Page 53 of Tricks & Treats at The Cosy Cornish Bakery

He put his hand over hers. ‘Can you do me a favour? Can you give her a telling off for swimming alone? It’s a cardinal sin in the Sea Kitties and for good reason.’

‘I will. Chloe stared at him, fascinated by how the orange and reds from the stove slid over his face, highlighting the sharp angles. He’d never looked more Scandinavian. ‘But I’m not sure she’ll listen to me. Might be better coming from Hannah. She’s closer to her.’ Chloe looked down at their joined hands. Nik had long, strong fingers, with pink rectangular, neatly manicured nails. She found the sight very erotic. Snatching her hand away, she said huffily, ‘Mum’s never had any time for me. Hannah’s the golden child.’

Nik gave her a curious look. ‘But Dulcie’s always going on about how well you’re doing in London. How clever and well thought of you are.’

She gazed into his eyes, drowning in their cool greeny-grey. They were the same colour as the sea on a winter’s morning. Her breath strangled in her throat. For someone who must spend most of their lives outside, he had lovely skin: smooth, lightly tanned, and tautly stretched over the enviable bone structure. Tendrils of hair had come loose and were caressing his cheeks, touching the collar of his dark green sweater. God he’s gorgeous. She wondered what he’d say if she took him back to Grey Seal Cottage and into her bed? Dragged off that wool jumper to reveal the firm muscles beneath. The thought of his long body sliding over hers, those beautiful fingers working magic had her gulping. She shook sense into her head, vaguely horrified. She’d had an awful day and was two whiskies down. It was alcohol and gratitude talking.

‘Can I get you guys any desserts?’ It was the friendly barman again.

Chloe shook her head again. ‘Too full.’ Not risking a glance to Nik, she added, ‘I’d really like to get home now.’

On the drive back to Wheal Kitty Cove, to distract from his disturbing presence next to her, his big hand coaxing the gear stick into submission, his long thigh shifting as he did so, she pondered his words. If Dulcie told everyone else how proud she was of her daughter, why the hell didn’t she tell the one person it mattered to the most?

CHAPTER 27

‘Ready?’ Josh held out his hand to Ginger, his breath misting in the cold, damp air.

With the front door of The Sanctuary locked and an orange bowl of help yourself treats left in the lap of the scarecrow, they were ready to hit the village for trick or treating.

‘May I say how fabulous you look?’ he added.

Ginger preened and looked down at her wide black skirted dress. She flashed him one red and white striped leg. ‘Do you dig the tights?’

‘Like the boots better.’ He grinned.

‘These?’ Ginger asked in surprise, examining her kitten heel lace ups. ‘I’ve had them forever.’

‘It’s the laces all the way up the front. Doing something to me.’

‘Oh.’ Ginger let her mouth drop open as she couldn’t think of a reply. She shrugged and her red shawl slipped off her shoulders revealing the low bustline of her corseted top.

This time it was Josh’s mouth that dropped open. ‘Oh man.’

‘I know. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’ll be freezing before the night’s out. It’s really cold.’

Josh’s lips twisted. ‘It wasn’t quite what I was thinking.’ He lifted her chin with one hand and stared penetratingly into her eyes.

Ginger burst into giggles.

‘What?’ He looked taken aback and mildly affronted.

‘I’m sorry. I can’t take you seriously in that getup.’ Reaching out a hand she stroked his furry side whiskers. Josh had on a headdress with long furry ears to which were attached a fine set of sideburns.

‘It was you who got me this disguise,’ he said with a laugh.

‘It was the only thing the am dram group had left. You’re a bit of a last-minute addition to Wheal Kitty Trick or Treat Night. And it has the advantage of covering most of your face.’

‘This is true.’ Josh flicked a long ear, growling. ‘And I suppose I can be the Big Bad Wolf to your very sexy Red Riding Hood.’

‘Hate to break it to you but that’s not a wolf costume you’re wearing. Last time it saw daylight was when it was worn by Derek Priddoe. He was Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’

‘You’ve dressed me as a donkey?’ Josh affected to look insulted. He attempted a bray and gave up. ‘No, it’s no good. I can only growl with the occasional howl thrown in.’ Peering up at the night sky he observed, ‘And look, it’s a full moon tonight. You’re going to have to be careful at midnight.’ He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close. ‘Even the best-behaved puppies turn into werewolves at midnight.’ His mouth hovered inches away, his eyes lowered, the blue glinting dangerously through thick black lashes. ‘And then what are you going to do, Little Red Riding Hood?’

‘You’re getting your fairy tales and myths hopelessly muddled.’ Ginger tried to breathe normally but it was impossible. Despite the ridiculous costume, Josh was still irresistible. He’d borrowed a white shirt with a frothy neckline she’d found lurking neglected in her wardrobe and had teamed it with black trousers and his black peacoat. He looked vaguely Victorian and resembled a peculiar mixture of wolf, donkey and Mr Hyde. A shiver ran through her. Not one of fear. Neither was she cold. She was electric and hot with desire. His arms held her firm against the rough wool of his coat. She lifted her own to encircle his neck.

‘Always do. Maybe we’ll make a magical fairy tale of our own tonight?’

‘Maybe.’ Her answer came out as a husky whisper. She pulled him to her, pressing her breasts against his hard chest.