Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
‘V erity! Why are you whispering?’
Verity was lying in bed in the spare room of Cosy Nook Cottage with the duvet pulled over her head. She’d rung Ava to wish her good luck with her move to London.
‘Because he might hear me.’
‘Who might hear you? Where are you?’
‘Sam Wilson, the gorgeous guy from the greasy spoon that I followed onto the ferry and after I tried to drown Hetty. He’s taken me in.’
‘You’re in some random guy’s house?’
‘It’s not just a house, it’s a gorgeous cottage with stunning views, a secret bookcase and, would you believe, its own cove.’
‘He might be a mass murderer. You don’t even know this guy.’
‘He’s not a mass murderer. He’s a normal guy with a dog, which is good as animal people are always the best. And he owns and manages The Sea Glass Restaurant, which is a floating restaurant on the harbour. I’m having a blast, we’ve been swimming in the sea close to midnight under the starlit sky. He sings, too, and performed in the pub – he was amazing – and last night, you’re not going to believe this, but?—’
‘Did you sleep with him?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ came Verity’s instant reply. Even though she’d wondered many times last night what it would be like to spend the night with Sam. When the movie finished, they’d packed up all the stuff from the cove and ventured back inside. Then Sam did the gentlemanly thing and showed her to her room, closing the door behind her and leaving her feeling a twinge of disappointment that there wasn’t even a goodnight kiss on offer, especially after they’d been flirting with each other all night.
‘That’s a little disappointing.’
‘Ava! I’ve only just come out of a relationship.’
‘He never bowled you off your feet like this Sam character though. If we’re being honest, he bored you most of the time. I can remember you asking me, Is this it? Is this what getting into a serious relationship is like? It’s just cleaning and tidying up after someone and watching what he wants on TV? You’d checked out a long time ago, you just didn’t want to admit it.’
The more Verity thought about that, the more she knew Ava was speaking the truth. Richard had never excited her. In fact, it was just like Ava had said; she was often bored and, to be honest with herself, felt lonelier in that relationship than when she was single. Even though she barely knew Sam, he created an excitement in the pit of her stomach she’d never felt with Richard.
‘You’re right. Last night he organised a cinema in his private cove, with champagne, candles and the sound of the sea lapping at the shore.’
‘It sounds like something that only happens in the movies. Did he at least kiss you?’
‘No!’
‘What’s wrong with him? There has to be something wrong with him!’
‘We just had fun. He’s not looking for a relationship.’
‘That’s what’s wrong with him. There’s some underlying issue there. Commitment issues. What’s happened in his past for him not to want a relationship? Broken heart?’
‘You’re allowed to be happy on your own, you know.’
‘Mmm, I’m not sure who you’re trying to convince here. Sounds to me that you already like this guy, and if he’s telling you he’s happy single, you’ll end up with your heart broken – especially given that you’ll have to leave the island eventually.’
Verity’s head was telling her exactly the same thing but last night her heart had not stopped leaping.
‘What if I don’t leave the island? I’m just throwing it out there.’
‘You’ve only been there a couple of days. Everyone loves a holiday, but after a couple of weeks they always want to get back to the comfort of their own home.’
Verity wasn’t sure about that. ‘That might be so if your ex hasn’t moved into the street with the woman he’d been having an affair with.’
‘Fair point. But what I’m saying is that right now it’s a novelty…’
‘I’ve already made friends. Clemmie owns the tearoom and Amelia works in the bookshop and the pub.’
‘It sounds like you’re having a good time.’
‘I am, so I’m going to keep enjoying myself. Oh! Guess what I’m going to be doing? I’m counting puffins!’
‘You’re doing what?’
‘Today, I’m a Puffin Ranger. I’ve got myself a volunteer job helping with the puffin census.’
‘You’re living the dream, Verity Callaway!’
Verity laughed as she said goodbye and hung up. Usually, it was Ava who was the impulsive one, but this time it was Verity who felt free and ready to embrace the unexpected by throwing herself into island life.
Hearing a soft knock on her bedroom door, she jumped out of bed and pulled on Sam’s sweatshirt.
Standing on the other side of the door was Sam, holding out a cup of tea. ‘Coffee for the ranger. I’ve made breakfast, if you want to join me?’
‘Coffee and breakfast! This bed and breakfast will be getting a five-star review on TripAdvisor from me,’ she joked, padding down the stairs after him.
Stepping into the kitchen, Verity was immediately welcomed by Jimmy who circled around her, his tail wagging. ‘Good morning, Jimmy!’ She patted the top of his head and sat down at the table, which was draped with a pristine white tablecloth, and set for two places. Sam put toast in a rack in the middle of the table, followed by two plates of a full English breakfast.
‘Gosh, I need to stay here more often. This will keep me going until this evening. Thank you, this looks amazing.’
‘I’ve heard counting puffins is difficult work so this might help you get through the day. You’ll need to leave soon?’
‘I’ll grab a quick shower after this and then head up to the cliffs.’ Verity glanced towards the window. ‘Not a cloud in the sky. It’ll be a beautiful day.’
Sam nodded towards the kitchen counter. ‘I’ve left you some sun cream. You’ll need it as you won’t feel the burn up on the cliffs with the breeze from the sea. You should also cover up your shoulders, and there’s a cap there, too, if you need to borrow one.’
‘Aww, you do look after me, don’t you?’ His kindness gave her a warm, fuzzy feeling and she smiled as she tucked into her breakfast. Within ten minutes Verity had devoured the lot and whilst Sam loaded the dishwasher she grabbed a quick shower. As soon as she was ready, she found Sam with his coat on, waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. ‘I’ve got a delivery at the restaurant so I need to get going but this is for you.’ He handed her a flask and a carrier bag.
Verity peeped inside the bag. ‘You’ve made me lunch?’
‘It’s just a sandwich, crisps and fruit to keep you going.’
‘You, Sam Wilson, are a keeper! You’ve thought of everything.’ Without thinking she leaned across and kissed him on his cheek, then lingered for a second looking at his lips. ‘One day you’ll make someone a good husband.’
As soon as she said the words, she noticed his smile slip slightly.
‘Sorry, did I say something wrong? I was just joking. No one has ever done anything like this for me before…’ It was true – in all the time she had lived with Richard he’d never made her lunch or worried she’d get sunburnt.
‘No, honestly. It’s okay. You have a good day and I’ll see you later. I can’t wait to hear all about it. You still have your key?’ She nodded and watched him leave the cottage and disappear at the end of the drive with Jimmy at his heels.
Verity realised her words had instantly and completely changed Sam’s mood. He’d opened up about his family and his grandfather’s death but he’d never opened up about his past love, Alice. Verity was left wondering what exactly had gone on there.