Page 12 of The Big Dip in Crumbleton
Pete had got up and dressed at the crack of dawn. It definitely wasn’t natural behaviour for him, but he’d woken up feeling a bit like a good fairy had been at work on him overnight. He had no idea why, but he wanted to make sure Scarlett had a good day. For some reason, he wanted this random stranger to fall in love with Crumbleton Sands. So, he’d spent ages collecting stones, writing notes, and dotting them between the shepherd’s hut and the café.
Now, he was doubting himself. What had he been thinking? Scarlett would probably think he was a complete idiot.
Why? Why had he turned into a cheeseball all of a sudden?!
Pete let out a sigh, his eyes still trained on the door. He wasn’t sure why he was feeling so nervous. Hell, he didn’t even know the woman, and it wasn’t like this was a date or anything. All he’d done was leave a bunch of notes to help out a guest. It was simple hospitality—the kind of thing his parents had been trying to drill into him since he was old enough to carry trays at the café.
So why did his heart keep doing this irritating, skipping thing?
‘Now you look like you’ve got wind,’ said Libby, sounding amused. ‘Are you feeling okay?’
‘I’m fine!’ growled Pete. ‘Just… pay attention before you forget something important, like turning the coffee machine on!’
‘It’s already on, grumpy bear,’ she laughed. ‘This isn’t my first rodeo, you know.’
‘It’s your first time opening up,’ Pete reminded her with a frown. ‘But, if you feel like everything’s under control, maybe I should just leave you to it?’
‘No!’ said Libby. ‘Don’t go… please. I could do with the moral support.’
Pete grinned at her and nodded. ‘Okay. As you asked so nicely!’
Libby blew out a relieved breath.
Little did she know, Pete had no intention of going anywhere until he’d made sure Scarlett was treated to a breakfast fit for a queen.
That’sifshe showed up.
‘Are you sure you’re alright?’ said Libby, her voice suddenly more gentle. ‘I mean… if you’re not feeling well, I can manage.’
‘Thanks, little sis,’ said Pete. ‘I’m fine. Nothing a good coffee won’t cure.’
‘Excellent, you can be my guinea pig!’ said Libby. ‘What do you fancy?’
‘Why don’t you line up one of everything? You probably need the practice while there’s no one else around.’
‘Good idea,’ said Libby, turning to the vast, gleaming machine. ‘Coming right up!’
Pete breathed a sigh of relief. At least that would keep her occupied and off his case for ten minutes.
He settled back in his chair, fixing his eyes on the door again. Much to his surprise, two seconds later, it swung open and Scarlett stepped inside.
The sight of her took Pete’s breath away, and it was as much as he could do to remember to smile. He hoped it looked casual and welcoming, but he had a feeling he probably looked more like a toddler on a sugar high.
Scarlett paused momentarily in the doorway, staring around and blinking as her eyes adjusted from the bright sunshine outside. Her curly hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail, and her shorts and tee-shirt, with that oversized man’s cardigan over the top, made her look nothing short of adorable.
‘Hi!’ said Pete, raising his hand to wave, and promptly feeling like a total dork.
‘Hey!’ said Scarlett, a hesitant smile playing on her lips as she made her way towards him, weaving between the empty tables.
‘Hi,’ said Pete again, struggling for words now that she was actually there. ‘I mean… erm… morning!’
Scarlett grinned at him, coming to a halt next to the table. ‘Thank you for the trail of breadcrumbs. I loved it.’
The gnawing sensation that had been plaguing Pete all morning promptly disappeared. ‘Thought I’d better use pebbles instead of crumbs… the seagulls would have scoffed them otherwise.’
Gah! Was he destined to keep making a complete prat out of himself in front of this woman?
Scarlett was laughing, though. A warm, genuine sound that made Pete’s heart feel like it had a helium balloon attached to it.
