Page 47 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

‘You’re not? But in the photographs you were… you seemed…’ She didn’t know how he was going to explain this one; they looked pretty damned close for not being a couple.

‘I know.’ He pushed his fingers into his hair, frustrated. ‘But they’re honestly not what they look like.’

His obvious discomfort tugged at her conscience. ‘Hey, it’s really none of my business, Gabe. You don’t have to answer to me; you’re free to live your life as you see fit, with whoever you want.’

‘I’d still feel better telling you about it.’ He looked at her beseechingly.

‘Okay; if that’s what you want.’ She shrugged, her heart slowly sinking.

Gabe went on to tell her how Lilith Dean’s manager had been in touch with his. It would seem Lilith’s star was rising and she was finding herself much-in-demand with the big name fashion houses and brands. Her manager had thought it would be an excellent publicity stunt to get the couple seen out and about together, hoping it would generate a flurry of strategically-taken photos, thus giving their profiles an extra boost. With Gabe’s new album due for release in the autumn, and the first single from it coming out in late August, it would be perfect timing. Photos of them looking loved up would be like rocket fuel to their popularity and, consequently, their earning potential – which had been the real driving force behind the respective management teams. Unbeknown to Gabe, the two managers had arranged a meal for the pair of them and had tipped off the paparazzi with the name of restaurant they’d be at. Lilith Dean’s had gone one further and dropped hints about the imminent announcement of their engagement. Both Gabe and Lilith had been shocked at this, as had the model’s boyfriend of three years. Lilith had been as oblivious to their scheme as Gabe. Though, thanks to downing a bottle of expensive champagne, she hadn’t taken much encouragement to pucker up and pull Gabe into a clinch in front of the flashing cameras. As predicted, it had been gold dust with the photos selling for a small fortune; the pair’s profiles had gone stratospheric.

‘They’ve even arranged with my record company for her to star in my next video. Part of it’s being filmed up here at the end of this month, on the moors and fields belonging to the Danskelfe Estate.’

‘Oh, wow. You couldn’t get a more beautiful location,’ Anoushka said quietly, her eyes focusing on the blade of grass she was twisting in her fingers as she slowly absorbed his words. It would seem Kitty had been right when she’d warned her that the photos of Gabe and Lilith Dean might not have been what they seemed.

‘True.’ He reached out, his hand touching her chin, turning her face to him. His dark eyes looked deep into hers. ‘Noushka, I know you’ve made it clear to me you don’t want us to be anything more than friends, and I totally respect that – I’m no fool, I know I can’t make you love me; I’ve definitely got the message – but I couldn’t walk this earth thinking your opinion of me was that I was nothing more than a shallow eejit who was turned down by you one minute, and then went and proposed to the very next girl I bumped into, who also, incidentally, happened to have a long-term boyfriend.’ His eyes locked onto hers. ‘I’m not that kind of man.’

Anoushka’s heart was beating faster than ever, relief coming in a huge wave. It was impossible not to feel the charge that sparked between them. She felt her resolve waver, its foundations slowly crumbling. The urge to feel his lips against hers was suddenly overwhelming and she found herself willing him to kiss her with all her might.

‘Sweet Rose.’ His voice was no more than a whisper.

Just as he was inching closer, a rabbit shot out of the bracken and the dogs leapt to attention. Bob gave a howling bark before darting after the rabbit, only to be pulled back by his lead that had been tied to the arm of the bench.

And just like that, the spell was broken.

* * *

Back at Oak Tree Farm,they found everyone still chilling in the garden, the rich aroma of coffee circulating from the mugs set out on the table. The three dogs raced off to the utility room to quench their thirst at the water bowls.

‘Ooh, that was good timing,’ said Kitty, her eyes searching Anoushka’s face. ‘We all thought we needed a bit of caffeine to pep ourselves up; the heat’s making everyone drowsy.’

‘Yeah, Moll’s been snoring like a pig,’ Jimby said with a chuckle.

‘I have not, have I, Camm?’ Molly shot Jimby a filthy look.

‘Hmm…’ Camm pressed his lips together. ‘Let’s just say, we all knew you were asleep,’ he said diplomatically.

Molly gave him a sideways look and huffed. ‘Thanks for the support; I’ll remember that next time you’re letting rip.’ Her mouth twitched with a smile.

‘Coffee, Gabe?’ Ollie asked.

‘I’d best be heading back, but thanks for the offer. I just need to get the bank details for the Village Committee so I can transfer a donation across.’

‘Don’t worry about that, I’ll text it ove—’ Before Jimby could finish, Lucas shot out of the kitchen, his eyes dancing mischievously. In his hands was a water-filled balloon. Before anyone could speak, he reached his arm back and lobbed it at Jimby with all his might.

It exploded on Jimby’s chest, water covering his face. ‘Warghh!’ He spluttered. ‘You little… you’ll pay for that!’

‘Told you I’d get you back for calling me a little squirt.’ Lucas roared with laughter as he shot off down the garden, Jimby in hot pursuit. Shrieks of laughter from the younger children filled the air. A moment later, Bob, Ethel and Mabel joined in the fun, charging around after them.

‘Come here and take your punishment, you little squirt!’ Jimby raced after Lucas who was heading towards the house, effortlessly clearing the paddling pool as he went. Jimby wasn’t quite so agile and landed with one foot in the water. He slid across the base, his arms waving frantically as he tried to right himself, before shooting backwards with an almighty sploosh. The dogs didn’t waste a moment and joined him, Bob leaping about and kicking water everywhere. Everyone looked on, rendered helpless with fits of laughter.

‘Arghh! Get off me you stinky hounds!’ Jimby tried to climb out of the pool but the dogs, who thought it was a wonderful game, were having none of it and continued to leap all over him; they were having a whale of a time, with Mabel tugging at his t-shirt.

Finally he managed to break free, rolling away from the danger zone, leaving the dogs splashing about in the pool. Bob was on his back, kicking his legs in the air, his eyes wild with happiness. ‘Thanks for your help, everyone,’ Jimby said as he pulled himself upright, water dripping from him.

‘Like I said, your family are awesome.’ Grinning, Gabe looked across at Anoushka who’d been laughing so hard, her eyes were watering.

‘Well, you’re certainly right about there never being a dull moment,’ she said, her mind going back to their unfinished moment up on the rigg. What would’ve happened if they hadn’t been interrupted? Would they have kissed? And if they had, how would she be feeling about that now? Her heart started racing at the thought.

---