Jacob gave her a small shrug. “I suppose so. You’re okay for an outsider.” His mouth twitched with amusement.
“Hey!” Daisy gave him a playful whack on the arm. “I have just opened up my heart to you, and that’s your response?”
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ears and gave her a tender look. “What would you like me to say? That I feel as if I’ve been waiting for you to come into my life? That the world seems a better place with you at my side? That I’ve never felt this happy and comfortable in someone else’s company before.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Or that you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met? Because you are. And you’re kind, thoughtful, organised and you have an infectious laugh. And let’s not forget how much Malcolm loves you.”
Daisy grinned. “Those are good words. They’ll do for starters. When can we go to your beautiful house? You promised me we would go.”
“We can go now. I’ll make us something for dinner, and we can eat outside and then have a good talk.” His gaze was soft. “I want to know all about you, Daisy Clarke.”
“There’s not that much to say. I haven’t led an eventful life, just one full of work and trying to impress my dad. I think we should talk about you. But let’s put things into perspective. What are you going to make for dinner? I’m famished.”
Jacob laughed. “I’ve got the perfect meal for you. But let’s put things into a more important perspective. Keep still.” He moved closer and looked as if he were about to kiss her again.
“Am I interrupting something?” a harsh voice shot out from behind them.
Daisy and Jacob jumped apart and looked at the speaker. It was Roberta Wainwright. She had a face like thunder mixed with every other scary weather feature Daisy could think of.
Daisy quickly stood up to face Roberta full on. She was aware her face was red with embarrassment, but there was nothing she could do about that.
Roberta tapped the watch on her wrist and snapped, “You should be working, Ms Clarke. According to our agreement, you confirmed you’d work eight hours a day. That time isn’t up yet. You should be back at your office, not wasting your time here with Jacob Smythe.” She shot Jacob a disparaging look. “Haven’t you got work to do too?”
Anger flashed through Daisy. Her dad had spoken to her in the same condescending manner, and she wasn’t going to put up with it from anyone else. She gave Roberta a direct look and said clearly, “I am aware of the agreement we made, and I intend to work at least eight hours every day. When I work those eight hours is up to me. I may work some of them at night, or some of them over the weekend. I do not have to explain my timetable to you, Roberta.”
Roberta looked outraged. “How dare you speak to me like that? I have never been spoken to like that before.”
Jacob stood up and faced Roberta too. “It’s about time someone did speak to you like that. You are incredibly rude to people when you talk to them, did you know that? I don’t know why you think you can speak to people that way. You were out of order talking to Daisy like that. She’s been working hard all day, and she’s put loads of things online.”
Roberta snapped at Jacob, “You keep out of this!”
Daisy appreciated Jacob’s support, but she could take care of herself. In a softer tone, she said, “Roberta, I know how much this town means to you, and I know you want the best for it. I’ve only been here a short while, and I want the best for it too. Things will run more smoothly if I keep my working hours flexible. There’ll be times when I need to work nights and weekends, and I’ll gladly do that. And there’ll be times when I need to sit on this lovely beach and stare at the view while I recharge my batteries.”
Roberta gave Jacob another look of disapproval and said to her, “I suppose I can see that, but I don’t know why you want to sit with him.”
Daisy smiled and said, “I like Jacob. He knows a lot about this town. We were about to have dinner at his house. He was going to show me some of the original plans for the town. They’ll look great on the website.”
Roberta’s look turned slightly less sour. “Did he? Is he going to charge you to look at them?”
“No, I’m not,” Jacob defended himself. He looked as if he was going to say a lot more, but his phone rang. He answered it and grimaced as he listened to what the caller was saying. He ended the call and said to Daisy, “I’ll have to cancel our plans. I’ve got an emergency call out, and I’m not sure how long it will take.”
“That’s okay. We can do it another time,” Daisy told him.
Jacob gave Roberta a defiant look and then kissed Daisy full on the mouth. He said softly, “I’ll phone you later.” He knelt at Malcolm’s side and gently woke him. “Come on, lad. We’re going to Cora’s house.”
