Page 18 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

She quickly looked away, directing her attention to her phone once more, hoping he hadn’t spotted her, willing her heart to be still. The last thing she wanted was for Brogan and Kristy to land and find her mid-conversation with Gabe; they’d put two and two together and come up with a whole load of something that was way off the mark. She could only imagine the resultant teasing; it would drive her potty!

A few moments later, she sensed a presence beside her, the familiar, spicy scent of cologne that could only belong to one person. Feeling her heart rate crank up several notches, she looked up to see Gabe smiling down at her, his eyes dancing happily. Bob, who’d been busy sniffing the carpet, lunged towards her, pushing his head into her lap, his tails wagging excitedly.

‘Well, hello there, Bob.’ She laughed at his enthusiastic greeting, smoothing his velvety brow which only served to make him wag his tail even harder. ‘And hi, Gabe,’ she said, looking up at him.

‘Hi there, Noushka.’ He brushed back his floppy fringe, his velvety tones sending a delicious ripple up her spine. ‘You on your own?’ His gaze fell to the three wine glasses. ‘Durr. Stupid question, please ignore it. I’m an eejit.’ He laughed. ‘You’re clearly not on your own.’

‘I’m just waiting for Brogan and Kristy; they’re running late.’

‘Ah, I see.’

She smiled up at him, not knowing what else to say.

‘Mind if Bob and I join you for a minute? We’ll skedaddle when your pals get here; I’ve no intention of getting in the way and taking over your evening.’ He flashed another smile, this one unleashing a host of butterflies in her stomach. She wasn’t ready to deal with those this evening – nor the reason behind them.

‘Course, help yourself.’ She pushed her phone back into her bag and he placed his pint down on the table, before instructing Bob to sit, which the young Labrador obediently did, all the while watching his dad with eager eyes. ‘Good, lad,’ Gabe said as he slipped off his navy peacoat and hung it on the back of the chair opposite Anoushka. ‘So, then, what’s the craic?’ he asked as he sat down. ‘There must be a shed-load since I last saw you a whole two days ago.’ He flashed her a disarming smile. ‘I know what a hotbed of activity it is round here.’

‘Hmm, I’m not so sure about that.’ Anoushka grinned. ‘Not unless you include the news that Hugh Heifer’s gone and got himself a new cow.’

Gabe nodded solemnly. ‘Well, that’s what I’d call very big news. Though I reckon it would’ve caused more of a stir if you’d told me he’d got himself a pair of new wellies; I’d call that headline-grabbing.’ He pulled a mock serious face, making her giggle.

‘Well, I think we both know that’s never going to happen, though I had heard a rumour he’d stuck a new pair of soles on the ones he’s been wearing – when I say “new”, I mean he’s taken the soles off an old pair of his son John’s, and stuck them on his.’

‘Ah, that’s what I like to hear. Lytell Stangdale at the cutting-edge of upcycling and doing its bit for the planet. Good old Hugh, he’s a great character.’ The smile he gave melted her heart a little.

‘He’s that all right.’ She really wished those dratted butterflies in her stomach would settle themselves, they were annoyingly distracting. Doing all she could to ignore them she asked, ‘Anyway, how are things with you? How’re the preparations for the tour going?’

‘Yeah, they’re going fine.’

Bob slid to the floor with a harumph.

She noted Gabe’s smile had fallen, his voice lacking its usual enthusiasm.

‘How long will you be away for?’

‘Couple of months; I’m hoping to be back here in June; sure it won’t come soon enough.’ He held her gaze. He didn’t need to ask, “Will things be different between us by then? Will you be ready to go out with me?” – those soft brown eyes of his said it all.

Feeling the colour rise in her cheeks, Anoushka quickly looked away, turning her attention to Bob. ‘And what will you do with Bob while you’re away?’

On hearing his name, Bob scrabbled to his feet, two large eyes peering over the table, his tail swishing over the carpet. Gabe caught Anoushka’s eye and they both laughed.

‘Ah, you’re so cute, Bob.’ She gave the Labrador’s ears a quick ruffle.

‘Caro’s very kindly offered to Bob-sit for me, which is good of her. Can’t be bad, can it, fella? Doggy bed-and-breakfast in a castle, eh? You’d best make sure you don’t get all snooty with the rest of us while I’m away.’ Enjoying the attention, Bob pushed his head into Gabe’s lap, blinking up at him. ‘He’s promised me he’ll stay well away from shoes, especially Lady Davinia’s. Perish the thought he gets his paws on one of hers. She’d have him thrown into the dungeons before he could say, “It wasn’t me, it was Lord Danskelfe!”’ He pulled a face of mock horror, making Anoushka giggle.

‘Hmm. I can’t imagine she’d take it too well.’ Lady Davinia Hammondely may have softened in recent years, but there were still moments when she forgot herself and the sour-faced dragon of her former years returned. Chewed designer shoes would bring about such an occasion, of that Anoushka was certain.

‘No, neither can I.’

They both laughed and her eyes fell to her glass of Pinot Grigio, the contents suddenly fascinating.

A few moments followed before Gabe spoke. ‘It’s been good to see you smiling again, Noushka, see that sparkle return to your eyes.’

She felt her heart leap. How on earth did she reply to that? She drew in a steadying breath. ‘It feels good to smile again,’ she said, her eyes tentatively reaching his. It was true; there was no point pretending she didn’t know what he meant, or ignoring it.

‘And I meant what I said when I saw you last Saturday, if you ever need to talk, I’m more than happy to listen. I promise not to judge or pass comment; I’ll just be an impartial ear for you when you need to let off steam. Well, maybe impartial’s not the right word if it involves that eejit, but you know what I mean.’

She felt a smile pull at her mouth. ‘Thanks, Gabe, that’s really kind, but I think I’ll be okay. I’m feeling much better now.’ The way he was looking at her made her heart give another lilt and before she knew what was happening, she found herself wondering what it would feel like to have his lips pressed against hers. They looked soft and warm and—Get that thought right out of your head!She snatched up her glass and took a quick sip of her wine before looking away, glad that the lighting was dim and would, hopefully, hide the blush she could feel creeping up her face. How could she be feeling this way so soon after Damon?

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