‘But it’s welcoming. That’s the main thing. Like Holly’s place. It feels like a home.’
‘Thank you.’ I headed into the bathroom and grabbed some cotton wool pads from a jar and headed back into the kitchen to boil some water. Once it began to warm, I flicked off the kettle and poured some in a bowl. Dipping a pad in, I squeezed out the excess. As I lifted it to my eye, Nate’s hands closed over mine. ‘Here, let me do that. Just sit with your head back.’
‘It’s really not that bad.’
‘I don’t think Flora is the kind of woman to take no for an answer, no matter how sweet she looks.’
He might be the strong, silent type but he was certainly observant. I did as he said and he laid the cotton pad gently on my eye, his hands brushing my cheek as he did so.
‘How’s that?’
‘Fine. Thanks.’
‘Is it still stinging?’
‘A little.’
‘OK, just rest for a bit. Is Bryan all right exploring round here?’
‘Yeah. He’s had the odd sleepover here so he’s familiar with it all.’
‘I think he’s asleep on your bed.’
‘Well, that makes a change, having a man in my bedroom,’ I said, without thinking then immediately wished I could dunk my entire head in the bowl of water before me.
‘I mean…’ Literally I had no idea what I meant or where I was going with that sentence, so I shut up. Momentarily.
‘So, doesn’t your house feel like a home?’ Smooth, Soph. Almost seamless. Thankfully Nate complied with my obvious wish to change the subject.
‘No. Not really. It’s very on trend, apparently, not that I’d know. But it certainly doesn’t have that sense of warmth that this place has, or Holly and Gabe’s. I felt that the moment I walked in there. It was really nice.’
‘Better than a soulless hotel room after all then?’ I removed the pad and winked. At least I tried to wink but, thanks to my sore eye, it came out a lot more lecherous than I intended. ‘Ouch.’
‘Probably best not to try winking for a bit.’ Nate said, gently laying a hand on my shoulder to get me to sit back as he placed a fresh damp cotton pad on my eye.
‘It was a bit sore.’
‘And a little terrifying.’
‘Thanks.’
‘You’re welcome.’
I smiled and closed my other eye for a moment, breathing in the woody scent of his aftershave.
‘You don’t have to help with the tree, you know.’ I opened the other eye again. His expression was back to that unreadable one he’d had the first time I’d met him. ‘I mean, it’s very kind of you but I know you’ve got a deadline and stuff, and Flora is ever so good at talking people into doing things they might not want to do and then they realise when it’s all a bit late that they’ve agreed—’
‘I’d like to,’ he interrupted, thankfully, as by now I was aware I’d begun to ramble but was struggling to find a way to stop the torrent.
‘Oh.’
‘If that’s OK with you?’
‘Yes!’ Oops. Bit too enthusiastic. ‘I mean, of course. That’d be lovely. So long as you’re sure.’
‘Yeah, it’d be nice I think.’
I stole a glance at him and definitely agreed it would be nice.
‘I think this is OK now,’ I said, lifting the cotton pad. ‘We can head back down now if you like. Unless you’d like a coffee or something first?’
‘That’d be great. But show me where things are and let me do it.’
‘I’m fine, really. Stop fussing,’ I smiled at him.
He conceded but I could see the hint of reluctance. ‘Not that I don’t appreciate it,’ I said, gently. Which was true. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had someone showing concern like this and I had to admit it felt nice. No point getting used to it though.
I pushed myself up and headed to the kitchen. ‘What would you like?’
‘Whatever’s going.’
I pulled a couple of mugs out of the cupboard, plopped some coffee powder into them and flicked the kettle on to boil.
‘There might be some biscuits hiding in here somewhere,’ I said, opening a couple of cupboards before spying a packet lurking on the top shelf. ‘Can you reach those?’ I asked, as Nate easily snagged them.
‘Yep,’ he said, handing them to me.
We took the coffee and biscuits through to the lounge and sat back on the sofa.
‘How’s the book going?’
