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‘Then I recommend you grab this opportunity,’ said Angus, his voice laced with authority and business-like determination. ‘Take the cash buyer option and you can give your sister her share of the inheritance, too.’
It was true, she had forgotten Hannah. ‘You’re right, Angus. I promise to think it through, and I’ll call you next week. Okay?’
‘Good, good.’
Angus reached over to pat her knee and a spasm of electricity shot northwards. She settled back in her seat and started planning her moves when she invited him in for coffee. Or should she offer him something a little stronger as a nightcap? That would mean he wouldn’t be able to drive home and…
As they drew up outside the cottage, Rosie glanced over to Susan’s shop where she saw the older woman drawing her bedroom curtains, her pale face illuminated by the moonlight. Suddenly, all thoughts of inviting Angus in for anything, even aninjection of caffeine, fled her mind to be replaced with shame at her brazen intentions to extend the evening. After all, this was a first date, she reminded herself, what had she been thinking! She swivelled in her seat intending to peck him on the cheek.
‘Let me know when that cricket match is?’
‘Sure. Looking forward to it.’
Angus leaned over to brush his lips over hers and she enjoyed the sparkle of desire that spread through her veins and tingled at her extremities. She would look forward to it too. She leapt out of his Mercedes, unsure whether her light-headedness was due to the unfamiliar indulgence of alcohol, or the emotions Angus had stirred in her. Whatever the cause, it felt good, and she craved a repeat like a dieter deprived of her fix of chocolate.
She let herself into the cottage and, as she slumped down onto the chintz sofa, flicking off her shoes, a schoolgirl giggle erupted from her mouth and her spirits danced. She found herself kicking her naked heels in the air like a toddler having a tantrum in the supermarket aisles.
But this was no tantrum – she felt amazing!
Chapter Twenty
July dawned with a whimper rather than a roar.
At first light, the morning dew laced the grasses and ferns like diamond chains but now the droplets disappeared into spirals of vapour in the warmth of the haze-veiled sun which failed to escalate to full throttle. The lavender rippled in the gentle breeze, releasing its fragrant tang to float in the summer air.
Rosie had spent a long Sunday morning pruning the privet hedges which skirted the boundary of Willowbrook Lodge and, even if she did say so herself, the cottage’s kerb appeal was chocolate-box smart. Only one patch of the front garden remained to be tackled, the border under the lounge window, and it was this tangle of vegetation that would benefit from her attention after lunch.
With her frayed straw hat squashing her locks, and buttocks raised high in the air, she set to work – her enthusiasm escalating as she anticipated the completion of what had seemed a gargantuan task two months ago. She was also feeling fitter and more toned than she ever had and her knowledge of all things green had soared.
‘Hi! Great view!’
Rosie lifted her shoulders and sat back on her heels, shielding her eyes as she turned towards her unexpected visitor, his silhouette tinted with the burnished copper of summer sun. She rolled her eyes, despite the flutter in her chest.
‘Oh, lovely greeting,’ said Charlie, a smile playing around his lips. ‘I’m pleased to see you too, Rosie. How was your date with Amorous Angus?’
Before Rosie could respond, he grabbed a trowel, knelt down next to her, and began digging in the soil to release the weeds. His unexpected proximity caused her skin to prickle. She cast a sidelong glance from under the rim of her hat at his face; a hint of stubble brushing his jawline, his cute nose splashed with a smattering of freckles, and when she raised her gaze, she saw the playful gleam in his eyes.
‘The date went just fine, thank you for asking.’
‘Just fine? I hope whenItake a girl out on a date, she describes it as better than “just fine”!’
Rosie didn’t want to discuss dating etiquette with Charlie, so she changed the subject. ‘I haven’t seen you in a while. Are they keeping you busy up at the hotel?’
‘No, no, I’ve been up in London. I’m allowed to escape whenever my presence is not required, you know. I share a flat with a couple of starving actors in Pimlico.’ His eyes, the colour of liquid tar, slid to her face, expecting a reaction.
Their closeness disturbed Rosie. To her surprise, her nerve endings continued to tingle with physical attraction. She couldn’t deny the fact that Charlie exuded sex appeal, and she was not sure whether he was oblivious to its effect or encouraged its spread.
‘Sooo, are you inlerve?’ He pulled a disgusted face and his cheeks dimpled. ‘Are you seeing him again?’
‘Didn’t your mother ever tell you it’s rude to pry into other people’s love lives?’
‘Oh, he’s the love of your life now, is he?’
She flashed him an impatient look for his juvenile behaviour.
‘Well, he does seem to be your type.’
‘What do you mean, “my type”?’
