Page 25 of Animal Instincts
In some ways? In every way, that was the truth. Joss was so used to every inch of Love’s Harbour and its surroundings, it had become almost invisible. He’d always think of it as home, but he wanted to taste and experience so much more than his little corner of the West Country could offer.
“I think Bingo’s got the right idea.” Oliver nodded at the small dog, who’d decided that lying on his back and basking in the sun was just reward for their walk.
Oliver dropped down on the tough, rough grass and Joss joined him. Rummaging in his backpack, Joss held out a bar of chocolate.
“Essential energy power pack. Otherwise known as a Mars Bar. Go on,” Joss said when Oliver didn’t immediately take it. “Go on, have it. I’ve got another in my bag.”
“Thanks.” Oliver took it and ripped open the wrapper, humming his appreciation as he bit into the chocolate.
A thin strand of caramel stuck to Oliver’s lower lip, and Joss watched, transfixed, as Oliver’s tongue lapped it up in a long, slow lick. Joss’ stomach muscles tensed and he looked away quickly, fearing being caught gawping.
Oliver stretched, before tugging off his rugby shirt. Joss’ stomach went into free fall, and his chest tightened, as the T-shirt Oliver wore underneath was pulled free from the waistband of his jeans, exposing a strip of creamy skin stretched over a tight band of muscle.
Joss tried not to look, he really did, but the glimpse of a thin trail of dark hair leading down to and disappearing beneath the belted waistband had Joss’ pulse throbbing along with another part of his anatomy. He shifted, stifling a low groan, and tugged down his own T-shirt, which was as long and baggy as Oliver’s was tight and torso hugging.
They gazed out to sea, at a small boat bobbing up and down in the swell.
Why did you leave London? Why did you leave it all behind you to bury yourself in a tucked away village where the highlight of the week is pie night in the local pub? What tempted you to come here? Or who? Why, why, why?
The questions chased each other around Joss’ head, always just out of reach of answers that made any kind of sense.
A blackbird landed nearby, and Bingo jumped up and barked, chasing the bird away. Instead of flopping back down he came across for a cuddle — not with Joss, but with Oliver, who smiled as he hefted him onto his lap.
“Well, there’s gratitude. I feed and walk him, supply him with toys and treats and he leaves me for another man.” Joss laughed, but the sudden tightness in Oliver’s face made something shrivel and grow cold in the pit of Joss’ stomach.
The answers to Joss’ silent questions, they all fell into place, clear as the sky above them.
The awkward London vet, a man who was on his own and who kept himself to himself. He hadn’t come to the village to be with somebody, he’d come to leave them behind.
Somebody who still had the power to hurt.
Out at sea, a bank of grey clouds had formed and were heading inland, bringing with them the promise of rain. Joss pushed himself to standing.
“I think we should head back. I’ve got a waterproof, but you’ll get soaked.”
Oliver had lost the tight brittleness that had flashed across his face, but now there was a shadow in his eyes which, Joss swore, hadn’t been there before. In silence they headed down the hill and back towards the village, chased by the grey and looming clouds which just moments before were nowhere to be seen.
FIFTEEN
“How’re things going with Oliver?” Charles asked, incongruous in his immaculate bespoke suit, as he stocked the display cabinet with elaborate cupcakes, plump muffins, and giant, chocolate studded cookies.
“Really well. Thanks again to agreeing to let me drop my hours.”
Charles smiled. “It’s good you have a clear plan of what you want to do, so if I could help in any way.” He shrugged. “You’re very lucky to have the opportunity to work with him. In fact, Love’s Harbour is fortunate he’s chosen to make the village his home, as he’s got a serious reputation in the profession. Or so I’ve been told by people in the know.” Charles sighed. “I just hope the Harbour can work some of its magic on him.”
“Sorry? What do you mean?” Joss stopped, mid-way between putting out the cups ready for when the café opened in the next few minutes.
Charles winced. “Me and my big mouth, talking about another’s business when it’s none of my own.” He planted his hands on his hips and frowned. “There were some issues of a private nature,” he said after a moment’s hesitation. “Or so I understand. We have some mutual acquaintances in common. That’s all I can say, which is already far too much. There, they look good, don’t they?”
Charles deftly changed the subject as he stepped back and admired the display of freshly baked goods.
“I’ll open up. You’ll only have to put up with me until lunchtime, when Declan’ll be back in. I wish Mitch had chosen another day to have his wisdom tooth removed.”
Joss answered with a distracted nod. Charles’ indiscretion wasn’t a surprise but a confirmation. Yet, Oliver also dreamt of the country life, whereas allhedreamt of was running away from it.
Throughout the morning, a steady flow of customers came through the doors of Harbour Coffee, the usual mix of natives and newcomers. A few asked after Bingo, disappointed the little black and white dog wasn’t around to offer up tummy rubs. Joss caught Charles’ eye and grinned as his boss tutted before he went off to chat to a couple of regulars.
“Yo.”
