The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with

by Donna Ashcroft

  Then there was the window – it took up the whole back of the first floor, offering incredible views over the fields and hills, giving a glimpse of the sparkling blue sea beyond it. Madison already knew you could watch sunsets from here – she’d done it a few times with her aunt. It was one of the reasons they’d never bothered hanging curtains. Once cleared out and after a lick of paint, the room would be perfect for yoga sessions. The small kitchen opposite the bathroom could be closed off and no one would bother going upstairs. She grinned as Amy wandered in.

  ‘Are you getting a feel for the space?’ Amy asked.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘I can’t believe we never thought of offering yoga lessons at The Hideaway. Then again, we had no one here to teach.’ Amy swung an arm around Madison’s shoulder. ‘And a Grand Opening for the cafe is inspired. I’m so glad you decided to come home. I’m feeling positive for the first time in yonks, and Dee’s baking Stanley’s favourite apple pie as a thank you – which tells me she’s excited beyond words.’

  ‘We need to get some guests before we start celebrating,’ Madison cautioned, looking at the furniture again, trying to figure out what to move first. ‘That desk is too heavy for us to shift ourselves.’

  ‘We could ask Connor?’ Amy suggested. ‘If he brings Jesse, I’ll make myself scarce. But we could clear all the papers, books and the lighter furniture ready for him. You don’t think your aunt will mind?’

  Madison shook her head. ‘I hope not. She rarely used the office, but did yoga here quite a lot.’ For a while they’d done sessions together and Sandy had given Madison an early passion for the practice.

  ‘Not recently. Not since she got sick…’

  ‘She was ill?’ Madison asked.

  Amy looked away. ‘I don’t know all the details, but I will say Sandy looked fine after a week’s rest so you shouldn’t worry. I think the main reason your aunt and uncle booked the cruise was to get away from it all. It’s been stressful here.’

  ‘I wish I could speak to them, but Dee said they didn’t even take their mobiles.’ Madison nibbled her lip. If her aunt was ill, why hadn’t anyone told her?

  ‘Try an email? It might get there. Just tell your aunt you’re here and missing them,’ Amy advised. ‘Don’t mention the work. That way, when they return to a guesthouse full of people, it’ll be an even bigger surprise.’

  * * *

  Madison watched Connor inspect the empty desk with a frown. A large tool belt, filled with heavy implements, was slung across his waist and he looked dusty, tired and irritated. In contrast, Jaws ran around the large room sniffing the furniture, before coming to lie in front of Madison to beg for a tummy rub.

  ‘You need me to what?’ Connor asked, ignoring his dog and the view out of the window in favour of a chip in the paintwork to the right of the window frame. He ran his finger across it and whipped out some sandpaper from his tool belt, his muscles flexing as he worked.

  ‘Help me move the desk out of the room. Amy and I managed to shift the chair and bookshelves, but this is too heavy. Then can you freshen the walls up with a lick of paint? I don’t know what you’ve been hired to do, but if it doesn’t include the office, I’ll pay you.’ Madison rubbed Jaws’s stomach and bit her lip, wondering if she’d offended Connor when he turned from the sanding to narrow his eyes at her. ‘I’ve an idea about colours. Something calming. I plan to run yoga sessions here,’ she explained, feeling the bubbles of excitement that had been building since she’d had her conversation with Stanley evaporate at Connor’s lack of enthusiasm.

  ‘What happened to getting a job?’ Connor’s frown deepened. How did he look at that face in the mirror every day and not want to smile?

  Madison shook her head. ‘I’ve got an application form for a housekeeping position. But I bumped into Stanley at Lake Lodge and he’s got some great ideas for The Hideaway. We’re going to start offering yoga sessions and afternoon walks to see if we can drum up business. And Stanley thinks we’ll attract even more guests if we do a big Grand Opening for the cafe.’

  As Madison tried to meet Connor’s eyes, he looked away. ‘I can’t leave the cafe at the moment but I can fit in some painting in the evenings if you’re determined to do this. I don’t want money – your aunt and uncle are paying me and the guesthouse was included. But I’ve got to say, you’d be better off getting another income. It might be foolish putting all your eggs in one basket if you really want to stay.’

  ‘You don’t think we can do it?’ Madison straightened up, feeling oddly hurt. Jaws hopped up to sniff the desk again.

