Page 16 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

He came to a halt, rubbing his hand across the back of his neck as he gazed out at the view that took in the thatched rooftops of Lytell Stangdale. They looked achingly cosy in the last of the day’s sunshine. ‘Man, I love this place.’

‘Yeah, me too.’ Anoushka stopped beside him, aware of the rise and fall of his chest. It wasn’t difficult to tune into his thoughts. But, much as she was enjoying spending time with him like this, she didn’t want to go down that route today. Didn’t want to see the look in his eyes when she turned down another date. She nibbled on her lip as she searched her mind for something to say that would divert his attention. ‘So, you say you’ve written loads of new songs.’

‘I have, yeah.’ He looked thoughtful for a moment. ‘It’s funny, but I’m actually getting more pleasure from song writing than performing these days. Probably because I get to spend more time here.’ He turned to her with a look that was so loaded, she found herself having to turn away, conscious of his heavy sigh.

Anoushka was thankful when the thrum of Pete Welford’s quad bike over at Tinkel Bottom Farm drew their attention as it reverberated around the dale. They looked on to see him making his way across the field at the foot of his land, scattering his flock of sheep that were now bleating noisily. Bob looked on with interest.

‘The fields’ll be filled with lambs soon,’ she said, keen to move their conversation on. ‘I always think they look like they’re made of little pipe-cleaners with their skinny, wobbly legs.’

‘That’s a pretty good description,’ Gabe said, laughing softly.

Anoushka met his gaze. He was standing close. The thought that his face wasn’t just handsome, it was kind too, his eyes gentle, entered her mind, sending a ripple up her spine. Despite her reservations, it would be oh-so-easy to let herself fall for him. She was gripped by the sudden longing to know what it would feel liked to have his arms wrapped around her, the stubble of his chin against her skin. Her heart was thudding hard as his eyes travelled to her mouth, lingering as a frisson crackled between them. It was intoxicating.

‘Noushka,’ Gabe said, his voice no more than a whisper.

The revs of the quad bike came crashing into her thoughts. She blinked, pulling herself back. Their moment was shattered in an instant.What the hell am I doing?

Her heart was pounding. ‘Oh… erm… was that a spot of rain I felt?’ She held out her hand as if checking for more. ‘I reckon it’s probably time to head home,’ she said as she started hurrying down the track.

‘Er, yeah, I guess you’re right.’ Gabe’s voice was heavy with disappointment, adding guilt to the myriad emotions currently swirling around inside her.

Ughh! Why does life have to be so complicated?

Awkwardness still lingered between them when they reached Gabe’s car. He popped Bob into the back and turned to Anoushka. ‘Thanks for letting us walk with you. I enjoyed our chat.’

‘Me too.’

‘And I’ll be sure to keep a lookout for any suitable dance studio locations.’ He grinned at her, brushing his hair from his face.

‘Thanks, I appreciate that.’ She smiled back at him.

He bent and kissed her cheek, taking her by surprise. She gasped. ‘Oh!’

‘That’s just in case I don’t get to see you before I leave for London.’

She could feel her face growing hot. ‘Well… um… good luck. Hope the tour goes well – if I don’t see you before, that is.’

He climbed into his car and she watched him drive off, her hand going to where his lips had delivered that kiss. Her emotions were in a whirl as she headed towards Oak Tree Farm. She knew her mind had strayed into dangerous territory for a moment back there. They’d nearly kissed! It had shocked her; happening before she’d had chance to think about it. Thank goodness she’d pulled herself up in time. There was no way that was going to happen. No way was she going to cross that boundary with Gabe, for a whole host of reasons. For one thing, what she was feeling right now she could, very firmly, put down to rebound. Nothing more. If she’d succumbed to those feelings, she’d just be using him and that wouldn’t be fair. He was a decent, kind man, and the last thing she wanted to do was mess him about. Not that he’d be heart-broken, she told herself. Yes, he’d been asking her out on and off for the last few years, but she was certain her appeal was just because she kept saying no; her refusals didn’t seem to be causing him any heartbreak – for which she was glad. And besides, there were plenty of girls who’d be more than happy to fill her shoes. If his extensive list of exes was anything to go by, he wouldn’t be single for long.

11

It was Saturday evening, just before seven-thirty – a whole week since her break-up with Damon. It had gone by in a flash, and was untainted by a single moment of regret. Anoushka was making her way along the age-worn sandstone trod to The Sunne Inne. The sunny afternoon of earlier had given way to a clear and frosty evening. Above, the inky-black sky was peppered with millions of twinkling stars, while pale moonlight poured over the village. Woodsmoke curled down from the squat chimneys, lingering in the crisp evening air. She pulled her gloves from the pockets of her cropped, rose-pink duffel coat and pushed her fingers into them. It wasn’t far to the pub from her house, but the cold was surprisingly biting.

Brogan had called that afternoon with a suggestion of a night out at the Sunne. ‘It’ll do you good to get out, chick, rather than sitting at home, stewing over Mr Dickhead,’ she’d said. ‘Say, seven-thirty? Kristy’s coming too, Ben’s dropping her off before heading over to his mates but she won’t be there ’til around eight-ish. We’re overdue a good old laugh together.’ Brogan’s tone suggested she’d brook no argument

Anoushka’s heart had sunk at the time; she’d had another morning making fruitless phone calls, trying to find somewhere suitable for her dance studio. It had left her in no mood for socializing. And besides, she’d already talked herself into an evening in front of the telly followed by a long bubble-bath and an early night. But Brogan wasn’t to be deterred and had badgered Anoushka until she’d agreed.

‘You need to get out, Noushka, before you get into the habit of staying at home the whole time. Don’t let that loser do that to you. The sooner you get back to your old self and old routines, the better for you.’ Alongside her dog-walking business, Brogan worked part-time behind the bar of the Sunne, and had managed to wangle the night off, knowing that her friend could probably do with a girls’ night out and having her mind occupied by a good old chinwag.

Anoushka’s family had been vocal in their encouragement too. ‘It might not feel like it now, but it’ll do you the world of good, lovey,’ Kitty had said.

‘Aye, and you’ll be glad you’ve gone,’ said her dad.

Finally convinced, Anoushka had swapped her comfy loungewear for a pair of skinny jeans and a snuggly, duck-egg blue jumper. Freeing her hair from its plait, she tied it into a low ponytail, leaving loose tendrils around her face. And, after a quick freshen-up of her barely-there make-up, she decided she was good to go.

As she continued along the path a ping from her bag signalled the arrival of a text. She fished out her phone to see a message from Brogan.

Hi Noushka, really sorry, running late.

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