A Season for Second Chances(96)

“I’m inviting you into the flat, not my vagina,” she said. Although my vagina would welcome you too!

John let out a laugh that seemed to echo into the black nothingness beyond the garden.

“How very candid of you,” he said. “Then let me be candid, also. If I come up now, we’re going to have a very enjoyable evening and at some point, I am going to want to kiss you. A lot. I think we’ve already established that I can’t seem to keep away from you, and I’m pretty sure you feel the same way. It would be unnecessarily coy at this point for either of us to deny that we find the other attractive. However, whether we like it or not, it does complicate things. I need to make sure that the decision I make about Saltwater Nook is what’s best for my aunt. And you need to think about whether you would still want to be friends if my final decision for the Nook didn’t go in your favor. As much as I wish it were different, now isn’t the time for us.”

Annie felt almost positive that she would want to be more than friends regardless of what happened. But she wasn’t going to blurt that out to him like some silly schoolgirl. Though she would love to throw caution to the wind, she appreciated the care with which John was thinking through the implications. Unfortunately, his thoughtfulness made her want to tear all his clothes off and have sex with him right here in the garden.

“I understand,” said Annie. “I don’t completely like it. But I appreciate it.”

“If it’s any consolation, I don’t like it either. I can’t stop thinking about you, and it’s driving me crazy. It seems like all you’ve done is drive me crazy one way or the other since you arrived!”

“Ditto,” said Annie, smiling.

He leaned down and brushed her cheek with a kiss.

“I’ll see you,” he said, and he left.

Annie watched him go until the night swallowed him. Then she wandered back through the fairy-lit garden and closed the door on the dark. She stood in the hallway surrounded by the craggy faces of fishermen past looking out of the photographs on the wall. She was falling for John; she could feel it happening and there was nothing she could do to stop it. It was more than how time seemed to pass slower when she was waiting for him to arrive, more than how each day was electric with the anticipation that he might show up unexpectedly, or how her heart leaped each time his name flashed up on her phone. It was a feeling inside her bones, like he was pulling her to him and she didn’t want to resist.

Wasn’t it just bloody typical that the man she wanted to leave her alone was persistence personified, while the one she wanted to ravish her was keeping her at arm’s length?





Chapter 73



It was Sunday, Annie’s one full day off, and the weather could only be described as awful. Even the most ardent wild-weather lover would be hard pressed to find inspiration in its utter bleakness. The wind and rain were sometimes working together, sometimes tag-teaming, without ever stopping for a break. The windows were running so thickly with rain that Annie could barely make out sea from sky from beach. Annie didn’t go out all day. Instead, she filled the slow cooker with the ingredients for a lamb hotpot, caught up on housework, and read for her book club. Though she didn’t show it, Annie was sure Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle was appreciative of her company. At three o’clock, she had a video call with Alex and Peter.

“Are you’re ready for the pre-Christmas Christmas party?” asked Alex.

“I think so, I’ve planned the food, and John’s going to help out . . .”

“John again!” said Alex. “Seems like we’ve heard a lot about John one way or another.”

“Is he friend or foe at the moment?” asked Peter.

Annie tried to look affronted, but in truth she secretly liked it when they ganged up on her like this.

“Mum’s walking that fine line between hate and desire!” said Alex.

Peter made retching noises.

“Anyway!” Annie cut in. “The village council organize the rest of the festivities, the processions and singing and the fires and stuff.”

“It’s a bit like you’ve stepped into the past, or a cult; have you seen The Wicker Man?” asked Peter.

Annie laughed. “It sounds pretty insular when I talk about it, but it’s really not like that. It’s just a community that didn’t forget how to be a community. They look after each other. It’s kind of nice.”

“And they have a lot of parties!” said Alex.

“They do have a lot of parties,” Annie agreed. “I’m sorry I haven’t been up to visit either of you. It’s been pretty full-on here.”

“So much for taking a step back,” said Alex.

“Don’t worry about it, Mum. Anyway, we’ve got a surprise for you . . .” said Peter.

“We’re coming down for the Christmas festival shindig!” said Alex.

“Oh my God, that’s amazing! I’m so happy you’re coming down for it. I can introduce you to everyone. Oh, you’ve really made my day.” Annie couldn’t stop smiling. “Is Greg coming too?”

“Yep, he’s coming with us.”

“Lovely,” said Annie. “And, Peter, will you be bringing anyone?”

“I’m between relationships at the moment,” said Peter with a wry smile.