by Lilly Mirren
By the time she was done, she was breathing hard. She set the sander down, slumped to the floor, knees bent, elbows resting on her knees then plucked the mask away from her mouth and set it on her head.
She had no idea how hard physical labour was. She’d have to remember to make Ethan a nice breakfast the next day, after a few hours of sanding she realised how grateful she should be for all the work he’d been doing around the Manor these last weeks.
With a grunt, she stood to her feet and padded to the bathroom. She washed up, then fixed an afternoon tea of petite lemon meringue pies she’d baked that morning, tea, and coffee. She set it out in the dining room, then returned to the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee. She stared at the steaming mug for a few moments, reached for another and poured Ethan one as well. With a shake of her head, she carried it along with a plate of pies up to the second floor where she could hear him hammering in the walk-in wardrobe he was installing.
She set the tray on a chair that’d been covered with a drop cloth, then knocked on the door frame leading into the wardrobe. He stopped hammering and glanced over his shoulder, smiled. “Hi, Emily, how’s it going?”
He wore a pair of jeans and work boots. His bare chest gleamed with sweat. Muscles flexed and she swallowed hard before answering.
“So far so good. I sanded the entire skirting and wainscoting in the room downstairs.”
He set down the hammer and faced her. “Great. Now it needs a coat of paint and you’ll be done.”
“This is looking good,” she said, rubbing a hand over the timber frame of a shoe rack, heat travelling across her neck and face.
He shrugged. “I think it’ll improve the room. There was plenty of space for it, and even room to add an ensuite.”
“Thanks for working so hard on it.” Her cheeks blazed. The words were easier to say than she’d thought they’d be.
His brow furrowed in surprise. “Uh… yeah, you’re welcome. Of course, I’m loving it actually. It’s good to get away from the computer for a while. I hate having to stare at a screen all day every day. I didn’t realise how much of that I’d be doing when I became an engineer… I love working with my hands as well.”
“And you look good doing it.” She’d meant it as a joke, something to lighten the moment, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she wanted to clamp her hand over it. What was she thinking? They were professionals, colleagues. She had no desire to complicate their relationship. Besides, he thought she hated him, and he was going to end up thinking she wasn’t in control of her faculties if she kept it up.
“Thanks,” he said with a grin, his eyes flashing. “So, what’s that smell — something smells good?”
She rubbed her sweating palms down her jeans. “Yeah, I brought you some afternoon tea. Thought it might be time for smoko.”
“Perfect, I’m starving,” he said. He strode out of the wardrobe and found the pies. “This looks amazing. Seriously, I’m going to gain ten kilograms if you keep cooking for me. I’ll have to start running ten kilometres instead of five each morning.”
“You run five kilometres every morning?” she asked.
He nodded as he took a bite of the dessert. “Yeah, wow this is so good. Thanks.”
She hardly ever ran anywhere. She wasn’t really the running type. If she exercised, she preferred a gentle bike ride or a slow lap in the pool. Lately she hadn’t done much of anything, spending most of her time working at the Manor.
She sat on the end of the drop-cloth draped bed and crossed her legs. “You think it’ll make a difference — all this work we’re doing?”
He chewed and swallowed. “Definitely. It’s going to look great.”
“Are you planning on staying in the Cove long term?” she asked.
He shrugged. “I guess not. I mean, I’d love to, but I have to get a job sometime. Unless, of course, this place suddenly becomes super profitable.” He sighed. “But I’ll have to get back into engineering sometime… if I even can.” He shook his head. “My old company has… a few issues that seem to be following me. Not sure anyone will hire me again, but I’ll wait a few months and give it a try.”
He seemed upset. She didn’t want to pry but wondered what kind of issues he was talking about.
She stood, collected the empty plate. “Well, let me know I guess.”
He stepped closer, reached for another pie. His arm brushed against hers, and his body was so close she could feel the heat emanating from him. A thrill ran through her and she clutched the plate harder to keep it from crashing to the ground.
