Page 72 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

‘Ah, man, this is the life,’ Gabe said, almost drowsily. He gave a contented sigh.

‘Mmm.’ Anoushka’s head was resting on his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart while he lazily traced his fingers up and down her arm which had healed well since her accident. It had been a long time since she’d felt this happy, this carefree, this utterly content.

‘I’m amazed – and enormously relieved – there haven’t been any repercussions because of you being in my video,’ he said. After much persuasion from Gabe on their journey home from the hospital, Anoushka had confessed to the real reason behind the injuries she’d sustained to her arm and leg. She’d gone on to tell him about her conversations with Gina. And though he’d already guessed that Damon had somehow been involved, Gabe had tensed with anger, his already pale face blanching even more. It had taken some considerable effort on Anoushka’s part to calm him down.

‘Yeah, I have to say, it crossed my mind too. Got me a bit worried actually, but Gina said he’d left Stevie alone after she’d taken out the restraining order. Like I said before, I reckon the police having a word with him, threatening him with another one, has been enough of a deterrent, which is a huge relief.’

‘You’re not wrong there.’

‘Hmm. I heard a whisper he was dating someone new so it looks like he’s switched his attention well away from me. I can’t help but feel sorry for the poor lass, whoever she is. I hope she’ll be okay.’

‘Well, it’s reassuring to hear he’s turned his attention away from you, though the new girl has my sympathy. Hopefully, he’s had time to think about his controlling behaviour.’

‘I’m not so sure; I think it’s pretty ingrained.’

They sat in silence for a while, watching a couple of roe deer make their way cautiously across a nearby field before disappearing into the depths of the wood. Anoushka felt suddenly conscious that Gabe was about to say something.

‘You know, Noushka, much as I’m over the moon about us…’ He paused a moment, sending a prickle of panic over her.

Uh-oh. I hope I’m going to like this.She tensed, bracing herself for what he was about to deliver.

‘I think we should take things slowly. I don’t want to rush you into anything; don’t want you to have second thoughts. I’m happy for us to take our time. I know we’ve been friends for a good while, but this… this is different. This is special and I want to savour every moment of getting to know you as my girl.’ He squeezed her close to him. ‘And I actually need it to sink in properly; still doesn’t feel real.’

Anoushka sat up, relief flooding her. She looked him directly in the eye. ‘I’m not going to have second thoughts, Gabe,’ she said earnestly, taking his hand in hers, weaving her fingers through his. ‘I know it took me a long time to admit it to myself but I know right here,’ she patted her heart, ‘that being with you is what I want more than anything else in the world. I’ve never had these feelings for anyone before, and, yes, if I’m being honest, the strength of them scared me at first – a hell of a lot actually. But when I’d heard you’d been in an accident, that put everything into perspective, made me realise just how much you mean to me – how much Iloveyou – the thought of not having you in my life was too much to bear. And now I’ve allowed myself to get used to the idea of us, well… I don’t know how to put it into words.’

He pressed his hand against her cheek and looked deep into her eyes. ‘Words aren’t always necessary, my sweet Rose,’ he said before kissing her tenderly, stirring the butterflies in her stomach and making them flutter about in a frenzy.

* * *

‘That was delicious,’said Gabe, sitting back and patting his stomach. They were sitting at the table outside, and had just devoured the lemon chicken salad with fragrant, jewelled couscous and crusty bread followed by the rhubarb cranachan and cream Bea and Jonty had sent. A large citronella candle was helping keep the midges at bay. Bob was stretched out on the grass, his eyes firmly glued to the plates, ready to leap for any rich pickings that might come his way.

‘Mmm. She’s an awesome cook; Lucas is learning loads from her.’ Anoushka dabbed her mouth with a paper napkin, savouring the delicious flavours that were still dancing over her tastebuds. ‘Don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea?’

‘Well, much as I’d prefer a cooling bottle of beer, I’m happy to follow the doctor’s advice and avoid alcohol for the time being. So tea it is; I’ll do the honours.’

Ten minutes later, they were back outside, sipping tea on the sofa. The sun had slipped away and darkness was creeping in, early stars twinkling in the sky. Brooding clouds were inching closer, encroaching on the remaining light. The atmosphere had become heavy and close.

‘Phew, it isn’t half muggy now,’ said Anoushka, her short-sleeved shirt sticking to her.

‘Yeah, feels like the weather’s about to break.’

The moors had enjoyed uninterrupted weeks of blazing sunshine and, wonderful as it had been, it had left the land dusty and bone-dry. The farmers could be regularly heard airing their concerns and now the threat of a hosepipe ban was looming for the parched area.

Just as Gabe spoke, a flash of lightening streaked across the sky above the wood. It was followed several seconds later by a rumble of thunder.

Bob, who’d been sitting on the ground beside them, scrambled to his feet, looking around, puzzled, before rushing over to Gabe, pushing his head onto his dad’s lap.

‘I think it heard you,’ said Anoushka as the sky suddenly darkened and was now glowering at them. The wind picked up pace, scurrying across the moor, lifting strands of her hair, its touch cool as it brushed over her skin. She looked on as the trees began to sway.

‘I think it did,’ said Gabe, giving Bob a reassuring pat. ‘It’s all right, fella.’

A moment later, huge splodges of rain started to fall. Before they knew it, the heavens properly opened and rain was cascading from the sky in a torrent; the wind took this as a signal to up its game and was now rocking the trees back and forth with all its might.

‘Warghh!’ said Anoushka as the pair leapt up. ‘The cushions’ll get soaked!’ She grabbed the one from the sofa while Gabe reached for the two on the chairs, leaving his cup of tea on the table as they rushed indoors.

‘Jaysus, I thought the rain was bad in Ireland.’ Gabe’s dark hair was now plastered to his head. He pulled at his saturated t-shirt that was clinging to his stomach. ‘Ughh!’

‘Yep, it really knows how to chuck it down, here.’ Anoushka giggled as she closed the bi-fold doors, rainwater trickling down her face.

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