‘I can do that tonight.’
‘You can make the hot chocolate.’
They shared a soft smile that made Spencer rise to his feet. He wasn’t tired or cold. It was just too much lying with her under the stars while wanting to kiss her mouth, cheek, all along her neck.
‘Right!’ he said louder than intended. ‘Let’s get a wriggle on.’ He held out his hand, which he regretted as soon as her slim fingers entwined with his. His stomach really could take no more disturbance.
Beth went to hand back his coat, but he shook his head, wrapping it around her before they walked back to the pub in companionable silence.
Chapter 20
Beth
Ryan and Leo were planting flowers in one of the large tubs along Harbour End Road, and Beth was helping Jax tidy up another one. The sun had poked its head out for the morning, bringing some springtime warmth, which helped relax her soul no end.
It was nice doing some gardening with the kids, and it seemed they were enjoying earning another badge. Spencer was pulling a bag of soil from his van, and Beth was trying not to ogle his biceps each time they flexed.
‘Shall we go shop and get some crisps?’ she asked Jax.
He pulled off his green gardening gloves as he nodded.
Beth glanced at him as they headed to the Treasure Chest. ‘Would you like to pay at the counter?’
Jax froze for a second, then moved closer to her side as they approached the door. ‘No,’ he replied quietly.
‘That’s okay. Perhaps another time.’ She opened the door, letting him go first. ‘You pick something for the others, and I’ll do the talking.’
His face relaxed a touch, so Beth headed to the counter to say hello to Alice’s mum, Lizzie.
Beady blue eyes held a glint Beth normally saw in Luna.
‘Your mum not helping you out today?’
Lizzie thumbed behind her. ‘She’s upstairs, crafting.’
As Luna seemed very much the resident witch, Beth wasn’t quite sure which kind of crafting was meant. Not wishing to ask, she simply gestured at Jax, pointing out they were just grabbing some snacks.
‘Mum says little Archie is getting big.’
‘He’s four months now.’
‘Aww, I miss my grandson being that young. Teenager now. It soon goes.’
Beth happened to think raising a child went slowly. It felt as though Archie had been around forever. His first birthday seemed such a long way off.
Jax approached the counter and placed some crisps on top, avoiding eye contact with Lizzie.
The middle-aged woman smiled over at him. ‘Jax, right? I know your dad, Chris.’
Beth watched the boy’s dark eyes slowly roll up to the lady speaking to him.
‘Those all you want?’ asked Lizzie.
Jax looked to Beth.
‘Yes,’ said Beth, then pulled out her purse and paid. She handed the crisps back to Jax and motioned towards the door. ‘Come on. Let’s get back to gardening.’ She waved goodbye to Lizzie, then widened her smile when she noticed Jax give the slightest of waves to the newsagent.
Was that a good sign? She had no idea. Perhaps Jax was okay with waving or smiling at shop staff. She needed to ask Spencer because she was a tad excited at the possibility Jax had made some progress.
