Page 71 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

Sim rubbed his hand across his forehead, puffing out his cheeks. ‘I didn’t do anything; it was the paramedics who were amazing. They were so calm, worked fast. I just stood there in total shock.’

‘At least you were with me and I hadn’t come off the bike on my own.’

Anoushka shuddered at Sim’s words, catching Caro’s eye.

‘Well, it could’ve been so much worse, but thankfully you’re here to tell the tale,’ Caro said before heading over to the kitchen. She set the cool bag down on the countertop. ‘Bea and Jonty have sent over some yummy supplies, which is why Sim had to pop over to the pub.’

‘Oh, wow! That’s very good of them. Bea’s food’s amazing.’ A beam lit up Gabe’s face.

‘Ooh, it is,’ said Anoushka, her smiles returning.

Caro leaned towards her, speaking softly. ‘We’re so glad you’re staying with him. At least some good has come out of his accident; you two finally getting together.’ She gave a small smile, happiness shining in her eyes.

Anoushka was about to say something but thought better of it. Tongues would inevitably wag eventually. What was the point of keeping quiet about it? Of delaying the onslaught of questions?

* * *

With Caro and Sim gone,Anoushka sensed Gabe’s eyes on her. She glanced up to see him smiling softly. ‘How about I open the bi-fold doors? Let some fresh air in?’ she asked.

‘Sounds like a plan,’ he said.

With the doors pushed back, the sound of the moors flooded the lodge – the cackle of a nearby pheasant, the cry of a buzzard that circled above mingling with the low thrum of the tractor across at Castlegate Farm. Anoushka stepped out into the garden area, her eyes alighting on the all-weather rattan furniture, comprising of a sofa and two chairs, a glass-topped table in between. Yet more wood for the fire was neatly stacked in a log store. She spotted a built-in barbecue located in the corner – with strict instructions not to use in hot weather for fear of the tinder-dry moorland catching fire. Solar-powered fairy lights were festooned around the yew hedge that separated the seating area, while the borders were filled with colourful plants that were hardy enough to survive the savage moorland winters. There was even a slouchy hammock. It was all set to a stunning backdrop of the moors in all their summer finery, plump swathes of purple heather punctuated by clusters of woodland. It was breath-taking; Anoushka would never tire of its beauty.

‘Wow! It’s just gorgeous out here. And they really have thought of everything,’ she said, looking around in delight.

‘Yeah, they’ve created something really special. Caro’s got great vision and employs the best people to make it a reality.’ Gabe appeared beside her. ‘And talking of something really special…’ He moved round so he was standing in front of her, gently pushing her hair back off her face. He drew in a deep breath. ‘Anoushka, I still can’t believe it,’ he said, his voice soft. ‘It still doesn’t feel real.’

She looked up to see his eyes were filled with emotion. Her heart began to race. ‘Gabe, I’m sorry I took so long, I feel…’ She sighed, her fingers gently touching the bruise on his cheek. How could she even begin to explain how she’d been feeling? Explain why she’d battled so hard with her feelings? ‘I’m just—’

‘Shh. There’s no need to apologise.’ He cupped her face in his hands, his eyes looking deep into hers as if waiting for permission to kiss her.

A deep yearning surged inside her, making her breathing grow rapid. With her chest heaving, she pushed her fingers into his hair and pressed her lips against his, releasing every ounce of the pent-up passion that had been growing ever since the first kiss they’d shared on the moors. There was no stopping her; no way she could hold back even if she wanted to. Her feelings for him had been well and truly unleashed.

‘Wow! Talk about fireworks and thunderbolts,’ Gabe said when they finally pulled apart.

Gasping, Anoushka pressed her lips together, savouring his taste and the heat of their kiss. ‘It was the same for me. I’ve never felt this way.’

He smiled, his face glowing with happiness. He kissed her again, this time soft and gentle. Then he rested his forehead against hers. ‘You’ve made me the happiest man in the world, my sweet Rose.’

‘I’m feeling pretty happy myself.’ She couldn’t stop the smile that was pulling at her mouth.

Gabe went to speak but a sudden bark from Bob, reminding them he was there, silenced him. They both glanced over to see the young Labrador sitting, looking up at them, his tail wagging happily and what appeared to be a smile on his face.

Gabe’s eyes met Anoushka’s and they both burst out laughing. Bob, eager to join in the hilarity, trotted over, dancing around them like a show pony. ‘Oh, Bob, you’re such a great little guy,’ Gabe said, giving him a sound pat. ‘I’m so glad to have you in my life.’

‘I think he feels the same about you. He certainly gives off a happy vibe,’ said Anoushka.

Bob took that as his cue and flipped onto his back, wriggling around, his eyes wild with happiness.

‘What makes you say that?’ Gabe laughed, as he watched the Labrador leap up and race around the garden, ears flapping.

‘He’s like a Jimby of the dog world.’ Anoushka pressed her hand to her mouth and giggled.

‘I’ll tell Jimby you said that.’ Gabe looked at her, his eyes shining.

44

Anoushka and Gabe were enjoying the afternoon, sitting on the rattan sofa, basking in the sunshine. The air was imbued with a blissful sense of tranquillity, the soundtrack of moorland life humming away gently in the background.

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