as she saw her. She folded her arms across the chest and glared at Bella.
“Nothing,” said Bella.
“You seem to be very interested in Jack all of a sudden.” Nicki stared at her. “I’ll bet it’s your fault he’s behaving like this.”
Bella had never interfered in Jack’s relationship with Nicki, even though she’d never liked the woman, but she’d had enough of her.
“If I do, it’s none of your business,” she said. “You really need to decide who you want to be with – Oliver Whimsy, or Jack. You can't mess people around like you’ve been doing, it's just not fair. And anyway,” she said, on a roll, wishing she could shut up because she was going to get herself into trouble with Jack, and because she knew Nicki was not someone to be messed with, “Jack’s told you he’s got no intention of returning to London, yet you’re still chasing him. I don’t get it.”
“It’s not for you to get,” Nicki sneered. “Why don't you butt out? Just because you don't have a relationship of your own to focus on, you think you can tell me what to do with my life.” She started to walk away, her stilettos click-clacking, leaving Bella shaking with annoyance, then came back.
“For your information, I'm not interested in Jack.” She gave a sarcastic laugh. “Let’s be honest, you two are far more suited.” She gave the cottage a look of disdain before focusing her attention back on Bella. “He can hardly afford to give me the big house, the nanny and the decent car that I want. I'm only interested in marrying someone with prospects. And, much as I like being with Jack for the,” she giggled, “more intimate side of a relationship, I’ll only marry for money. And, let's be honest, whatever you think of Jack, he has precious little of that.”
“You really are despicable,” Bella said through gritted teeth, pushing away the thought of the two of them being intimate. “In fact, you’re vile. I can’t understand what Jack ever saw in you.” She knew she was being as revolting as Nicki, but couldn't help herself. This horrible woman, who thought so highly of herself, was criticizing Jack, the kindest most thoughtful man Bella knew, and she was not going to get away with saying such dreadful things about him. “I've known him my entire life and he is far more of a man than you deserve, or could ever handle.”
Nicki looked astonished. Her cosmetically enhanced eyebrows almost disappeared into h
er slick fringe. She narrowed her eyes and stepped towards Bella, towering above her. “Well, well, little Miss Antique Shop has a secret crush on Jack.” She gave a sardonic laugh. “Does he know?”
Furious with Nicki for seeing through her, Bella retaliated immediately. “How I feel about him is none of your damn business. You don't want him anymore. Or is it that he’s thoroughly sick of you? Maybe that’s why you’re still hanging around. Either way, how I feel about him is nothing to do with you.”
“I knew it! You’re in love with him.”
“So what if I am?”
“Well?”
Bella swung around. “Mum! I didn't see you there.”
Her mum smiled. “Go on, sweetheart, tell Nicki how you feel about Jack.”
“Yes, go on, Bella,” Jack said, joining them, staring intently at her. “Please tell Nicki how you feel about me.”
“Well, I—” she began, feeling cornered. She didn't know what to say, or do, and didn't like being told to declare her feelings in front of them all. She chewed her lower lip thoughtfully.
Jack took Bella's hand in his, staring at her as if no one else existed. “Bella,” he said, his voice gentle. “I want you to know that I'm falling in love with you. Scrap that,” he corrected. “I am in love with you.” He looked at Nicki. “I'm sorry, Nicki, but I think deep down there's always been a part of me that’s been in love with Bella. Ever since the night I kissed her, when she was sixteen.”
Bella bit her lower lip. Hearing him declare his feelings in a way that no one could argue with, was incredible. She’d never felt about anyone the way she felt about Jack, but she’d kept her feelings hidden for so long that it felt odd admitting them to anyone else.
“Bella?” her mum said. “Say something.”
She rested her hand on his cheek. “The thing is, Jack,” she said. “I feel exactly that same way about you.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Bella sat on her bed and closed her eyes, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. Thirteen years of acting a certain way and keeping her feelings to herself, and now they were finally out in the open.
After Nicki had stalked away – hopefully right off the island – they’d gone to the café to break the news to Sacha. As Jack had predicted, she’d been thrilled for them – though sad that Bella had never confided her feelings about Jack.
“I know I reacted badly to seeing you kissing my brother that time, at the beach,” she’d said, throwing her arms round Bella, almost in tears. “I’m had no idea you still felt so strongly about him. You should have said something.”
They’d both cried a little, and talked it out, while her mother dabbed her eyes with a tissue, and Jack tried to hold Bella’s hand.
Afterwards, Jack had gone back to the beach to finish setting up the bonfire, while Bella popped back to the cottage to freshen up, but time was marching on, and the party was approaching.
“Finally, I have you to myself,” Jack said, when she joined him back at the beach, where he was presiding over the bonfire. “Can I kiss you again?”
“I can’t think of anything I’d prefer,” Bella admitted, unable to think clearly with his muscular body pressed against hers. She felt herself melting into him as their lips met, and slid her arms around his neck.
“Hey, what are you two doing down there?” Megan giggled.
They looked up to see her leaning over the railings, amused to see them together.
“If you’ve got nothing better to do,” Jack said, smiling, “go and knock on some doors and ask for more logs. We haven’t got quite enough yet.”
“Good idea,” Bella murmured, as Jack pulled her back into his arms and continued kissing her. “Stop it,” she giggled. “We’re supposed to be getting ready for this party.”
“I’d rather do this.” He kissed her neck and making her insides go wobbly. “I’ve waited a very long time for this to happen and I’m not going to stop for a while yet. Not unless you want me to.”