At those words, Malcolm jumped up and looked around eagerly.
Jacob laughed and explained to Daisy, “Cora always has something in her cupboards for Malcolm, and he knows it.”
Roberta asked, “What’s wrong at Cora’s house now?”
“Another burst pipe.” Jacob shook his head. “Her house needs a complete renovation. I can only patch those old pipes up so many times.”
Daisy was surprised to see the concern on Roberta’s face. It made a welcome change from the anger which had been there a moment ago.
Roberta informed Jacob, “Do the work and send her bill to me. I’ve set up a renovation account for the town, and there should be sufficient funds for Cora’s work.”
Jacob stared at her. “A renovation account for the town?”
“Yes, that’s what I said. Are you deaf? Go on, hurry up. Don’t keep the old woman waiting.” The anger was back, but Daisy suspected it wasn’t real anger.
Jacob rolled his eyes in Daisy’s direction and then walked away with Malcolm jogging at his side.
Daisy gave Roberta a studious look. The woman wasn’t as hard-hearted as she seemed. An idea suddenly came to Daisy.
“Roberta, would you like to come to my place for dinner? And by that, I mean fish and chips from the shop. I’d love to know more about you, and your role in this town. We could also check the website and comments together. It might be good PR if you replied to some of the comments as the official representative of this town. I think our followers would like that.”
Roberta frowned. “I’m not sure. I’ve got a lot of paperwork to catch up on.”
“Can’t it wait? Wouldn’t you like to see how the site is doing? I’ve posted some photos of Malcolm, and I just know they’re going to be popular.”
Roberta still looked unsure.
Daisy tried a different approach and said, “It would help me a lot to have someone as knowledgeable as you to talk to. You must be the number one expert on this town!” She waggled her eyebrows. “I have two bottles of wine in the fridge. We could sit on my balcony, stuff our faces with fish and chips, and you can tell me everything about this town and its residents. And what passes between us is private, so you can say whatever you want.”
Roberta broke into a smile. It was the first genuine smile Daisy had seen on her face. Roberta announced, “What the heck! Let’s do it. But I insist on buying the fish and chips. We’ll get mushy peas too, they’re delicious. And we must get some mint choc ice cream from the ice cream parlour. It’s the best I’ve ever tasted. You must try it.”
Daisy grinned at her. “If you insist.”
Roberta suddenly looked years younger and Daisy wondered how much time Roberta spent helping this town. It must be a huge responsibility to be the mayor, especially when the town was struggling financially. She hoped she could somehow lighten Roberta’s load, at least for one night.
The two woman headed towards the fish and chip shop. Daisy began to tell Roberta about the residents she’d spoken to today, and the new ideas which had come to Jacob and her afterwards. Roberta listened and nodded in encouragement at the new proposals.
Daisy cast a wistful look at the road which led to Jacob’s house. She would have liked to spend more time w
ith him, but she didn’t mind too much. She had a feeling Roberta Wainwright needed company. And she’d rather make a friend of Roberta than an enemy.
Chapter 12
JACOB
JACOB ARRIVED AT DAISY’S office bright and early the next morning. He’d been up for hours unable to contain his excitement at seeing her again. He’d already postponed some work this morning so he could spend more time with her. He’d never done anything like that before and Glen Abbot had been most put out when Jacob had told him he couldn’t clear his loft this morning. Well, Glen and his loft would have to wait.
“Morning!” Jacob announced cheerfully as he entered Daisy’s office holding a small plastic box aloft. “Oh, you’ve got a desk and some chairs. When did these arrive?”
“A few hours ago,” Daisy said from her position behind the desk. “It was either the early hours of today or at the end of next week. I didn’t mind getting up early. I’ve got lots to do anyway. What’s in the box?”
“I’ve made you some granola bars. They’re packed with seeds, nuts and oats. They’ll give you a boost of energy whenever you need it.”
“Thanks?” Daisy said uncertainly. “I think I’d rather have them packed with chocolate. Chocolate always gives me a boost.”
