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CHAPTER 21
Liam dropped the axe he’d been wielding and pulled up his T-shirt to mop his face.
Dee used to watch him chopping wood because she said he looked sexy. Today, all he looked was hot and miserable, and Billy, his only audience, was staring at him with a bored expression.
‘Are you fed up too? Would you like a walk, boy?’ The dog’s excited barking at the ‘w’ word gave him his answer. ‘Come on then. A quick run on the beach will do us both good.’
Was he talking too much to his dog? Probably, but Billy was good company who gave out far more than he expected back. Last night, Liam had been to the pub with Alex, but knocking back pints and flirting with any woman who came close had lost its sheen. At least with Billy he didn’t have to pretend he was the person he no longer seemed to be.
Shutting the yard gate firmly behind him, Liam started walking towards the beach with Billy trotting obediently at his heels. The lane was empty of traffic this afternoon and the only sounds were the chirping of birds nestling in the high hedges on either side of the road, and the dull boom of waves crashing into the headland.
The sun on his face was cheering and made him feel calmer. He’d had a busy morning but, however hard he worked, there was only so much income the farm could make. And he was still worried about the rent rise on his fields. Charles Epping really had no clue how normal, un-rich people lived. And he wouldn’t give a damn about Driftwood House. Liam wondered again how Epping’s visit to the house had gone two days ago. Rosie had been distant and unforthcoming when he’d rung her to find out, so he hadn’t called again.
‘No cars so you can come off the lead, Billy.’ Liam unclipped it but the dog stayed by his side.
Ahead of him, a woman in a flowing lilac sundress had just reached the beach. A canvas tote bag was slung over her shoulder and her hair was shining gold in the sun. It was only when she stopped and stooped down to take off her sandals that he realised it was Rosie.
Liam’s first instinct was to turn around and head back to the farm. Not because he didn’t want to see her – he really did, but that was the problem. Every time he saw Rosie, he felt closer to her and that just wouldn’t do. What was the point of getting closer if it meant he’d miss her more when she was gone?
He stopped walking, ready to retrace his steps, but the stupid dog ruined everything by suddenly running ahead. His barking alarmed a flock of birds who rose from the hedgerow as one.
Rosie shielded her eyes to see what was causing the ruckus and stood up slowly, holding her shoes.
‘Hey,’ said Liam, when he reached her. ‘How are you doing?’
‘All right, thanks. And you?’
‘Yeah, OK.’
‘Good.’
Rosie squidged her toes into the sand while Liam tried not to think of the last time he’d seen Rosie, when he’d run his fingers along the soft skin of her arm.
‘Have you been busy today?’ she asked.
‘Yeah, very.’
‘Spring must be a busy time of year.’
‘It is.’
‘How are your mum and dad?’
‘Fine.’
This was quite pathetic. How many women’s arms had he stroked over the years? Absolutely loads, without turning into a monosyllabic idiot. Alex would tell him to get a grip.
Liam pulled himself together and gave Rosie his best twinkly smile. ‘I was about to take Billy for a walk on the beach. Why don’t you join us?’
‘Why not?’ Rosie gazed out to sea and smiled. ‘Wow, the beach is looking good today. I needed some fresh air and knew it would cheer me up.’
She put her hands on her hips and turned her face to the sun while Liam bent to pat Billy’s flank.
‘Off you go, boy. Have fun.’
The dog needed no further encouragement. He sped away, barking joyfully as he weaved among the tourists who had spread their towels out across the warm sand.
Liam straightened up. ‘I’m sure you have good beaches in Spain.’