“Uh… so… keep up the good work,” she said.
He arched an eyebrow. “Thanks, I will.”
“I mean… I don’t mean it as though I’m your boss telling you what to do or anything. Because clearly, I’m not.” She was blathering like a fool now. What would she do next, break out into song? His expression only made her anxiety grow — he thought she was nuts. “I’m only trying to be encouraging… I’m not very good at it, I’m afraid.” She grunted. Better to keep her mouth shut in the future
What was it about this guy? He had her acting like a teenager, and not a very stable one.
“That’s okay, I get it.” He laughed. “And thanks for the encouragement.”
His hand reached for her arm and squeezed it gently. “You’re doing a great job too. I probably should tell you that more often. I’m glad we’re in this together, you’re a hard worker, and you have good instincts.”
Her heart leapt into her throat at his touch, his words. She couldn’t think clearly. He moved closer, and for a moment she thought he would kiss her but instead he plucked another pie from the plate and held it in front of her face.
“For later,” he said with a wink.
She swallowed, nodded. “Oh yeah, great. I’m glad you like them. They’ve got to be eaten up anyway, won’t last long.”
As she stumbled from the room, her face blazing with heat, she couldn’t help wondering if the next time she saw him she might simply trip and land in a muddy puddle. It might be less humiliating. She groaned and slapped a hand to her face. It made no sense, this was Ethan — she didn’t even like him. He’d embarrassed her once before, so she didn’t need to make it so easy for him to do again. She should keep her distance, be professional, cool. That was it. She’d email him if she needed anything, or send a text, at least that way she wouldn’t have to happen upon him sweat-covered and shirtless again.
Chapter 15
Ethan
A magpie hopped about the garden nearby, head tipping from one side, to the other as it watched Ethan with beady, black eyes.
He laughed. “I don’t have any food, buddy. Sorry.”
The pagoda was almost complete, at least the frame was. He liked the way it was turning out. It brought new character to the garden. Perhaps in summer they could plant a climbing vine beside it, he could imagine how it’d look in a few years’ time — stained timber, flowering vine, with a couple standing together hand in hand saying their vows.
He smiled at the thought. It would be a good draw card for the Manor.
Already, since Emily had begun spreading the word to travel agents that the pagoda was coming and would be available for spring weddings, they’d seen an uptick in bookings for those months.
If only the rest of his life looked as promising as the bed and breakfast.
He’d spoken to Marc about his legal issues and his friend had looked into it for him. It seemed the charges hadn’t been filed yet, but they were still being considered. At least that was something — maybe it wouldn’t happen. But he had to prepare as if it was going to happen, at least that’s what Marc had said, and he was right. He planned on traveling to Brisbane the next day to meet Marc face to face.
He measured the length of a piece of timber, marked it with a pencil and shoved the pencil back behind his ear. The back door to the Manor swung open, and Emily stepped out, a basket swinging on one arm.
He waved a hand o
ver his head and she strode in his direction.
“Wow, it’s looking great,” she said, eyes wide.
He smiled. He was proud of what he’d achieved. It was a simple structure, but with an artistic flair. “Thanks, it’s going well.”
“The guests are going to love it.”
“I think so too…”
She smiled. He marvelled at how pretty she was when she pushed her usual pout aside for a smile. She had a beautiful smile, and a contagious laugh.
“How’s your day going so far?”
She shrugged. “I’m taking a break from sanding and painting… going to try out a new frittata recipe that I’m planning on making for breakfast tomorrow. I need some fresh herbs…” She patted the basket.
He nodded. “Sounds delicious. Count me in.”
She laughed. “Of course. You can try it this afternoon, tell me if I need to change anything.”
“Would you listen if I did?”
She grunted. “No.”
“That’s what I thought.” He chuckled. “But still, I’d love to try it, and I’ll keep my opinion to myself.”
