Page 74 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

‘It has?’

‘It has. Being a singer was always a short-term dream for me. And, like you, family, and all it stands for, is right up there as far as what’s important in my life. I’ve always wanted what my parents have; that bond, that love. They’re soulmates, meant to be together, two halves of a whole. Jaysus, I’m sounding cheesy.’ He gave a small laugh, catching her eye.

She smiled back. ‘It’s not cheesy; you could be describing my mum and dad, they’re definitely soulmates.’ It didn’t escape her attention his goals for love and family life matched hers.

‘That’s plain enough to see.’ He reached for her hand. ‘I never thought I’d find that for myself, until I met you. Sorry, more cheese.’ He smiled, his eyes twinkling. ‘Then, when I was on tour, I found myself feeling so homesick for the moors – and you, even though I thought there was no hope of us getting together. The thought of just seeing you, of just being friends with you, kept me going. I felt tired to my stomach at the prospect of going on stage, night after night. I was counting down the days ’til I’d be back here from pretty much the first day. Hmm. Saying it out loud makes me sound like a right sad loser.’ He pulled an apologetic face.

‘Oh, Gabe, it doesn’t.’ Anoushka smiled up at him. ‘I saw you onThe Tina Stone Show,’ she said softly, recalling the sadness in his eyes as he’d chatted away with the TV host.

‘Ah, you did, did you? She’s a one all right; almost managed to winkle all my inner-most thoughts outta me that day!’ His smile fell and he heaved a deep sigh. ‘So, after much soul-searching, I told my manager and my record company that I’d fulfil my contractual obligations, but after that, I won’t be making any more records, won’t be touring, won’t be making any more television appearances. I’ll be writing songs for other people to sing instead. And I’ll be doing it from here; out of the limelight.’

Anoushka took a moment for his words to sink in, a huge smile spreading across her face as it did so. ‘Are you absolutely sure about this?’

‘Couldn’t be surer if I tried.’

‘And you’re definitely not doing it because of me? I mean, I wouldn’t want you to give up a career you love because you think it’s what I want. It’s important that you’re happy too.’ A little niggle reared its head. The last thing Anoushka wanted was for Gabe to make such a drastic decision that he’d regret a few years down the line. That sort of thing could breed resentment and wreck a relationship. There was no way she wanted to risk that.

‘Doing this will make me happy. Being with you makes me happy. Happier than I’ve ever been. And I’ve more news.’ He kissed the tip of her nose.

‘You have?’

‘I’ve recently put in an offer on The Manor House in Lytell Stangdale which has been accepted; should be completed within the next six weeks, all going to plan.’

‘The Manor House? Six weeks? Wow! As long as you’re certain…’ She looked into his eyes, trying to read his expression, searching for any little thing that would signal a doubt in his mind.

‘Noushka, I’m absolutely certain. I’ve lost track of how much thought I’ve put into this; I’m not acting on a whim. That’s not my style. I’ve always followed my instinct and it’s never let me down yet. I want to write songs, here on the moors, with you.’

‘Oh, Gabe.’ She flung her arms around him, her heart surging with happiness. ‘I didn’t dare let myself dream about this.’

Bob shot over and pushed his wet nose between them, his tail wagging furiously, making his whole body wiggle.

‘See, even the Bobster’s pleased for us.’ Gabe laughed as they both fussed over the exuberant Labrador.

They sat a while, Anoushka listening as Gabe told her his plans for The Manor House, of how he’d still use the Danskelfe Castle recording studio in his song-writing process. He went on to explain his remaining contractual commitments with his record label; he’d need to make guest appearances and promote the songs on his new album, several singles from which would be released in the future. ‘Much as I’m dreading doing it – more so since I made up my mind to quit – it doesn’t seem so bad knowing it’ll be for the last time.’ She noted how he seemed so much brighter at the prospect of it all coming to an end, which helped chase away her doubts about his reasons behind it.

‘And I don’t want you to think I’m going to rush you or put pressure on you to move fast with our relationship. I know we’ve been friends for a long time, but I’ll take my cue from you; you can lead the pace. After all, there’s no rush, we’ve got all the time in the world. Though I wouldn’t mind sampling some more of those rather delicious kisses of yours.’

‘Hold that thought.’ Anoushka jumped up and headed out of the room, leaving a puzzled-looking Gabe in her wake.

She returned shortly and reached for his hand, pulling him up and leading him to the bathroom. The seductive scent of neroli lingered on the steam that filled the room, the large bath filled with bubbles. Candles were dotted about, their gentle light casting a romantic glow.

‘What’s all this?’ Gabe asked.

‘Well, you did say the bath was big enough for two…’ A sultry smile lingered on Anoushka’s lips.

‘Are you propositioning me, Miss Cartwright?’

‘I might be.’

‘You’d best be careful or you’ll have young Bob blushing.’ He looked around for his Labrador.

‘I think you’ll find Bob’s in the kitchen getting stuck into the dog chew I’ve just given him. He’ll be too busy to think about us.’

‘In that case…’ Gabe closed the door and turned to Anoushka.

* * *

The followingmorning Anoushka woke to find herself nestled in Gabe’s arms, her head moving with the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Sunlight was sneaking in through the gap in the curtains, the song of a blackbird trilling away outside. A wave of contentment washed over her and she savoured every second; she’d come a long way since her time with Damon. She’d never thought she’d feel this way. She raised her head, her eyes drinking in Gabe’s features; what she’d give to have such thick, dark lashes. Her gaze travelled from the faint smattering of freckles that were dotted over his nose and cheeks down to his full lips. She found herself unable to resist the temptation to kiss him, lightly brushing her mouth against his. His lips were warm and soft, sending a frisson shooting through her. Before she knew it, his eyes pinged open and he was kissing her back.

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