  Connor sighed. ‘I didn’t say that. It’s just turning a business around is hard work. It takes commitment and endurance.’

  ‘Which you don’t think I have?’ Madison put her hands on her hips. ‘I thought we’d moved past that poor opinion of me this morning?’

  ‘I’m not trying to insult you.’ Connor looked pained. ‘I’m simply pointing out that turning a business around is a lot more work than it might seem. I’ve been trying for the last year and it’s tough, often thankless, and doesn’t leave time for much else. Besides, your aunt and uncle might have other plans for the place…’

  ‘They’ve been living here for years, I know how much The Hideaway means to them.’ Madison took in the lines around Connor’s face for the first time, the tension in his shoulders. He looked wrung out – not that he’d admit it – which probably explained the crappy mood. ‘The fact that they’ve hired you to do up the cafe and redecorate shows their commitment to making it work. Imagine their surprise when they come home from the cruise in six weeks to a thriving business.’ She grinned, feeling it fade when Connor didn’t so much as smile back at her.

  ‘I’m imagining it.’ He winced, stroking a hand over his temples.

  ‘Headache again?’ Madison’s irritation was instantly forgotten as she walked towards him. ‘I learned some massage techniques from a friend in Thailand. If you sit on the floor I could help?’

  ‘Another friend?’ Connor shook his head, backing away, so Madison dropped her hands to her sides. ‘I’ve no time for a massage. I’ve left Jesse-of-the-sore-head varnishing the cafe counter and I don’t want to leave him for long. I’m not sure if he’s in more danger of falling asleep or going in search of booze.’

  ‘Is he okay?’

  Connor shrugged. ‘He’s breathing and working, so I’d say so. If he stops doing either, I’ll let you know.’

  ‘I’ll pop by and see him later,’ Madison promised, as Connor undid his tool belt and dropped it on the floor.

  ‘So where did you want this?’ Connor walked around the desk.

  ‘You want to move it now?’ Madison had been expecting Connor to complain before agreeing to do it later. ‘What about your headache?’

  ‘It’ll disappear if I work through it,’ he muttered, folding his arms. ‘Besides, I’d rather get the desk moved now so I can focus on the painting later. Unless you’re planning on changing your mind?’

  Irritated, Madison huffed. ‘Upstairs in the bedroom, if we can get it there. I’ve measured the hallway and it’ll just about fit.’

  Connor stared at her. ‘We?’

  ‘I’m stronger than I look.’ Madison walked to the right of the desk and put her hands on either side. ‘If we shift it sideways we’ll be able to do it.’

  Connor frowned. ‘I don’t need your help. I can do it alone.’

  ‘Your mantra of choice, I’m guessing, but you don’t have to.’ Madison flashed him a bright smile she didn’t quite feel. ‘I’m trying to prove myself here, Connor, show I can stick at something regardless of how tough or –’ she let her eyes flick to the desk – ‘heavy it is. Don’t throw the gesture back in my face without giving me a chance to try it.’

  Connor’s mouth set into a grim line.

  ‘If I go first you’ll take all the weight – I’ll just be guiding the desk into the bedroom,’ Madison pleaded. When Connor didn’t say anything, she added, ‘If you don’t l
et me help, I’ll ask Amy or do it myself.’

  ‘I’m guessing you might just be stubborn enough to try it.’ Connor shook his head, grasping the other side of the desk. ‘Which is a side of you I hadn’t expected. Fine, but if you hurt yourself you’re going to find it difficult to teach the yoga you’re so sure is going to turn this place around. So let me take the weight and – I know it’s hard – but try to follow my instructions.’ With that he picked up the desk and flipped it to the side without giving Madison the chance to assist. She lifted the bottom and tried to take some of the weight, though it was obvious Connor was carrying the brunt of it. The desk was still heavy though, and she leaned into it.

  ‘If you walk around, you can get it through the door and into the hallway,’ Connor ordered, nodding to the right as his breath shortened with the exertion. ‘Take it slowly and don’t let yourself trip. I’m guessing dropping the thing could make a horrible mess of your toes.’

  ‘Let me take some of the weight, Connor,’ Madison begged, watching the flush creep further up his face. ‘It’s too heavy for one.’

  ‘It’s fine,’ Connor replied mildly. ‘But it would be good if we could get it done quickly.’ He eased her backwards through the door and into the hallway. The next turn was tight, but Madison got a foot on the carpeted stairs and began to back upwards.

