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CHAPTER 36
As promised, Sam collected Maya at three o’clock on Friday afternoon. After a lingering kiss, and smelling absolutely gorgeous, he placed the small carry-on case she’d packed in the boot of his car.
“Where are we going?” Maya asked as Sam joined the M5.
“It’s a surprise.”
They chatted casually in the car, conversation flowing easily between them. If Sam was nervous, he didn’t show it. Maya’s nerves were on edge, but more with the anticipation of where Sam was taking her.
It soon became apparent when they passed the ‘Welcome to Cornwall’ sign along the A30.
“Are you taking me to Kittiwake Cove?” Maya asked excitedly.
“Maybe.” Sam smiled, giving Maya a quick glance before concentrating on the road ahead.
Just over three hours later, as they’d hit some traffic on the A30, Sam pulled up outside Trenouth Cottage.
They were greeted by Rose and Charles, hugging and kissing them both, before being shown to a room each. Maya wouldn’t have minded sharing a room with Sam but liked that he hadn’t been presumptuous. It was chivalrous of him.
“Take your time freshening up. I’ll meet you downstairs when you’re ready. We have a table booked for seven-thirty.” Sam kissed Maya on the cheek then disappeared into his own room.
Sam escorted Maya to The Beach Front Bistro, Rhianna’s restaurant. It was perfectly situated on Kittiwake Cove high street, with an uninterrupted view over the beach. Rhianna greeted them, and Maya couldn’t help thinking she had a knowing smile about her. As Rhianna took Maya’s light jacket, she gave a nudge and said, “Looks like you’ll be coming to our wedding after all.” Maya inwardly grinned. She couldn’t think of anything better than being involved with Sam’s family.
Due to the warmth of the evening, they were seated at a table outside, so they could watch the sun descending over the ocean. The tide was out, and they could see surfers as black dots, still in the water. It was as if Maya had never left.
“Joe reserved us a table,” Sam said.
“Joe knows about this, then?”
“He always had an inkling.” Sam laughed. “It’s funny, because back during Easter, when we were here last, he was deliberately flirtatious with you, and it riled me.”
“Why?” Maya stopped perusing the cocktail menu and met Sam’s gaze.
“He’s always been the cooler, trendier one, with his natural ability to surf and flirt. He’s also younger. Possibly better looking. He always got the girls better than me when we were teenagers. I was worried he was more your type of guy.” Sam raised his eyebrows. “And I know he’s smitten with Rhianna, but I didn’t like seeing him give you attention. He confessed he did it only to force me make a move on you.”
Maya tilted her head, smirking at the thought of a jealous Sam. “I won’t argue, he is an attractive man…” Maya held up a hand as Sam frowned. “But so is his brother.” Smiling, she chewed her lower lip. “Besides, Joe’s way too laid back for me.”
Sam looked very handsome with the top button of his shirt undone. He’d changed into smart trousers as well. Maya had luckily packed another dress to wear, as the one she’d been wearing earlier was rumpled from the long car journey. “And I prefer my men older.”
“Excuse me, I’m not that much older than Joe.”
She laughed at Sam’s incredulous expression.
Rhianna’s warm voice interrupted them. “Hey, are you two ready to order?” Rhianna smiled at Sam and then Maya. “Or do you need a couple more minutes?”
“A couple more minutes, please.” Maya had been too busy taking in the view and enjoying Sam’s company to even peruse the menu yet.
“Can I get you a drink while you choose?”
“Yes, please, Rhianna,” Sam said, then turned his attention to Maya. “Would you like to share a bottle of wine?”
“Yes, that’s a good idea.”
“You choose. Pick what you like.”
Maya chose a pinot grigio. By the time the wine arrived, they were ready to order some food.
Sam could not have taken Maya anywhere more romantic for their second date. The village was becoming her favourite place on the planet.