‘Good, I think. I need to thank you for giving me a kick in the pants about getting out and about more. Since I stopped moping, I’ve actually been more productive.’
‘I never said you were moping. I know you’ve been through the mill. I’m not entirely unfeeling, you know.’
‘No, I know. I didn’t mean it like that. But I am appreciative.’
‘Well, then, you’re welcome.’
We sat chatting for a little longer before checking on Bryan who had now wriggled himself into the top of my bed and was looking very comfortable under my duvet with his head poking out, and gentle, contented snores drifting from him
‘We can leave him there. I can nip up and check on him again in a bit.’
With that, we headed back down the stairs and into Flora’s shop, ready to get the tree in place and decorated.
‘Better?’ Flora asked in a voice loaded with all sorts of questions.
‘Fine, thanks,’ I smiled innocently.
She gave me a head shake, and a gentle push over to where Nate was already hefting the tree into the metal pail Flora had placed beside it.
Together we settled the tree in its pot and moved it in to the space Flora had set aside for it.
‘Thanks.’
‘My pleasure. Are you going to decorate it?’
‘Uh-huh,’ I said, bending down and lifting the box of decorations onto a nearby stool.
Nate shifted his weight as he gave a short nod.
‘You’re more than welcome to stay and help, although I don’t want to distract you from your work.’
‘I’m on course to hit my deadline. I was up early today and got my word count in so I’m happy to stay and help if I can be useful.’
I’d seen a few female customers browsing the shop, all the while throwing apparently casual glances over at Nate, so I had an idea that Flora would be more than happy to have him stay longer, even forgetting the fact that she was clearly doing her best to set me up with him.
‘That’d be lovely, then,’ I replied, and a watched as he relaxed his shoulders, the smile brief but striking. ‘Still not sleeping too well?’ I asked as I passed him the lights to wrap round his side of the tree.
He gave a shrug. ‘It’s better than it was, which is something.’
I stole a glance as he passed the lights back round to me. The dark shadows under his eyes remained but they were less than they had been that first week I’d met him.
‘All these walks and sea air, you’ll soon be sleeping like a log.’
‘I look forward to it.’
I smiled and handed him the second set of lights. ‘So, what did you have planned for today before being roped into doing this?’
‘I volunteered. And nothing much. I was just getting a little stir crazy earlier so thought Bry and I could do with some fresh air. I was just wandering aimlessly really when I came across you sprawled on the pavement hugging a tree.’
I leant around the tree and stuck my tongue out.
He laughed. ‘I’m glad I did though. This is nice.’
I returned the gentle expression. ‘It is.’
Nate passed the end of the light string back to me, our fingers brushing as he did so. The touch sent ripples throughout my body and I turned away as I felt warmth flush my face. Sticking my head practically inside the decoration box and making vague rummaging sounds, I waited for my heart rate to settle before emerging.
‘You OK?’ Nate asked, concern creasing his face when I did.
‘Uh-huh!�
�� I said, lightly. Clearly he wasn’t affected in the same way as I was, which I supposed was good. He had enough to think about without me complicating matters. Although it would have been nice if he’d shown some sort of reaction. I’d had far too many years feeling like I was incapable of stirring any sort of response from a man so it would have been nice if the universe gave me a break occasionally and show that I wasn’t the sexless being my husband had made me believe I was. I stole another glance at Nate and smiled to myself, at the same time as giving myself a pep talk. Just because my husband hadn’t seen it, perhaps because he’d been too busy looking at every other woman but me, didn’t mean I wasn’t attractive. Nate might not see it either but those were the breaks. He had more than enough on his mind right now, but at least he was giving me something pretty to look at this winter.
‘You’re quiet.’ He looked across at me and raised a brow.
‘I didn’t realise I was usually noisy,’ I grinned. I’d thought about another wink but my eye was still stinging and I didn’t want to send him running for the hills in fear.
‘You know what I mean.’
‘What would you like to talk about?’
He gave a shy look under his lashes as he reached into the box and grabbed a handful of baubles.
