Page 69 of Finding Love in Micklewick Bay

‘I do.’ Stella nodded, recounting what Brooke had told her. ‘So Fred’s the phantom knicker-nicker.’

Alex’s eyes went to the Labrador who was stretched out on the rug in front of the fire, snoring contentedly. ‘The little ratbag!’ He shook his head in disbelief. ‘All that trouble he caused me, almost ruining my reputation. There’ll be no treats for him for a week.’

At the mention of the word “treat” Fred scrambled to his feet and ran across the room. Parking himself beside Alex, he looked up hopefully, his tail swishing across the floor.’

Stella couldn’t help but giggle. ‘How can you resist that face?’

‘Very easily after hearing that.’ The affectionate look in Alex’s eyes belied his serious tone.

When Fred had returned to his place in front of the fire – only after being given a treat! – Stella said, ‘So, can you forgive me? Do you think we can start again, without my barrister sass?’

Alex looked directly at her, his expression turning serious. ‘Of course I can forgive you, but…’ He paused, inhaling deeply.

There’s a but?Stella’s stomach started churning, dreading what he was about to say.

‘I really like you, Stella, more than like you.’ He rubbed his fingertips over his brow. ‘I’ve never been drawn to a woman in the same way I’m drawn to you, never had such strong feelings.’

‘But?’ she said, bracing herself for disappointment.

‘The way you reacted to the underwear situation isn’t the first time you’ve gone flouncy and huffy on me. When you mistook Zara for my girlfriend that night at the Jolly is another example. I could have got you completely wrong here, but the impression I have of you is that you seem to jump to conclusions without hearing an explanation, or waiting to find out if you’ve got it right.’ He gave her an apologetic look. ‘Much as I have these strong feelings for you, I’m not sure that’s something I can live with, I’d find it too unsettling, wondering what was going to happen next.’ He picked up his mug of coffee and took a sip. From the expression on his face, he wasn’t finding this easy.

Stella sat quietly for a moment, processing his words, her whole body aching. She’d blown it.

FORTY

Compelled by the urge to fight for their relationship, Stella took a fortifying breath; she wasn’t prepared to let it slip through her fingers. ‘I totally understand why you feel that way, and much as I don’t like the version of me you’ve just described, I get why you wouldn’t want to take things further. But I can honestly say, that was totally out of character. Yes, I can be sassy, straight-talking and maybe even a bit blunt at times – well, maybe a lot blunt – but I’m not the person you’ve just described. I value the people in my life, and respect their feelings one-hundred per cent. All I can say in my defence is that I’d had a rotten week dealing with a slippery defendant and an even more slippery opponent. Plus, for some unfathomable reason, I’d got suddenly preoccupied with finding my father.’ Stella didn’t like to add how concern about her mum’s recent health scare had been preying on her mind. She dipped her chin, looking him in the eye. ‘If you have any doubts about my personality, just ask my friends; they wouldn’t give me the time of day if I behaved like that as the norm. I’d have had my backside kicked right out of that friendship group, and deservedly so.’

‘Yeah, I get the feeling you’re right there,’ he said with a chuckle.

‘So does this mean we get a second chance?’ She was struggling to rein in the hope that was rising like a tidal wave in her chest, her heart hammering.

Before she knew what was happening, Alex reached across, put his hand at the back of her neck and pulled her to him. In the next moment, his lips were on hers, warm and tender. Stella released a groan, her whole body suddenly on fire.

‘Oops! Sorry.’

They finally pulled apart to see Zara dressed in a fleecy onesie, a towel wrapped around her head, the floral scent of her bubble bath infusing the air.

‘Hey, no worries.’ Stella felt the warmth of a blush creep over her face.

‘Anyone ever tell you your timing’s pants, sis?’

‘Heaps of times.’ Zara grinned at him. ‘And for what it’s worth, I’m chuffed to bits you two are back on track, you look kinda cute together.’

‘That’s just as well,’ Alex said.

‘Oh really?’ Stella gave him a flirtatious smile.

‘Don’t suppose you fancy staying for dinner?’ His eyes twinkled at her.

‘I’d love to.’ She beamed at him, her heart soaring with happiness.

‘Steak, chunky chips and salad do you?’

‘Mmm. Perfect.’

‘You won’t be disappointed, Alex is an amazing cook,’ said Zara. ‘His peppercorn sauce is awesome.’ She padded over to them, her battered novel in her hand.

‘Ooh, I can’t wait to try it.’ A thrill zinged its way through Stella’s body, it felt good to be back on track with Alex. Though the spectre of her father’s ill-fated visit lurked at the back of her mind, she was determined he wasn’t going to spoil her evening with him – and Zara; she’d address that tomorrow. But for now,Johan de Groote had taken up more than enough of her thoughts for one day.

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