Page 57 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

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Undeterred, she continued. ‘It’s just, when Kristy and Brogan get started on that topic of conversation, there’s no stopping them and I really needed them to ease up with it that night. I love them to bits, and I know they mean well, but, it gets too much sometimes. And since Damon, well, you know.’ Mentioning his name sent a burst of anxiety shooting through her, putting a stop to her gabbling.

‘I get it. Stop beating yourself up about it; we’re cool.’

She heaved a sigh of relief. ‘We are?’

‘We are.’ He nodded and smiled again, this time it crinkled his eyes, making her heart do its familiar leap.

‘Oh, thank goodness. I’d hate for you to—’

‘Like I said, just forget about it.’

Bob nudged her leg with his head, catching where it was sore. Her face crumpled with pain. She went to stroke the Labrador’s velvety head again, hoping Gabe hadn’t noticed her reaction. ‘I heard you singing, it sounded lovely. Is it something new?’ She peered up at him.

‘It’s my next single; the first one from my new album. It’s due for release at the end of August,’ he said, a puzzled expression on his face.

‘Oh, right.’ Anoushka hated how this felt so awkward. ‘What’s it called? I’ll be sure to download it.’

He paused a moment. ‘My Rose-Shaped Heart.’ His eyes sought hers.

‘Oh.’ She felt colour flood her cheeks. He’d called her Rose a few times since she’d told him it was her middle name. Why did she get the feeling it was a reference to that? Or was she simply over-thinking things?

His gaze forced her mind to search for something to take the conversation in a different direction. ‘So, the weather’s been gorgeous.’The weather? Are you serious?She groaned inwardly at her pathetic choice of topic.

‘It has; not sure how long it can last like this.’ He smiled, brushing his fringe back off his forehead.

‘Who can tell on the North Yorkshire Moors? It can be blazing sunshine one week and freak hailstorms the next,’ she said. They both gave an awkward laugh.

Anoushka glanced around her, feeling suddenly self-conscious. ‘So, how long are you here for?’

‘’Til mid-August; we’re shooting the video for my new song here on the moors of the Danskelfe Estate in a couple of weeks’ time. Then, a couple of days after that I’ll be heading down to London to tie up a few loose ends, and do an interview onThe Tina Stone Show.’

‘Oh, wow!The Tina Stone Show? That’s awesome.’ The host of the chat show had been taking the country by storm with her friendly, yet disarming conversational manner that managed to make her guests believe she was their best friend and confide in her over a cup of tea poured from a china teapot. She was like a cool big sister, and had a happy knack of winkling information out of her guests without them even realising. Even big-name stars had found themselves quite happily spilling their guts, seemingly unaware that they were doing so.

‘I’m not so sure about that.’ Gabe pulled a regretful face. ‘But my manager and my record label seemed to think it was a good idea –another one– to help promote the new the album. I, however, can think of way better things to be doing with my time, that’s for sure. As soon as I’m done, I’ll be heading back here as fast as my legs – or, rather, the train – can carry me.’

‘I’m sure you’ll have a great time; Tina always seems really friendly and her guests always look like they’re enjoying her banter.’

Gabe heaved a sigh. ‘Yeah, I suppose they do,’ he said, though he didn’t look convinced.

They stood in companionable silence for a while, Bob between them, his ears twitching at the sounds of the countryside that filled the air. Anoushka’s gaze roamed over the view of the dale. It was a picture of bucolic perfection, yet somehow incongruous set against the storm that was currently raging in her heart. The patchwork of fields set out before them were a vibrant mixture of lush greens interspersed with rectangles of pale golds where stubble remained after the silaging had been done. Large, round bales of hay were set out in neat rows, ready for collection and storage, while in others, cows or sheep grazed idly under the heat of the afternoon sun.

Anoushka drew in a lungful of sultry air, hints of Gabe’s cologne threaded through it. She was suddenly conscious that no further communication would be forthcoming from him and she felt a pang of regret. This new awkwardness between them didn’t sit right with her, but after what he’d overheard last week, what could she expect? ‘Well, I suppose I’d best head back home,’ she said, giving him a small smile.

He turned to face her. ‘It’s been good to see you, Noushka; I appreciate you coming to talk to me.’ He reached out, pressing his fingertips gently against her arm, pulling back sharply when she flinched. ‘What’s wrong? Are you okay? Have I hurt you?’ His brow creased with concern as his eyes went to her arm.

‘I… it’s just… sorry. It’s nothing; just me being silly.’ She cursed herself for reacting in such a way.

Bob, sensing something was amiss, parked himself in front of Anoushka, resting his paw on her foot and whimpering as he gazed up at her.

‘It’s okay, Bob.’ She gave him a quick scratch between the ears.

‘That reaction didn’t suggest it was nothing. What’s happened to your arm? Have you hurt it?’ Gabe asked. ‘It felt like there was some sort of padding under your t-shirt.’

Anoushka rubbed her hand over the back of her neck, struggling to meet his eyes. She really didn’t want to have to explain about Damon. ‘Like I said, it’s nothing; just me being clumsy. I fell over, skinned it. Luckily Zander was there when it happened so he was able to dress it for me.’

‘Right,’ Gabe said slowly. She could feel the intensity of his gaze on her. When she eventually made eye contact with him, the look she met told her he didn’t quite believe her.

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