She didn’t. Pressing herself against him, Bella lost herself in the joy of kissing him, only to be distracted by a car pulling up on the boardwalk. Jack groaned and pulled away from Bella. “The fireworks have arrived,” he said. “Can we continue this later?”
◆◆◆
Bella stood, wrapped up in her thickest coat, scarf, woolly bobble hat and gloves, watching as Jack and his friend Mike, and Alessandro, took their places, ready to start the firework display. Jack turned to address the gathered crowd.
“Firstly,” he said, his face lit by the glow of lights from the boardwalk as he glanced briefly at Bella, causing her stomach to flip over at the promise of what was to come later, “I’d like to thank all of you who have helped to make this bonfire party possible.” There was a loud burst of applause.
Bella smiled at the people around her, grateful to be a part of this wonderful community. The bonfire was roaring, the air was filled with mouth-watering aromas, thanks to Sacha’s food display, and she was surrounded by people she loved.
“Secondly, as I'm sure most of you know, this is not only a celebration of Guy Fawkes Night, but also a trial for Mike's soundless fireworks,” Jack continued. “We’re hoping that you enjoy this evening without the usual bangs, and that you’ll consider using them in future, and recommend them to your friends.”
“Hear, hear,” shouted one of the locals. “It's about time.”
A few people clapped. Jack nodded. “My sentiments exactly, thank you.” He raised one arm, holding a lit taper. “Everyone please, let’s have fun tonight. Alessandro, Mike… when you’re ready?”
As they lit the first set of rockets, to the delight of the onlookers gathered on the boardwalk, Megan walked up and linked her arm through Bella’s. “This is amazing,” she said, beaming at her. “Thank you so much for inviting me back.”
“I’m thrilled you came,” Bella said with a smile, glad that Megan was clearly enjoying herself. “Maybe you’ll come to visit us again after this. I know we didn’t get off to the best start in London, but I've really enjoyed getting to know you.”
“Me, too,” Megan said, hugging Bella tightly. “I feel like I've gained, not just you as a friend, but a whole new friendship group. To be honest, I've been feeling lonely since I moved to London. It's a completely different lifestyle. I know my manager tries her best to help me integrate, but it's not the same as having people you can truly relax with.”
“I can assure you that you’ll always have us as friends, and we’ll always be pleased to see you.”
“Thank you.” Megan’s eyes looked suspiciously shiny.
“Hey,” Lexi shouted, running down the granite steps, closely followed by Jools. “We were wondering where you two had got to.” They gave a collective gasp as fireworks shot up into the sky, exploding high above them in pinks and blues.
It really was a magical evening, and Bella was happy for Jack, after all his hard work. Who would have thought that only a few short weeks ago, after years of loving him secretly, they now had a real chance of making a future together?
Lexi stood on the other side of Bella, her arm through hers and, in a low voice, said, “I've heard whispers about you and Jack Collins, kissing,” she grinned. “I'm so relieved you two have finally got it together.”
Bella couldn’t believe her feelings had been so obvious. “You knew I liked him?”
“Yes,” Lexi whispered. “But I like to think I’m more intuitive than the others, so don’t worry, I don’t think they had a clue. I do think you make a perfect couple, though.”
“Do you really think so?” she asked, smiling as Lexi nodded.
“Anyone who's ever seen you two together would say the same thing. I could tell he’d had the hots for you for years. Jack really is a gem, Bella, but I’m sure you already know that.”
“I do.” For years, she’d been looking for a priceless gem that would change her life, at auctions and house clearances, but all the time the priceless gem had been right under her
nose. “I’m so glad we’re making a go of it.” It sounded strange, hearing herself say it out loud. Discussing her feelings for Jack, even to her close friends, was an alien concept to Bella and one she longed to be able to carry on. “He really is lovely, inside and out.”
“Look,” Jools shouted, pointing at Jack, Mike and Alessandro as they began a countdown and lit three massive fireworks at once.
“Pay attention!” Jack shouted. “This is your grand finale.”
Everybody clapped and cheered as the fireworks shot into the air and exploded across the sky like tiny lanterns, before slowly falling and disappearing.
A chorus of gasps accompanied the display, and Bella was glad the trial run had been a huge success. She spotted Jack emptying the buckets of sand and clearing away the debris, before coming towards her, followed by Alessandro and Mike.
Reaching her, he took her hand in his. “What did you think?”
“Incredible,” she said honestly. “You guys did really well.”
Sacha came over with a tray of glasses filled with mulled wine. “Drink this,” she said. “It’ll warm you all up.”
Bella took a sip and glanced at Sacha, who gave her a secret smile. Bella grinned back, relieved to be reminded that her friend had no issue with her and Jack being a couple. It was more than she had ever dared hope for.
“As this is going to be Alessandro's first Christmas on the island,” Sacha said, “tonight has reminded us what fun we can have here. We were wondering whether you’d all like to join us on Christmas Day, for Christmas lunch at the café?”
“I'd love to come,” Bella said, without having to consider the invitation. “Do you think Mum and Betty could come along too?”
“And me,” Megan said. “Will I be able to join in?”
“Of course,” Sacha said. “The more the merrier. Your mum is also very welcome,” Sacha said. “And we’re going to invite Tony the fisherman and his children.”
Jack nodded, and lowering his voice said, “He was telling me on the boat when we were out fishing the other day how difficult last Christmas was without his wife. He’ll be glad to not be sitting at home, missing her, and having to put on a brave face.”
Autumn Antics: Escape to the seaside with the perfect autumn read! (The Boardwalk by the Sea Book 2) Page 20
