‘I’malwaystwitchy about proposals. I’m always twitchy about any commission because obviously we’re dealing with nature and the weather. A lot could go wrong. Then there are the people themselves. If it’s a surprise, there might be a delay or they might be ill.’
‘Or they might say no,’ Ruan offered.
‘That’s never happened yet, thankfully.’ She touched the wooden table for luck. ‘Though I don’t always get to hear about the answer immediately because often I’m down on the beach and they’re up on the cliffs. I have to wait for them to phone me and let me know and they’re often understandably too excited and overwhelmed.’
‘No wonder, with a grand gesture like that. I’m not sure I’d dare,’ he said, adding hastily, ‘Not that it isn’t a brilliant idea, only it is big and very public.’
‘Don’t worry, I won’t take offence,’ Tammy said. ‘And I’d have exactly your concerns too. So far, it’s worked, but you never know if the person is against the whole idea of marriage. Fortunately, that’s not my responsibility, but I obviously want there to be a happy ending. Or at least a happy beginning, which is all you can ask for, I guess.’
She smiled and raised the bottle to her lips, hoping the proposal conversation hadn’t spooked him.
‘Yeah …’ Ruan glanced at his smartwatch before givingher an apologetic grimace. ‘Sorry, I didn’t realise it was so late. I have an early start too. I still have to prepare for a presentation for a breakfast meeting, although it’s about new taxation legislation so not as romantic.’
She laughed. ‘I’d rather do the proposal.’
‘Don’t blame you.’ Even though he sounded genuine, she couldn’t help wondering if he was looking for an excuse to end the date. Or maybe that was just her, looking for a way not to care too much.
‘Tammy …’ he said solemnly. She braced herself. Was this where he ended it politely and firmly? ‘I wish I didn’t have to leave, but …’
‘No, it’s fine. We’re both busy. Really, I understand.’
‘No, I only wanted to say that I liked your idea of a proposal being a happy beginning … Argh, I’m not making myself clear. I meant that it’d be great – more than great – if we could do this again. See each other again.’
This time, when his hand rested on hers, she didn’t try to pull away. It was such an innocent gesture, yet his touch sent an electric thrill right through her and gave her goosebumps.
‘Yes, why not?’ she replied as if she was the coolest woman on the planet, not one whose pulse was fluttering like a butterfly trapped in a jar.
‘Great. In fact, I was wondering if you’d like to come over to the club in Marazion at the weekend?’
‘Kitesurfing?’ She laughed out loud. ‘Thanks for the invite but no way. I think it’s crazy. Not that you are.’
Ruan chuckled. ‘Actually, you’re more than welcome tojoin in if you like, but I was under the impression you prefer to keep your feet on the sand.But… I was wondering if you fancied coming to spectate. If that wouldn’t be too boring? Or we could just meet up afterwards? There’s a great café at the kitesurf centre.’
‘Are you sure? I thought this was a catch-up with your mates.’
‘It is but they won’t mind. I’ll see how I feel after the first session and go out again on Sunday if I’m in one piece. You’re welcome to come over either day, any time – if you’re not working, that is. We could grab something to eat or a drink after?’
She rapidly sifted through her schedule in her head, sensing it had taken a lot for him to ask her to watch him after the trauma of his accident. ‘Well, I promised Davey I’d do some extra hours at the Harbour Gallery and Saturday is his busiest day of the week. I could come sometime on Sunday afternoon?’
‘That would be perfect,’ he said with a smile that gave her the warm and fuzzies.
‘OK. Sounds good. I can work until twelve and then head over to Marazion?’
‘Great. You can park free at the centre. If anyone complains, say you’re a friend of mine.’
‘Sounds good. As long as I can definitely keep two feet firmly on the ground.’
‘You have my word, no kitesurfing for you,’ he said, gently chuckling before looking for the waitress. ‘I’ll ask for the bill, shall I?’
He hailed the waitress and Tammy took out some cash as her part of the payment. The initial tension around what would happen at the end of the meal had ebbed away to be replaced immediately by those annoying butterflies in her stomach.
After paying, they walked outside, Tammy’s mind working overtime. This would be a second date. She wanted to see him again, but the very fact she was so nervous and excited made alarm bells ring. She really liked this man, and the attraction went beyond just physical. That was scary and dangerous. It was a beginning, but it would –could– also have an end.
She was getting ahead of herself.
‘Nice car,’ Tammy said as they left the restaurant behind and walked towards where Ruan had parked. It was a contrast to the bashed-up little van she’d inherited from her dad. Its main function was to transport her tools, though, and at least she didn’t have to worry about it being spoiled by sand and weeds.
‘It’s a few years old but it’s reliable,’ Ruan replied, opening the Audi. ‘Don’t want to break down in the middle of nowhere in a single-track lane.’
