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“Absolutely.”
“You, as my girlfriend, us seriously working towards a future together,” I murmur.
“I like the sound of that,” she whispers, kissing me back when I run my lips over hers.
“Good, how about breakfast in bed?” I ask, knowing she hasn’t got work until later. She nods, smiling widely. I breathe a sigh of relief and lean past her to make our drinks.
“Cameron, I do think you need to talk to Holly and put your mind at rest,” she says.
“I don't need to. You put my mind at rest.” I press a quick kiss to her head, hoping to ease her worry.
“Thanks, I guess.” She laughs lightly, her gaze wavering as she licks her lips nervously. “I’d feel happier knowing you’ve settled it with her and it's nothing to worry about.”
“I just asked you to be my girlfriend. Why would you be worried about her?”
“I'm not, but it bothers you, and I can see the tension in you. We live in a small village. Wouldn’t it be best to clear the air? I mean, what if we want to go to her shop, can we?” Nadine sighs. “I don't want to walk on eggshells.” I can see how unsettled she is by Holly’s return. I was losing control, and she could sense that. Plus, Holly is stunning. I’ve noticed a few men watching her. It’s hard not to be attracted to her quiet appeal.
“I’ll talk to her,” I say, “but after that, it’s done, and we move on. Me and you. I don’t want to relive my past, Nadine. Whatever you’ve been told isn't nearly half as bad as it was.” She has to know approaching Holly is like ripping a raw wound open after it’s knitted.
“I'm sorry for what you went through, but she deserves to know the truth and apologise for the pain she caused.”
“She doesn’t deserve to know anything. I really don't want to talk about it. I said I’d talk to her,” I say firmly, striding towards the stairs with my mug.
“I can see you’re upset.”
“Nadine, I admitted I want a future with you, and within minutes, you're shoving my past down my throat. It’s a no-go area. I will talk to Holly for you.”
Her eyes widen and she moves in and pecks my lips.
“Sorry, it’s just, you’re you, and I keep pinching myself as it is,” she admits sheepishly. “And then she came back, and I panicked.” Her soft tone is shaky. “Whether you decide to talk with her or not, it's none of my business. The past is done.” She pouts, waiting for me to make a move. And I do. I lean in and solidify our decision to move things to a more serious level with a kiss.
Once Nadine has gone, I decide for myself that, if we will all live in the same village, I should set a boundary with Holly. Plus, I look after Grace and she and Beau are becoming friends. It's best we are all civil. Last night at the park had been awkward, and I spent too many years feeling like I wasn’t welcome in my hometown after Sarah. I refuse to feel like it once more just because Holly has come back.
Chapter Five
Holly
Marcus left after breakfast. It’s nice having an extra pair of hands and support with Beau, but Marcus can be staid at times. Beau’s enthusiasm and naivete can be a little too much for him to contend with. Several times I have had to remind him she is only five. Not that her continuous chatting would suggest so.
“Ready for summer club? Grace might be there,” I say, plaiting her hair down her back.
Her little shoulders lift in a petite shrug. “I guess.”
“Grace will be there to look after you,” I assure.
“Can she come to play at my house?” Beau asks. I knew this was coming.
“That would be fine, but we need to check with her mummy first,” I tell her. I don’t want to spring it on anyone, let alone myself. I'm still trying to smooth myself into the fold of Richmond and find my feet.
“She wants to come!” Beau tells me loudly. “She said so. She likes ponies too!”
“Oh well, she will love your bedroom then.” I laugh. “Look at all the ponies in here. If your bed wasn’t in here, anyone would think it was a stable.” I squeeze her little hand in mine.
Beau turns and gives me her serious face. “Mummy. Stables are stinky,” she mutters at me pointedly.
“Yes, they are. I did see a sign for stables. Maybe we can book you in for horse riding. Would you like that?”
“Yes!” she squeals. “Yes, yes, yes!” Grabbing a stuffed horse, she rams it between her legs and begins gallivanting round the room. “Yee-haw!”
