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‘Yes, I ... I ran into some – trouble.’
‘Maybe under the circumstances they’ll extend the deadline?’ Mitch pulled Trixy back as she strained to get to Holly.
‘Deadlines are deadlines up at the town hall and now it really doesn’t seem important.’ Holly looked behind her at the blackened buildings. ‘I want you and your wife to have it. It’s perfect as a thank you.’
Mitch blinked hard. ‘Erm ... Well I’ll accept it, but my wife is –’
Mitch must have left some slack in the lead because Trixy jumped up, attaching herself to Holly’s new hoodie.
‘Woah,’ Holly said as she grabbed the little dog.
‘Here we go again. At least her paws are dry.’ Mitch retrieved the wriggling Trixy tucking her under his arm. ‘I also came up because I have a proposal for you.’
Holly was reminded of their conversation the previous evening and blushed. ‘Sorry. I know last night I said I wanted to sell the land – I was just a bit emotional. But I’m not sure what I want.’
‘No.’ Mitch shook his head. ‘I’m not after buying your land.’ He pointed behind him. ‘What I’m proposing is – Sid’s caravan. The old caravan that I used to stay in, when we visited. Sid wants it scrapped but it’s still sturdy. I thought you could live in it while your place is being rebuilt.’
Holly swallowed. ‘Oh, no, no. That’s fine I don’t think Sidney would like that.’
‘He won’t notice. I’ll bring it up here once I’ve sorted the gate.’
‘But you’ve already been so kind. I really couldn’t.’ Holly stared into his eyes, thinking how clear they were,get a grip,she told herself.
‘I was going to pay to get rid of it. Honestly, you’re doing me a favour.’
Holly noticed the warmth creep up her back. Mitch’s hair flopped in the wind and she felt hot and flushed. She did not want to feel beholden. And finding him so attractive was making her uncomfortable. Telling herself it was just a ridiculous childhood crush, she attempted to clear her thoughts and undid the zipper of her hoodie to let the cool air in.
Mitch broke the silence. ‘The clothes fit well.’
Holly glanced at her cleavage and zipped the hoodie back up, her face burning.
A flash of blue caught her eye as Tom’s Mazda swept in. Her heart pounded hard in her chest and she was aware of the pain in her rasping throat as it tightened.
‘Trouble’s here,’ Val called from behind. All three staff soon appeared at her side, Trixy barked. Val nudged Holly. ‘I’ll be telling him to get lost, or worse.’
Tom was soon out of the car, walking towards the small crowd, his gaze fixed solely on Holly.
Stopping in front of her, he ran a hand through his hair. ‘I’ve been trying to get hold of you. Are you OK? I heard what happened.’
She took a deep breath. ‘There’s no need for you to be here.’
Tom stared at the buildings. ‘Flipping heck.’
‘You best steer well clear, Tom Stone.’ Val put a hand on Holly’s back.
Tom turned, scowling at Mitch, they were at eye level. ‘And you are?’
‘Mitchell Booth.’ Mitch did not stretch out his hand, Holly noted.
Tom gave Mitch a stare and narrowed his eyes.
Holly took Tom by the arm, walking him back towards his car. She spoke in a hushed steady voice. ‘What I want from you are my savings back.’ Holly pointed to her cottage. ‘As you can see, I need the money.’
Tom rubbed his chin. ‘I haven’t got it right now.’
‘Well get it. Speak to the bank and take out a business loan. That’s what you should have done in the first place.’
‘You seemed happy enough to lend it to me at the time.’ Tom put his hands in his jean’s pockets. ‘You said it was the sensible thing to do, to avoid interest payments.’
