Page 87 of Reach for the Stars
‘I didn’t. I was just thinking that I hope he doesn’t mess up. I really like Pete but nobody hurts my sister.’
‘Aww, you’re a big softie really, aren’t you?’ I turned slightly so that I was resting against his chest, looking up at the defined jaw, now shaved clean, and those mesmerising grey eyes that now hooked onto mine.
‘If you continue to make slanderous accusations like that, I’m not going to help you on your house any more.’
‘Is that so?’
‘It is,’ he said, linking his hands behind me so that they rested at the top of my bum.
‘Then that just means you’re stuck with me using your place as an office for even longer.’
‘Hmm. That is true. Well, in that case, go ahead and tell anyone you like.’ His smile spread and mine mirrored it as he dipped his head and kissed me softly on the lips. ‘Come on, we’d better go and join Jules and Pete.’
Hugs were exchanged before we were ushered through to the dining area of the pub and settled at a table. The waitress took our drinks order and left us some menus to peruse. Ned immediately scooted underneath and curled up to doze.
‘What’s the latest news on the house, then?’ Pete asked.
‘It’s fixable. Coming along slowly. The roof’s done, complete with the alterations that Fliss wanted, like the extra skylight in the main bedroom. Personally, I don’t think it’s particularly habitable but what do I know?’
‘Dermot’s report was quite clear. It is entirely habitable, it’s just not ideal. Now the new boiler is in though, I’ve at least got heating and running water.’
‘Not that the heating is much good until the last few windows are replaced,’ Jesse countered.
I took a sip of my white wine that had now arrived, and rolled my eyes at my companions.
‘There’s a lot to do on it still. I just need to go through and make a plan.’
‘Weneed to go through it and make a plan,’ I repeated, adjusting Jesse’s words.
‘Of course. You know what I mean.’
I did, but something inside forced me to clarify things. As much as I appreciated Jesse’s help, I wasn’t about to let anyone take control of my life again. I’d worked hard to get to where I was and, although I might have made a misstep of gigantic proportions buying the house, it was important that I knew exactly what was going on.
‘Someone came in to the café yesterday asking for you,’ Jules said as we clinked our glasses to friends, health and happiness.
I looked up from my wine. ‘Me?’
‘Yeah. Marion was in. Told me that woman who came in before with Magnus Montagu-Peak was back asking where she could find you.’
‘Araminta?’
‘So why did Marion feel the need to tell you?’ Jesse’s brow creased and his expression darkened.
Jules ignored him and continued. ‘So, are they friends of yours? Apparently she told her you’re close?’
‘You know better than to listen to gossip, Jules.’ I could feel Jesse’s tension. In fact, there had been a distinct shift in the atmosphere ever since his sister had brought up the subject of Araminta.
‘What? No. Definitely not close. I mean, I knew Araminta before…’ Jesse caught my eye, ‘…before I moved schools, but I hadn’t seen her since. I had no idea she was related to anyone down here.’
Had I known, that would have been enough to put me off buying in the area. But then I wouldn’t have met Jesse…
‘Apparently her cousin, Magnus, is very interested in meeting you, seeing as you two are such good friends.’
‘He’s interested in anyone he thinks might amuse him for a while,’ Jesse muttered.
‘Excuse me?’
Jesse sat up straighter. ‘Sorry. That… that didn’t come out how I meant it.’