“Unless you love it.”
“Right… unless I love it.”
He shook his head and set the timber between two sawhorses, then reached for the circular saw. He sliced the timber in half and set the saw back on the ground.
“Where’d you get the idea for the frittata?” he asked.
“I found an old recipe book in Aunty Di’s office.”
He laughed. “It’s your office now.”
She shrugged. “I guess so. It doesn’t feel that way. I think, for me, this place will always be theirs. The office will always be hers.”
“I get it,” he said. “I feel the same way, really.”
He tried to focus his attention back on the work at hand but couldn’t. Emily’s presence had disrupted his thoughts. He couldn't find the thread. He wanted to be able to ignore her, push her aside, but he couldn’t. He was still befuddled by the way she treated him when she seemed perfectly capable of being kind to other people. He was confused by his feelings for her — why was he attracted to a woman who quite obviously disliked him? And then, she’d come outside with a basket on her arm, and her hair piled in messy waves on top of her head, looking cute and give him that smile. It was confounding.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
He sighed. “I’ve got a lot on my mind.”
“Like?”
“Like…” He sighed. How much should he say? He didn’t want Emily to know she was one of the things on his mind. But so far, he’d only told mum about the legal issues he was facing. “You know how I lost my job?”
She nodded.
“Well, the reason for that is my boss, and some of the other executives are facing charges of fraud. I don’t even know what else. But whatever happened, it brought the whole company down, and me with it.”
Her eyes widened. “I’m sorry, that sounds horrible.”
“Yeah it is, hasn’t finished yet. That’s what’s bothering me — the government’s considering filing charges of fraud against me as well.”
“What? Why?” Emily’s stormy grey eyes narrowed.
He shrugged. “I don’t know… I’m not sure what they’ve got. All I know is, I didn’t do what they’re saying I did. I didn’t even realise anything was going on behind the scenes. I wish I’d paid better attention, but honestly, I was working, doing my job, and keeping my head down. I wanted to be a partner, and was on track to achieve that… now, I’m grateful that never happened. I’m pretty certain all of the partners have been charged already.”
“Wow,” she replied.
“Yeah. I’m going to do everything I can to prevent it from having an impact here, on the Manor, the business. But, if it ends up in court, I may have to sell my half of the business. I don’t want it to come to that, but I think you should know it’s a possibility.”
“Okay, well thanks for telling me.” She chewed on a fingernail, her gaze fixed on the ground at her feet. She glanced his way. “I’m going to get started on that frittata. I’ll let you know when it’s done, and you can come and taste test it for me.”
He nodded, waved goodbye, and watched her leave. She’d barely reacted to what he’d said. Didn’t seem bothered by the idea of him having to give up his half of the business. He shouldn’t be surprised by that, he supposed, she’d never been happy about sharing the business with him. But it hurt a little, to be so easily dismissed. He loved being a part-owner of the Seaside Manor. As difficult as she was, he’d grown fond of sharing that with Emily. He found it difficult to swallow the idea that she didn’t feel the same. With a shake of his head, he returned to the task at hand — if he had to sell his share of the Manor, he’d have to go back to Brisbane to look for work. And if he still couldn’t find anyone there who’d take a risk on a former Mammoth employee, he might have to move even further away. The idea made his heart sink. Emerald Cove was home now, he didn’t want to leave, but he may not have much of a choice.
Chapter 16
Sarah
“What are you reading?”
Meg glanced up, shielding her eyes from the glare of the setting sun with her hand and grinned. “Hi Sarah. How’s things?”
Sarah settled onto a beach towel on the sand beside Meg, her lips pulled into a wide smile. “You too.”
“Uh… I’m reading a mystery… it’s good so far, but the scenery keeps distracting me.”
Sarah nodded, taking in the waves, the sand, the families making sandcastles nearby. “I know what you mean, it’s a pretty great view.”
