Page 78 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘It’s a surprise,’ said Bea, ‘but I think you’re going to love it!’
‘Are we going back to Canteen 64?’ he asked, pulling on his seatbelt.
‘Er… afraid not,’ she laughed. Was she imagining it, or did his face fall a little?
‘But we are going for lunch, though?’
‘Oh, absolutely,’ said Bea, driving back through the metal gates slowly.
‘Great, I’m starving,’ said Lochlan, reaching out to squeeze her hand. She felt her stomach do a little flip. She’d almost forgotten how utterly gorgeous he was.
On their drive to the beach, Lochlan told her all about his time in London. He was working on a big new project with some foreign investors. If everything went through, the deal would be worth millions, apparently. He’d stayed in a luxurious boutique hotel in Mayfair – she’d have loved it, he told her. In fact, he said she should come up for the night the next time he had a client dinner, so she could see for herself.
‘That sounds wonderful,’ she said, excited by the prospect of a mini break in London with the hot guy sat next to her.
‘We’ll sort out a date,’ said Lochlan.
‘Definitely! Ah, we’re here!’ said Bea, as she pulled into a tiny car park at the top of Fairlight cliffs.
‘Is that France?’ asked Lochlan, climbing out of the car and walking towards the edge of the cliffs.
‘Uh-huh,’ Bea replied. ‘On a clear day, you can see for miles.’
‘What have you got there?’ he asked, as Bea hauled a wicker hamper out of the boot.
‘We’re having a picnic on the beach!’ Bea announced.
‘On the beach?’ said Lochlan, looking horrified.
‘Yes…’ Bea faltered.
‘But we’ll get covered in sand,’ he replied. ‘I thought we were going to a restaurant. You know, somewhere nice?’
‘I thought this would be a bit different; something a bit more fun,’ said Bea, feeling a little stung. ‘It’s a gorgeous day, we should make the most of it.’ She’d thought her plan had been romantic, but from the look on Lochlan’s face, he clearly thought it was anything but.
‘I wish you’d said, I wouldn’t have worn these shoes,’ said Lochlan, looking down at what looked like a very expensive pair of leather loafers on his feet.
‘Sorry,’ said Bea, shaking her head. ‘I didn’t think.’
‘Don’t worry,’ he said, more brightly, the clouds disappearing from his face as quickly as they had formed. ‘I’ve got others. You’re right, it is a gorgeous day.’
‘Great!’
‘Here, let me,’ said Lochlan, taking the basket from her. ‘How do we get down?’
‘Over there,’ she said, pointing to a set of wooden steps at the edge of the car park. ‘It’s steep, so be careful.’
‘I will,’ Lochlan called behind him, descending the steps at speed. Bea gripped the handrail tightly, she’d never had much of a head for heights.
‘Phew,’ said Bea, finally stepping onto the beach a few minutes after him. ‘Good. There’s no one else here,’ she said, taking in the empty golden sand and clear blue water.
‘I can see why you like it here,’ said Lochlan, setting down the hamper and stopping to admire the view.
‘Every time I’m here it’s deserted, I love it. Everywhere gets so busy, especially in the summer.’
‘Let’s eat,’ said Lochlan, impatiently, opening up the picnic basket and pulling out a tartan blanket.
Bea had carefully packed all her favourite picnic food: sausage rolls, scotch eggs, a fancy quiche, salads, chips and dips and even some cupcakes from the café.
