Page 8 of New Year, New Guy
‘Neat place.’ He clambered out to join her on the pavement.
‘Years ago this used to be a fancy hotel.’ When she reached out to brush away a strand of wet hair clinging to his face her soft touch startled him. ‘Your coat has a hood in case you hadn’t noticed.’
‘Why spoil the fun?’
‘Because it’s wiser.’
‘You always do wiser?’
‘No, but I usually wish I had.’
Hunter looped his arm through hers. ‘Show me the wonders of the Princetown Visitor Centre and we’ll consider our other options later.’
‘Other?’
‘Whether to eat lunch or head straight for the tea and scones.’
A tiny smile played around her lips. ‘It’s a very important decision.’
Not half as big as the one spinning around his brain about whether to confess some distinctly un-wise things to this fascinating, aggravating woman.
Chapter Five
For a brief respite from Hunter’s disturbing presence she claimed she’d seen the main exhibition a million times and left him to wander around alone while she checked out the new display of work by local artists instead. The paintings didn’t hold her attention and her thoughts drifted back to Polly’s upcoming wedding. Last week she’d been stupid and attempted to point out what she saw as a few home truths.
We survived losing Mum and Dad because we stuck together and you were my rock when Mike destroyed my world. Can’t you see that playing Russian roulette with a loaded gun is safer than walking down the aisle? Move in with Johnny if you must, but please don’t tie yourself to him.
Polly had simply laughed in her face.Oh Laura, we’re choosing to be tied to each other because we don’t want to make it easy to leave. We hope to start a family sooner rather than later, and I know you don’t get that either. All you’ve ever wanted is to be a nurse and that’s great for you but I’m different.
Why hadn’t she confessed the truth to Polly then? Would her sister have understood if she had explained that she loved her job but also longed to have a baby? Before she married Mike they agreed that they didn’t want children right away. That was fair enough but later she discovered that he had interpreted it as meaning she didn’t want them at all. His outright refusal to even consider the possibility hurt Laura more than his serial infidelity. Now she saw that spoke volumes about their doomed marriage.
‘Hey, are you all right?’
She jerked away as Hunter touched her arm and rushed from the room. Barely able to see through her tears she only stopped when he caught up with her outside.
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—’
‘—I know. It’s me.’ Laura swiped at the rain trickling down her face. ‘Oh damn this weather.’
With a flourish he pulled her reindeer hat from his pocket, tugged it over her head and tucked a stray curl in out of the way. ‘I guessed this might come in handy. A droopy reindeer is better than nothing.’
‘If you say so.’ Despite her best efforts, his gentle humour drew her in and she managed a wan smile. ‘Let’s make a dash for the pub before we’re washed away.’
‘They won’t mind us dripping all over the place?’
‘Don’t be daft.’ Laura pushed open the old wood door. ‘If the Plume of Feathers disliked damp customers they’d have gone bankrupt donkey’s years ago. They’ve been serving wet, muddy hikers since the eighteenth century so our fairly respectable sogginess won’t bother them in the slightest. Mind your head, though; the ceilings are low.’
‘I’m always scanning the landscape for potential hazards.’ Hunter winked. ‘Including Englishwomen with dangerous smiles.’
There was no way to respond without stepping into a potential minefield.
He gazed around with an approving nod. ‘This ticks every cliché about English pubs. Old wood beams. Slate floor. Antique furniture. Hunting prints on the walls.’ Hunter gestured towards the huge brick fireplace flanked by a basket of wood and a set of gleaming brass fire tools. ‘I’m gonna stake my spot.’ He stood with his back to the blazing logs. ‘I wouldn’t mind samplin’ one of the locally brewed ales.’
‘They’ve several from the Dartmoor Brewery up the road. ‘I’ll get our drinks and bring back a menu.’
‘Thanks. I’ll have a pint of whatever the barman recommends.’
While she waited to be served Laura caught Hunter’s deep voice rumbling in the background and glanced back over her shoulder to see him deep in conversation with a couple of local farmers. There was something chameleon-like about the man, as though he became whatever was necessary to fit in. Warning bells jangled in her head.