“I love sitting on the beach, just enjoying the sights, sounds, smells… it’s very relaxing. Although, lately I haven’t gotten out so much…” In truth, she hadn’t been to the beach more than a couple of times in the past two months even though they lived directly across the road from it. Brad didn’t want to see the beach, much less get close to it. She’d asked him a few times if they could BBQ or picnic in the parklands that lead to the beach, but he wouldn’t even do that. Didn’t want to hear the waves, no doubt. He hadn’t said the words, but she assumed. And honestly, she couldn’t blame him. He’d been more passionate about the ocean than anyone she’d ever known, and now felt as though it was off limits for him. She only hoped he’d come around someday. No doubt much of his bad temper resulted from the fact that his happy place, the place that filled his soul with joy, was now off limits to him.
“Thanks for meeting me here,” said Meg.
“No worries. I was glad you called. I’ve been worried about you.”
Meg wore workout gear, her red curls pulled into a ponytail that hung down her back.
“So, what’s up?” asked Sarah. “You sounded a little down on the phone.”
“Nothing really… just Brad. He’s having one of those days where he doesn’t want to leave the unit, keeps the curtains drawn over the windows, and snaps at me for everything. I had to get out of there.”
“I’m sorry,” replied Sarah. “I know that’s hard.”
“Yeah… I mean things are a lot better than they were. Most of the time he seems happy, or at least happier than he was. I shouldn’t complain…”
“You can always complain to me. I don’t mind.” Sarah smiled. “They say marriage is the most difficult thing you’ll ever face… I guess they’re right about that. I know it was pretty hard on mum.”
They talked for a few more minutes, then Meg stood and dusted the sand from her legs. “I’ve got to go. It’s getting dark and I want to cook Brad something special for dinner, maybe cheer him up.”
Sarah waved goodbye as Meg strode away through the warm sand. Then, took a book out of her woven shoulder bag and lay on her back to read a while. She was in no rush to get home, although she hadn’t gotten out any meat to defrost for dinner. Perhaps she’d have baked beans on toast. After all, she hadn’t spoken to Mick, wasn’t sure if she’d see him that night or if she’d be eating alone.
She sat up, scattering sand, and dropping the book in her lap. “Oh, hi, Mick, I wasn’t expecting to see you out here.”
Mick pushed one end of his surfboard into the sand and sat beside her, flipped his hair back from his face spraying saltwater all over her.
She giggled. “Thanks.”
“No worries.” He leaned over to kiss her. His lips tasted like salt, and they were cold against hers.
“Did you have a good surf?”
He nodded, grinned. “It’s beautiful out there. Perfect weather. The waves are pretty small, but the water is so nice. I even saw a few dolphins.”
“Really? Oh man, I knew I should’ve brought my board.”
“Yes, you should’ve.” He dug an elbow gently into her side.
She laughed. “You’re getting water all over me.”
He winked. “That’s kind of the point. Come on, it’s a beautiful afternoon, the waves are great and you’re missing out… I’ll come back in with you.”
She looked at the water. It rose and fell in a slow, soothing rhythm. The waves curled lazily towards the shore, then lapped at the sand. The sun hung low behind them, giving the entire beach a golden glow.
“I don’t have a board…”
“I’ve got a spare,” he said.
She grinned. “Okay, let’s do it.”
She was dressed in her red one-piece bathing suit and had lathered sunscreen over every inch of her fair skin. She stood, brushed the sand from her rear end and watched with thudding heart as he ran back to the truck to get the other board from the roof racks.
Mick splashed her as they walked through the water, then pushed her off her board after their first wave. She sputtered to the surface laughing and pushed him off his board right as the next wave slammed down on top of them. Then, she duck-dived through it, turned and paddled. She sailed towards shore, a grin on her face. The next wave she caught, she tried a cut-back and ending up diving headfirst into the lip of the wave. It pummelled her, spinning her like a washing machine. When she popped up again and gasped for breath, Mick gave her a thumbs up.
