Page 82 of Winter at Wishington Bay
I looked up, meeting his eyes, the warmth of where his hand had rested against my face still lingering.
‘I do, however, get the feeling there’s a whole lot more to know about you than you’ve told me.’
‘Oh, I’m not sure you’re missing out on anything.’
He took a step towards me. ‘You know, actually I think I really might be.’
‘Nate…’
He moved again, one hand lifting to rest at my waist as he stepped closer.
‘Sophia, I—’
The bell on the back of the door jangled loudly and we both jumped, moving apart quickly, me stumbling as I caught the heel of my boot in the hem of my long skirt. Nate’s arm was back around me, steadying me quickly as I simultaneously tried to act normal for the small group of customers now entering the shop.
The next couple of hours passed in a haze of activity as the fayre got into full swing and Flora’s shop did brisk business. There was little time to think over the moment that Nate and I had had. I mean, I think it was a moment. It felt like one, but then it had been a heck of a long time since I’d had anything like that, so maybe I’d been mistaken.
At half past nine, I waved the last customers out of the shop, turned the sign to closed and locked the door. Underneath I tacked the sign that Flora had made, announcing the shop would be opening a little later, at ten, tomorrow morning, which gave her and George time to get back from their night away. Leaning against the door for a moment, I let out a sigh. Nate came over from where he’d been tidying the counter of the remains of the gift wrapping supplies, ensuring we left it perfect for when Flora returned. His eyes fixed onto mine and I knew that, however out of practice I was, I hadn’t imagined anything.
‘You look exhausted.’ His words were soft, brow creasing in concern.
‘I’m fine,’ I said, knowing my face and body probably told another tale. ‘But I am glad you were here. I had no idea we’d be quite so busy. Thank you for helping. I don’t know what I’d have done without you.’
Nate reached around me, pulling the blind down to cover the glass of the door. ‘I’m glad I was here.’ His body stayed close. ‘Truth is, I don’t know what I’d have done without you the entire time I’ve been here. I thought I knew what I did and didn’t want from this break but then I met you and it kind of threw a spanner into the entire works.’
23
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt like this. I knew it was complicated for all the reasons I’d listed to Flora but right now, stood here with Nate, it didn’t seem complicated at all. I didn’t reply but closed the final distance between us and leant my head on his chest. Nate’s arms wrapped around me and for the first time in a very long time, I felt wanted and safe. Valued for who I was – not for who people thought I was, or what they thought knowing me might be able to do for them. Of course, I would tell Nate the truth, but somehow, I didn’t think it would matter to him. I just had to find the right moment. But right now, all I wanted was to feel his arms around me.
I felt him shift and I lifted my head.
‘I think we need to get you off your feet.’
‘It’s fine.’
‘OK. Then I’m knackered and need to sit down. I was just trying to couch it in a way that made me look less of a wimp.’
I laughed, stepping back, sorry to feel his arms drop away but thrilled as he caught my hand before I could leave his touch entirely. ‘You’re not a wimp. Shop work isn’t as easy as it looks, is it?’
‘Definitely not,’ he said, letting go of my hand as I checked that all was as it should be for Flora’s return, scribbling a note of the takings and tucking it under the charity box for her to see in the morning. We stepped out into the night air, and I shivered. The Victoriana dress I was wearing may have had plenty of layers, but none of them were doing much to keep me warm against the cold night.
‘Here,’ Nate made to slip the longline coat off and hand it to me but I stopped him.
‘It’s all right. It’s not like we’re going far and you’re more likely to freeze than me. I’m accustomed to the temperatures.’
‘That’s true but generally you have more layers on.’
‘You’d be surprised at how many there are going on under here!’
He grinned. ‘I always was keen on history. I’m happy for you to enlighten me on that aspect of it.’
I gave him a playful prod in the chest. ‘Don’t think that smile is going to get you anywhere.’ Although in truth, right now, it’d have taken him pretty much anywhere he wanted to go.
‘I wasn’t. You just make me smile.’
‘And those smooth lines aren’t going to work on me either.’
He laughed, pulling me close to him.