‘Nothing. I was just wondering if you wouldn’t rather be doing this on your own.’
I took one of the baubles he was holding and placed it on the tree, then repeated the action.
‘Absolutely not. It’s nice.’ I bumped my arm against his. ‘You’re nowhere near as bad company as you seem to think you are.’
‘I’ve not got Gabe’s easy manner. I feel like that’s a minus point.’
I looked up at him and shrugged. ‘That’s because you’re not Gabe. You’re you. And you have your own ways and manner, which doesn’t make someone else’s better or worse.’ I stretched up to hook another bauble on a branch. Nate gently took it from me and placed it where I wanted it. ‘Thanks.’ Without thinking, I wrapped my arms round one of Nate’s and gave a quick squeeze. ‘It wouldn’t do for us all to be the same, and there’s nothing wrong with you.’
Nate looked down at me hesitantly, a hint of colour showing through his light tan. ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome,’ I replied quietly, meeting the intense blue gaze and trying to ignore the fizzing I felt in my stomach as I did.
‘Oh, that’s looking beautiful!’ Flora exclaimed, clapping her hands as she came around the tree to where we were standing. I let go of Nate’s arm and he stood back, straighter. For a moment there was nothing but Michael Bublé crooning about being home for Christmas to break the silence.
Flora opened her mouth and I gave a miniscule head shake to warn her not to say the words that were currently making her eyes twinkle. I knew whatever it was would only be a tease, but Nate’s confidence was fragile and I didn’t want Flora’s well-meaning words making him uncomfortable just as we seemed to be making a little progress.
‘Beautiful,’ she said again, looking at the tree and giving Nate a gentle pat on the arm before sending a private wink my way.
Having finished decorating Flora’s shop, we said goodbye and headed back upstairs to see Bryan. From his yawning squeaks and stretches, it was apparent he’d only woken up when I’d placed the key in the lock.
‘Lazy bones,’ Nate smiled at him as he scooped him up, the little dog wriggling with happiness as he nuzzled into his neck. ‘I guess I’d better get him back for his dinner.’
I nodded, surprised at how much I wanted them both to stay.
‘Thanks for today, Sophia. I had a good time.’
‘You’re welcome. Feel free to volunteer to be put to use any time you like. I’m sure we can find you some chores.’
‘I think I’d like that.’
‘I was joking!’ I laughed.
‘I wasn’t,’ he shrugged. ‘It’s nice to feel a part of something. It’s a long time since I felt that way.’
‘Well, if that’s what you want, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.’
He turned to go and I followed, bouncing off his back as he stopped suddenly and turned, his arm shooting out to steady me as I pinged backwards.
‘Sorry. I just had a thought.’
‘That’s enough to make anyone stop in their tracks,’ I grinned up at him. He gave me a patient look then smiled. It really was a waste it wasn’t seen more often.
‘Funny. I was wondering whether Holly and Gabe have a tree hiding away somewhere, and decorations?’
‘Holly had a fresh one last year but there should be a box of decorations somewhere.’ He nodded. ‘And I’m sure Greg at the grocer’s will be able to provide you with a tree. That’s where I picked Flora’s up from and he seemed to have plenty left. You sound like you have plans.’
He gave a small shrug. ‘I guess you’ve put me in a bit of a Christmassy mood and I thought it might be nice to have the house decorated too.’
‘That’s a great idea, Nate.’
‘I’m speaking to them later on video. I’ll check if they mind then.’
‘I’m sure they won’t.’
‘No, you’re probably right but it feels best to check. Plus I can ask where the decorations are, and if there’s anything she’d prefer me not to use. You know, something that was her gran’s maybe.’
‘Honestly, Holly was so excited about you coming over. I know she was upset your trips clashed but really, with Holly, that house and everything in it is to be used. Remember—’
‘Family,’ he interrupted.
‘Exactly.’
‘Thanks for today,’ he said again.
