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He smiles as he tries to keep Jove to a walk. He’s used to going a little faster on this stretch of the beach. ‘Already forgotten. Did you like it? Alaska, not the toilet situation.’
‘I thought you said you’d forgotten?’
‘I will in a few minutes. I promise.’
‘I’d appreciate that. Alaska was amazing. Don't get me wrong, it’s a hard life he’s chosen, but so nice. I’m thinking of heading back next year for a few months. So Tate, what do you do?’ She must notice his body tensing at her question. ‘Sorry, it’s none of my business.’
‘No, it’s grand. I guess I’m just used to everyone around here knowing everyone else’s business.’
‘You can safely assume I know nothing about anyone.’
‘I’m a musician.’
‘Wow! That’s amazing. Are you any good?’
He brings Jove to a stop and looks over his shoulder. She honestly doesn’t have a clue who he is. He examines her face but can’t see anything off. In fact, everything is pretty damn perfect. Her green eyes narrow as she looks at him.
‘Are you okay? What did I say?’
‘Did you seriously just ask me that? The part about me being any good.’
Chloe shrugs. ‘It’s what people ask, isn't it? Then again, I guess it’s a loaded question. It’s not like you’re going to say you’re crap.’
He turns more in the saddle and rubs a hand over his jaw as he frowns at her.
‘Why do you keep frowning at me like that?’
‘Sorry. I guess I’m good at it... music not frowning.’
‘I wouldn’t be too hard on yourself. You’re not too bad at frowning.’
Tate laughs and shakes his head as he nudges Jove forward again. He hasn’t had a normal conversation like this in a long time. Lately it’s been all about how he’s feeling, or other deep and meaningful questions meant to get into his head so he could be fixed. This feels strange but in a good way.
Chloe adjusts her hands around his waist, holding onto him a little tighter. ‘So do you make a living out of music?’
‘Yeah. I make an okay living out of it.’
‘Congratulations. It must be great to be paid for doing something you enjoy.’
‘Yeah. I guess it is. You make a living from drawing?’
She snorts. ‘Not even close. It’s a hobby. I’m a teacher. Well, will be in August. Primary school. I couldn’t take all those teenagers. Too much hassle.’
He brings Jove onto the steep single lane track leading to the road. If he could turn around and head back in the other direction he’d happily do it. He’s not ready to say goodbye to Chloe yet. When they get to the gate of Dorothy’s house, Tate brings Jove over to the low wall so Chloe can dismount easier.
‘Thank you for bringing me home. I wouldn’t have fancied that walk up the hill. It’s a killer.’
‘The garage opens at half-eight. They’ll sort the car for you and drop it back to the house. They’re good like that.’
‘Thank you both.’
She rubs Jove’s neck and he nuzzles against her. Not a bad sign when he likes someone. He’s usually a little temperamental with new people. ‘No problem. I’ll leave you to it.’
‘Em, do you want to come in?’ Chloe asks. ‘I mean you could have a cup of tea. Do you drink tea? I know some people don’t. I just thought I’d ask.’
‘Can’t stand the stuff.’ The automatic response pops out before he can stop it. He’ll drink a gallon of fucking tea if he can talk to her a little longer.
‘Oh, okay.’