  ‘You’re going to injure yourself,’ Madison grumbled, watching the muscles underneath Connor’s shirt strain against the weight. She tried to speed up and move faster, but it was difficult. The damn thing was really heavy – even if Connor was carrying most of it – and she began to regret her decision to help him alone. ‘Can we put it down for a second?’ she asked, ignoring Connor’s frustrated expression. ‘Just here on the stairs – we can take a short break, give our bodies a chance to recover.’

  Connor sighed loudly and let the desk drop onto the stairs as Madison did the same. He was still holding it with the side of his body, but she could see the relief around his mouth.

  ‘Did we bite off more than we can chew?’ Madison looked down at the desk, wondering if she could possibly lift it again. ‘Because it’s heavier than it looks.’

  ‘Do you always give up this easily?’ Connor asked, incredulous. ‘We’re only a few steps from the top of the stairs, and I’m guessing the bedroom isn’t far beyond it. The secret to getting things done, Madison, is pushing forwards, heading in one direction – no distractions and no giving up. My dad didn’t teach me much worth remembering, but for a life lesson, that was top of the list.’

  ‘It’s a good one,’ Madison said, grateful for the small insight into the man she found so difficult to read. ‘But if by pushing you mean hurting yourself, I’m not sure I’m completely on board. I get the lesson about sticking with things. I’m trying to learn that one myself, but we’re not machines – sometimes our bodies and minds need time out if we don’t want to break them.’ Sighing, she squatted down, taking care not to push the desk with her knees, and picked it up again, groaning with the effort.

  ‘Work can be relaxing.’ Connor gritted his teeth as he took the weight into his shoulders. ‘Building things, making stuff happen. There’s an art to it, perhaps even a joy. I don’t get that feeling from much else.’

  Digesting the comment, feeling sad about it, Madison stepped backwards, stumbling a little on the top step before heading towards the small bedroom. ‘Almost there,’ she said, relieved – although the comment was more for herself than Connor, who now looked perfectly at ease. ‘I thought we could put it next to the bed to use as a dressing table. There’s enough space to walk around and I can even add a mirror.’ Her mind wandered to the work she still needed to do in the yoga studio.

  They were almost through the bedroom doorway when Madison felt something furry tickle her leg and jumped, startled. ‘Jaws?’ she yelped, losing her footing suddenly, tripping over the bundle of fur and bones that had decided to place itself directly in her path. Madison tried desperately to stay upright – she knew in her head she should let go of the desk and just fall, but instinct took over and her hands grabbed at the wood, determined to stop her inevitable crash to the ground.

  ‘Let go,’ Connor yelled as Madison began to topple backwards, her arms flailing as she did as she was told. She heard Connor grunt with the strain of holding the desk alone as her feet went out from under her. Then she was lying on the floor looking up at the ceiling, and Jaws was standing beside her licking her face.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Connor shouted, sounding worried.

  ‘I’m fine, just… a little winded.’ Madison heard Connor grunt again as the desk thumped down on the floor in front of her. He’d moved backwards, carrying the whole weight, and it was now sitting in the middle of the doorway.

  ‘Ouch, bugger,’ Connor grumbled as Madison picked herself up, stroking Jaws, who was looking at her adoringly.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ Madison frowned as Connor slid to the floor with a hand at his shoulder.

  ‘Nothing.’ His voice sounded wrong.

  ‘You’ve hurt yourself.’ Madison bounced onto the desk and slid over it, ignoring the excited bark from Jaws as she dropped to her knees, taking in Connor’s pale complexion and cursing herself for being so stupid. ‘I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. You should have let go – let it drop.’

  ‘On top of you?’ Connor shook his head. ‘I may not be great with people, Madison, but I draw the line at crushing them. I’m fine,’ he added as she began to fuss. ‘It’s an old injury – I did it years ago helping my father knock down a ceiling, and was back at work the next day.’ He tried to roll his shoulder and his face went white. ‘Dammit. I haven’t got time for this.’

  ‘Stay still.’ Madison pressed a hand over Connor’s, ignoring the slight shiver that shot up her arm. ‘I’ll get some ice packs and painkillers from Dee. Stay there, I won’t be long.’

  ‘I need to get back to work,’ Connor repeated, although he didn’t look in any hurry to stand. ‘I feel dizzy,’ he added feebly.

