Page 66 of Second Chance Summer
She tilted up her head and he lowered his face to hers for the kiss that he hadn’t realised he’d been craving. He wanted to kiss her, even though it might lead to more and make things harder when she left.
Her lips brushed his and then she was out of his arms, leaving him feeling empty.
‘God, talk about being spooked …’ Her cheeks had turned pink. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t apologise,’ he said gruffly, torn between disappointment and relief that the kiss had ended so quickly. ‘It must have been a horrible shock. And look, you’ve fallen into the brambles.’
Moving even further out of his reach, she glanced down at her scratched legs. ‘I was in a hurry to get away but I’m fine, honestly. It’s my sketch pad and paints I’m worried about. I left them in the old cottage.’
‘I’ll get them.’ Anger welled up inside him. ‘And Iamgoing to find out who’s behind this! Prankster, my arse!’
Lily’s laughter was edged with embarrassment. Had herscary encounter made her nervy or was it her reaction – their joint reaction – afterwards? ‘Are you still sure no one could reach the island?’ she asked. ‘I’ve seen an old photo with a rowing boat drawn up on the beach, in one of the books in the cottage.’
‘Like I said, it’s possible by kayak or rowing boat in the right conditions and I agree it’s someone real,’ he said briskly. ‘Do you have any idea at all of what they looked like?’
‘Not really. I am sorry. I heard the bracken rustle and I heard them breathing, then saw them dash across the open doorway. They were wearing dark clothing and it was difficult to see detail in the shadows. I guess they could have had a hoodie on, or a coat.’ She hesitated. ‘I’m really not sure.’
‘The only idea I can come up with is it’s someone who wants to cause trouble. Whether it’s a journalist or locals who don’t like the idea of the development here, I have no idea. I’m going to have a bloody good look round right now. You stay here. Lock the door if you want.’
‘I’d rather come with you.’
‘Fine. Let’s go together, but we’ll get you cleaned up first and I’ll make you a cup of tea.’
‘I’d rather have a coffee with some of that island rum from the cottage.’
‘I’ll come over and make you one now. No arguments.’
Sam made the drinks while Lily washed herself in the bathroom and daubed some antiseptic cream on her legs. Sam was seething with whichever idiot – or idiots – had decided to frighten his guest. How could he open the retreatwhile this was going on? How could he guarantee that Lily’s family would be safe?
Plus, there was now the added complication of that kiss – if it was a kiss? He’d felt her lips brush his, tasted lip gloss.
He remembered his decision not to get emotionally involved with the guests. It followed he shouldn’t kiss them either. He was teetering perilously close to throwing the whole rulebook out the window …
When Lily emerged from the bathroom, she looked calmer.
Sam reverted to brisk practicality and handed over the coffee. ‘I made one for me without the rum.’
‘Thanks. Look, I really don’t want to be any more trouble,’ she said. ‘It’s funny that it’s only me who sees them.’
‘They’re probably worried I’d recognise them if they’re from round here.’
‘Maybe … but there’s something else I haven’t told you. Somebody left me a sign on the terrace table a few days ago. A message spelled out in pebbles.’
‘What?’ His stomach clenched. ‘Why didn’t you say anything?’
‘You were busy with the cottage. It didn’t seem that bad at the time but now, having almost come face to face with an intruder, it does feel like I’m being singled out.’
He wanted to hug her again but didn’t dare. He was, however, determined to keep her safe.
‘What kind of message was it?’ he said, a chill seizing him.
‘Well, the pebbles spelled out LEAVE.’
‘Right. That’s it,’ Sam declared, firing up with anger and protective instinct. ‘We’re getting off the island. I’m going totake you over to Bryher before dinner. We can stay at Hell Bay House for the night.’
‘Oh, that’s not necessary.’
‘It is until I get to the bottom of this,’ he said firmly. ‘I want to make sure that there won’t be any disturbance when your family arrives.’