‘You’re welcome.’ This time I went in for the hug but feeling the rigidity of his body as I did so, I suddenly realised that might have been too presumptuous. And then he relaxed, his arms wrapped around me and gave a gentle squeeze. One more of the bricks in his wall had come down.
I smiled as he pulled back, gave Bryan a little fuss and waved them off.
13
‘Nobody told me there were going to be gorgeous men at that wreath making thing,’ Corinne pouted as she looked at the pin board and the picture Carrie had printed from my phone.
‘That was just good luck,’ Eloise said, coming to stand next to us. Looking past Corinne who was sizing up Billy in the photo, she winked. ‘He was quite taken with our Soph here.’
‘Really?’ Corinne said, unable to cover the surprise in her voice as she moved on to inspecting her false nails.
I gave my throat a small clear and did my best not to rise to the bait.
‘Yes. Quite enamoured, he was. Be nice to see him again when he drops off the wreaths, won’t it, Soph? Maybe you can set that date he was asking for then.’ I knew Eloise was rubbing it in for Corinne but I wasn’t used to discussing my love life – any of my life – with too many people. And especially not with my frosty colleague.
‘He actually asked you out?’ Corinne’s heavily but perfectly made up eyes widened.
‘I don’t know why you’re so surprised?’ Eloise’s voice was prickly now. ‘Sophia’s a gorgeous looking woman.’
Corinne pulled a face that suggested she didn’t exactly agree but was deigning to give me the benefit of the doubt, for the moment. ‘But she’s like forty!’ She might as well have said four thousand.
‘I am not forty!’ I said, a little more vehemently than I planned. That particular number was certainly becoming clearer on the horizon but in the meantime I was going to hold on to my thirties. Especially in the face of smug twenty-two-year-olds.
Corinne gave a disbelieving flick of her high definition eyebrows. ‘Whatever. Anyway, it’s probably his job to flirt with middle aged women. Make people like you book up in the hope you might actually see him again. By then, of course, he’ll be on to the next lonely looking prospect.’
‘Corinne!’ Eloise snapped, but I shook my head at her as Corinne gave Billy’s photo another once over before sauntering off. She got to t
he window and began taking selfies, angling her phone just right, pouting her cosmetically enhanced lips and tossing her hair.
‘You all right, love?’
‘Of course. She’s just put out because she thinks she might have missed out on something.’
‘She was invited.’ This was true although we all knew Carrie had secretly been relieved when Corinne had said no. And she wasn’t the only one.
I wasn’t sure what it was exactly about me that Corinne had taken a dislike to but, from the moment I started at Ned’s, she’d made little snipes and digs at every opportunity. To be fair, she didn’t seem to be all that friendly to anyone except Carrie and Ned, because it suited her purposes for the most part. Keeping this job was the deal she’d made with her mother that would ensure her father kept her allowance nicely topped up. Doing the job well was obviously not part of that deal. Carrie, I knew, wasn’t keen on the arrangement but Ned was a lovely guy and in a tricky situation having known her family for years, so unless Corinne screwed up in a major way we all had to deal with her. There were, of course, a few people who got the full benefit of her charms.
The lunch shift at the restaurant was heaving but I couldn’t help notice Nate tucked away at a table for two by the window, his face turned towards the plate glass, watching the sea wash the beach. It was a cold and clear day, the promenade area outside busy with people walking along, wrapped up against the chill, noses and cheeks red, as dogs played fetch or ran around with other four-legged pals, skidding and dancing on the exposed sand.
‘I’ll give you my entire day’s wages if you let me take over that table,’ Corinne said in a low whisper, pulling me furtively to the side by my elbow.
‘Huh?’
She nodded not terribly subtly in Nate’s direction.
‘Him. He’s gorgeous and I already checked – there’s no wedding ring.’
‘You know that doesn’t always mean someone isn’t married.’
‘No, I know. But please, Sophia?’
‘What’s going on?’ Eloise bustled up, hooking the pager on her apron as she did so.
‘I’m taking one of Sophia’s tables to help her out,’ Corinne explained, airily.
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