‘It’s colder than usual for April,’ Jack told her, opening the gate for her and Graham to go through. ‘I reckon we might have snow before long if it continues.’
‘Is it magical here when that happens or hell because the lanes are so narrow?’
‘Most cars don’t move, so it’s quieter in general but it’s nice, too. I love the quiet of a snowfall. The freshness, the newness until it turns to mush.’ He glanced at her through the corner of his eye. ‘And there’re snow angels, too, of course, and being the first to run across a field and leaving footprints.’
‘And snowmen.’
‘And snowball fights.’
‘I almost wish it would snow right now.’ Ava sighed at the thought. ‘London snow is neither here nor there for the most part, and it doesn’t stick around.’
‘Well, if it does, I’ll take you and Graham up on the moors. It’s so eerie there then that it’s like being in the middle of nowhere.’
‘I’d be terrified of getting stuck.’
‘I wouldn’t. I’d be in great company.’
Ava smiled shyly, a warm feeling flowing through her.
The hotel entrance was a few metres away. They stopped at the top of the driveway. Jack let Graham off his lead, and he ran down the drive towards the hotel.
‘I’ve had a great evening,’ Ava told him. ‘You were right about not having anything to eat before I came out. I am stuffed to bursting.’
‘You still managed biscuits with your hot chocolate.’
‘If I recall, you had far more than I did.’
They smiled at each other. A car drove past. They both watched it, and then Jack reached for Ava’s hand.
‘I need to go, or else Graham will drag me inside and I want to get back to the kids.’
‘They seem to love staying with you.’
‘Yes.’ He looked deep into her eyes. ‘I hope you’ve enjoyed your second week back at Sapphire Lake.’
‘Who wouldn’t with your hospitality?’
‘It’s been the best fortnight I’ve had in ages.’ Jack paused. ‘Are you free tomorrow? For an hour or so in the afternoon, once the kids have left? I’d like to show you something.’
Was she ever, she thought, but played it cool. ‘I think that can be arranged.’
‘Good. Shall I meet you here at two?’
‘I’ll be waiting.’
‘Great.’ Still he didn’t move. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. ‘Oh dear.’
‘What’s wrong?’ Her voice was full of concern.
‘I’m not sure I can wait until tomorrow. Because I have to do this right now.’ He leaned forward and kissed her.
He sensed she was surprised at first, but then her arms came around his neck of her own free will. She tasted so good, he didn’t want it to stop.
When they drew apart, he held on to her face. ‘I want to apologise but then again I don’t.’
‘It’s fine,’ Ava whispered. ‘A perfect end to a wonderful evening. And nice to do it again.’
Jack whistled quietly for Graham who was sitting at the entrance waiting to go indoors. The dog tore back up the drive towards them.