  ‘I’d suggest putting your head between your knees, but I’m not sure you’d be capable of it. If I help slide you onto your back would that help?’ Madison suggested.

  ‘Hard to say.’ Connor blinked, shifting himself to the side, away from the wall and the desk, letting Madison ease him to the floor.

  She knelt, fighting the urge to stroke a stray curl of dark hair off his forehead, to run a finger across the five o’clock shadow on his jaw. ‘I got my wish,’ she joked. ‘It’s not the dragon pose, but you’re almost in my studio.’

  ‘It’s not funny,’ Connor murmured, although the edges of his mouth did twitch. ‘You promised me painkillers and ice.’

  Madison jumped to her feet. ‘I’ll bring a banana too. For the—’

  ‘Mood enhancers? Dee mentioned something about that last time I was in the kitchen. If you think it’ll help you’d better bring two.’

  ‘Is that a joke?’ Madison headed for the stairs. ‘Did you bang your head?’

  ‘Painkillers,’ Connor murmured.

  ‘I’m sorry.’ Madison broke into a run as she headed for The Hideaway and Dee’s well-stocked first aid kit, feeling guilty for injuring Connor, but strangely light – because now Connor was starting to open up, there was a small chance she’d be able to make him like her too.

  Twelve

  Connor sat on a chair in his kitchen and tried to gently rotate his shoulder, but it hurt. Not a gentle stab either, more like something out of Psycho. He cursed as he tried again, attempting to ignore Madison as she whizzed around making something deeply suspicious on the stove.

  ‘It’s camomile tea. I know you’re not keen, but one cup won’t hurt you. It’s a great stress reliever and muscle relaxant. Combined with the painkillers and a few gentle exercises, I’m guessing it’ll help.’ She put a steaming mug of what looked like cat’s pee under his nose. ‘And I still don’t understand why you won’t see a doctor.’

  ‘I’ll be fine by tomorrow.’ Connor sniffed
the liquid and groaned.

  ‘See, it’s working already, you’re almost back to your old self,’ Madison joked, as she opened his fridge and stood staring into it. ‘Do you keep your vegetables somewhere else?’

  ‘No.’ Connor rolled his eyes and tried to get up, but Madison turned and fixed him with a scary expression he hadn’t seen before. There were a lot of sides to Madison Skylar he was getting to know this afternoon – not all of them pleasant.

  ‘You promised you wouldn’t move – at least for a few hours – and in return I said I wouldn’t take you to the hospital.’

  ‘I don’t have time—’

  ‘I know.’ Madison held up a hand, looking both amused and exasperated. ‘So I’ll feed you and figure out some exercises and we’ll see if this is anything more serious than a strain. But I’ve got to say, Connor, you don’t look fit for anything, let alone varnishing – or whatever else you’re meant to be doing for my uncle and aunt today.’

  ‘Putting a new toilet in the cafe.’ Connor fought the sigh. He’d lost an hour already this afternoon helping Madison move that bloody desk. Who knew how many more would be gone before he could get back to work. The woman was distracting in so many ways, but he had no idea why he couldn’t pull himself away.

  ‘So no vegetables.’ Madison sighed. ‘What is it you eat exactly?’ She opened one of his cupboards to search and Jaws came to stand beside her, begging for a head rub which Madison delivered.

  ‘Pizza, pies and the occasional packet of crisps.’ Connor knew the stark list would drive Madison crazy and he was right. Her eyes widened and she looked so taken aback he almost laughed. If it weren’t for his idiot shoulder he might have followed through.

  ‘That’s ridiculous.’ Madison pulled her mobile from the back pocket of the stretchy dark blue yoga pants she’d been wearing all afternoon – they hid a lot of things, aside from the lean curviness of her figure, and Connor dragged his eyes to the window so he could distract himself. ‘Dee,’ Madison barked into the phone. ‘I’ve got an emergency at Connor’s…’ She paused. ‘No, he’s not fainted, but his fridge is empty aside from a packet of crisps and about a hundred bottles of beer. There’s nothing green or leafy in the whole house, except for a half-dead plant on the windowsill… Okay, thank you.’ Madison smiled as she hung up. ‘Dee’s going to pop over some vegetables so I can make soup.’ Connor grimaced. ‘Indulge me and I promise I’ll leave you alone just as soon as you’ve eaten… oh, and tried a couple of yoga poses,’ she added with a mischievous smile.