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Mitch grinned, ‘I knew you could do it.’
‘How? I never entered.’ She peered up at him, her eyes narrowing. Then she grinned. ‘You entered it?’
‘I thought it would help.’ Mitch swallowed.
‘But how did they accept it? After the deadline?’
‘It was touch and go. I’ve had to volunteer to sit on a rural business committee.’
Holly laughed. ‘I’ve managed to avoid those for years.’ She approached him, he stood up and she wrapped her arms around him. Mitch felt a jolt through his body as she pressed against him. He could smell the scent of her shampoo, feel the smooth skin of her arms and softness of her against his chest. Under different circumstances he would now be lifting her chin and going in for a kiss, but he was not clear about her relationship with Ethan. But neither did he want to let go, so he remained there with his arms around her. Hoping she was oblivious to how deep his heart was thudding or how much he was attracted to her. Trixy yapped, jumping up at their legs, but they ignored her.
* * *
The following day,Mitch sat on a low brick wall outside the farmhouse eating a slice of toast with butter and marmalade. He had been up at dawn to oversee the workers and had popped back for a bite to eat. There had been a few issues up at the sheds and also on the land with the crops. He knew he had been neglecting his duties by letting things tick over. But he did not want to undermine the new herdsman or existing staff, deciding to let the dust settle before he implemented any changes.
However, the time to move matters up a gear had arrived. The staff were now indicating a willingness for change. Government grants could also be cut as part of the ever-changing economic climate, all of which needed contingency plans. It was time to step things up a gear. He had big plans.
Looking up the hill towards the nursery, Mitch thought of the proposition he had in mind for Holly. He decided to approach her later that day. As he returned to work, Vanessa flashed into his mind. Again, the familiar sickly feeling of guilt ebbed into his chest. Did he deserve success after what had happened to her?
That afternoon Mitchwalked through the gap in the wall between the Loveland and Booth properties. He left Trixy at home. She had been sleeping next to Sidney and he did not want to disturb either of them. Magda had been in the conservatory reading, so was around if Trixy was a nuisance.
He stopped dead when he saw Ethan’s Maserati parked in the corner of the nursery car park.
The caravan door swung open. Ethan stepped out followed by Holly. He watched as Ethan leaned towards her.Mitch moved away, but Holly called out to him.
‘Mitch, hi.’
He turned around and she beckoned him over beaming. Ethan nodded at Mitch, as he passed.
‘I had a call this morning from the Council about the awards night,’ Holly said as he reached the caravan door. ‘I’d like you to come with me as my guest. It’s a full presentation with a meal, drinks and a talk from the Arts Council.’
‘Don’t you think you should take your – friend?’ Mitch nodded towards Ethan as he drove away, with a hoot of his horn.
Holly bit her lip. ‘Ethan? No, it wouldn’t seem right. Not with you having entered me.’
Mitch’s eyes widened and he saw Holly blush as the last line echoed in his mind.
‘The painting. Entered the painting,’ Holly said quickly
‘Sure,’ he said trying not to laugh. ‘I’d love to. I’ve nothing in my social diary, so I’m sure I’ll be free.Do I sound like a saddo? hethought. ‘I came up to ask you about something.’ Mitch rubbed the back of his neck.
‘Come in.’ Holly’s voice sounded a higher pitch than usual. ‘No Trixy today?’
Mitch followed her into the caravan then stared at her as she stood against the table. He felt an overwhelming urge to hold her close again. To tell her that over the past week he had felt like a different person. To tell her that he actually wanted to get up in the mornings. To tell her that he always took Trixy for a walk near her property in case he might bump into her. Then he remembered Ethan. A silence fell between them.
Holly clapped her hands together. ‘I’ve just got to make a couple of calls, then we can talk. Take a seat or feel free to help yourself to anything in the fridge.’
Mitch listened to Holly chat on the phone as she discussed her rebuild with a contractor. Mitch checked out the contents of her fridge, to make it appear as if he was not listening. Chocolate, ham, some salad items and a huge block of cheese. Even if he was tempted he would not raid her fridge. He turned and watched her as she paced the caravan as she spoke. He was desperate for things to be okay for her, and longed to hold her again.
He made tea and by the time it was ready Holly had ended her calls. Mitch carried the mugs outside and Holly followed, clutching a pen and a few sheets of paper. They sat on the bench and Mitch held the hot drinks.
‘This is what I do,’ Holly said, waving the paper. ‘When things get tough, I write everything down that needs to be done. It doesn’t seem so big when you can fit it all on one page. Or two. Or maybe three.’ She laughed, as she took the cup of tea he passed her.
When Holly laughed, it did something to Mitch inside and he fought down the images flashing through his mind.Get a grip, man, you’re supposed to be doing business here,he told himself ashe shook away the thoughts. He looked away and over at the view of the fields. The scene which reminded him of Holly’s landscape.
‘When the Council return the painting, can I keep it?’
‘Of course you can,’ she said. ‘I’ve already given it to you once.’ Holly laughed and he could feel her body brush against his arm.
