Page 68 of Finding Love in Micklewick Bay

‘I think I do.’ He gave her a smile.

‘Yeah, me too.’

By the time she’d returned home, Stella’s skin was covered in goosebumps and she was shivering from the cold. She flicked the heating on, peeled off her wet clothes and treated herself to a tinglingly hot shower which helped warm her through. With her hair tied back in a plait, she pulled on her favourite loungewear, the urge to feel snuggly overriding her usual need to look smart and groomed.

Her mood felt suddenly lighter.

Armed with a bottle of wine, she knocked on Alex’s apartment door, her heart lifting at the prospect of repairing their fledgeling relationship. She heard Fred give a cursory bark in the background.

‘Hi, come in.’ Zara greeted her with a warm smile, Fred pushing his nose through, the sound of his wagging tail hitting the wall. ‘Alex is just in the kitchen.’

‘Hi.’ Stella smiled back, struck by just how much Zara looked like her brother, something that had completely escaped her attention the first time she’d set eyes on her at the Jolly. ‘Hi, Fred.’ She stooped to ruffle the Labrador’s ears.

‘Peace offering.’ Stella headed towards Alex, waving the bottle of wine at him. She’d selected it from her rack; it was one she’d picked up at an exclusive wine shop to save for a special occasion.

‘I’m shocked that you think I could be won over by a bottle of wine,’ he said, adopting a faux offended tone as he took bottle from her. Glancing at the label, his eyebrows lifted. ‘Actually, scrap that, this is a goodie. Apology well and truly accepted.’ He gave a wide smile, his eyes crinkling appealingly at the corners.

‘Phew!’ Stella mimed wiping sweat from her brow. ‘That’s a relief.’

‘Right, I’m going to take myself off for a soak in the bath, give you two a chance to talk,’ said Zara.

‘Okay, sis, enjoy.’

‘I will, I’ve got this.’ She held up a crumpled-looking paperback and smiled. ‘I could be gone some time.’

Stella caught a glimpse of the cover. ‘Ooh, yes, there’s quite a buzz about that book. I’ve been meaning to read it myself.’

‘I’ll pass it on to you when I’m done.’

‘Thanks, Zara.’ Stella beamed at her, taken by her friendliness.

They watched Zara head in the direction of the bathroom. ‘Coffee?’ Alex asked.

‘Sounds good.’ Stella nodded, a thrill rushing through her at being in his company again.

Conversation was light-hearted while Alex attended to the coffee making. Stella learnt he’d been to visit his parents over the last few days, as had Zara. She’d been relieved to hear he’d been looking in the estate agent’s window on behalf of his sister whowas keen to get away from city living and relocate to Micklewick Bay. It was the reason she was staying with her brother, while she attended interviews at nearby hospitals.

With the small talk over and done with, Alex slipped into the seat opposite Stella at the island. She lifted her gaze from her cup, her eyes meeting his, a frisson of attraction sparking between them. It didn’t make what she was about to say any easier. She swallowed, carefully marshalling her words.

‘I want you to know how desperately sorry I am for accusing you of stealing my underwear. It’s a terrible thing to do and I should have listened to you when you tried to explain, instead of storming on, bulldozing your words.’ She paused, inhaling deeply, conscious of Alex’s eyes on her. ‘I’m ashamed to say I let the barrister in me override the real me – something I always said I’d never do – and it was unforgivable. It’s actually been a real wake-up call; the last thing I want is to make a habit of it. I really am very sorry. And I hope with all my heart you can forgive me.’ She was reluctant to explain how fear of the strength of her feelings for him had more than likely contributed to her explosive reaction. She didn’t want him to think she was high maintenance, but the depth of her feelings for him, and the fact that they’d appeared so suddenly, had taken some getting used to.

Alex sat quietly for a moment. He steepled his fingers, resting his chin on the tips, his eyes searching her face.

Stella held her breath, it seemed like an age before he spoke.

‘From what you’ve just said, I don’t think I need to tell you how shocked – and hurt – I was that you’d think I was the sort of man who goes around stealing women’s underwear for some kind of sick gratification.’

Stella winced.Take it on the chin, girl.

‘But what I also found difficult was the fact, like you mentioned yourself, that you didn’t give me the opportunity toexplain. Instead, you just raised your voice and spoke over the top of me, then stormed out. It was hardly a fair battle, but you already know that.’

She nodded, remorse gnawing at her insides. ‘I do. I’d give anything to turn the clock back.’

‘I can honestly say, hand on heart,’ he pressed his hand to his chest, ‘that I have no idea how the underwear got in here. The first I knew of it was when Fred was running around with a pair of lacy knickers in his mouth.’

A bubble of laughter rose up inside Stella as she recalled the image of Fred with a pair of her knickers on his head. ‘I know how they got here.’

‘You do?’

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