“But these are better for you.” Jacob moved closer, placed the box on the desk and lifted the lid. “Look at them. They’re a feast for the eyes.” He wafted his hand over the box. “And get a whiff of that smell. Mouthwatering. I made a batch for myself last night, and thought I’d make some for you.”
Daisy moved her head closer to the box and inhaled. “Can I smell coconut coming from them?”
“You can. I made these with coconut oil. It’s good for you.” He took a bar out, broke a corner off and handed it to Daisy. “Try a bit. You’ll love it.”
“I’m not sure about that, but I’ll give it a go.” Daisy popped the morsel in her mouth and began to chew. Her eyes widened in what Jacob hoped was delight and not disgust.
She said, “These are lovely. And they’re good for me?”
“They are. I’ll make you some more, and I can make you some smoothies too.” He shifted to his other foot, suddenly uncomfortable. “I want to make sure you stay healthy. You’ve got such a lot to do, and you might not have time to eat well. I hope you don’t think I’m being too forward.”
Daisy looked into his eyes. “I like you taking care of me. That’s not to say I need you to take care of me. I’m a strong, independent woman who knows exactly where the fish and chip shop is, but I do like you looking out for me.” She patted the chair next to her. “Sit down, and I’ll show you what’s been happening online since I put those photos of Malcolm up.”
Jacob sat at her side, leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. Daisy blushed, but then she sneakily stole a kiss back from him.
Jacob said, “I tried to phone you last night after I’d finished at Cora’s house, but it kept going to your answering service. I hope you weren’t working too late last night.”
“I was working a bit, but then I was chatting for most of the evening. Wine was involved too.”
Jacob frowned. “Who were you chatting to? And who were you drinking wine with? And where did this happen? And for how long? Was your accomplice male or female?”
Daisy laughed. “Stop with the interrogation!” She tilted her head and her eyes narrowed. “Are you jealous, Jacob Smythe? Do you think I was sharing wine with a man last night?
Jacob rubbed the back of his neck. “I am jealous if you really need to know. It’s not a feeling I’m familiar with, and I don’t like it.”
Daisy’s look softened. “You don’t need to be jealous. I’m not sure what this thing is between us, but I like it. And I like you — a lot. I’d like to see where things go with us.”
“Me too.” Jacob gave her a lingering smile. “Put me out of my misery and tell me who you shared wine with.”
“Roberta.”
“Roberta who?”
“Roberta Wainwright.” Daisy gave him a satisfied smile. “We had fish and chips, ice cream and two bottles of wine. We talked about the town for a bit, then we had a good old gossip about the residents. That woman knows some dark secrets! But I’m not going to tell you or anyone else what they are.”
Jacob placed the back of his hand on Daisy’s forehead. “You’re not well. You’re delusional. You’re having hallucinations.”
Daisy pulled his hand away. “It really did happen. She stayed for hours. She was quite tipsy when she left.”
Jacob shook his head. “Roberta doesn’t get tipsy. She doesn’t know how to.” He put his head to one side. “Has a tall, thin man been in here? A man called Wendall McGuire? Did he offer to sell you herbs for medicinal purposes? Let me tell you, Daisy, those herbs are not for medicinal purposes. Not unless you want to sleep for days and have weird dreams. I know a few people who foolishly bought stuff from Wendall. They were convinced they were aliens for months.”
Daisy shook her head. “I didn’t meet a tall, thin man selling dubious produce. I really did spend time with Roberta. We sat on my balcony and chatted for hours. I even took some photos of her eating fish and chips and put them on the site. Her cheeks are a bit red in some photos, but she looks very happy. And if you still don’t believe me, ask all those people Roberta blew kisses to as they walked under the balcony.”
“You’re having me on. Roberta would never do that.”
Daisy turned to her computer and tapped away. She brought up a page of photos all showing Roberta. She said, “These are the photos I couldn’t use.”
Jacob peered closer. “I almost didn’t recognise her. Is she standing on your table there?”
“She is. It was a makeshift stage for a while.” Daisy smiled at the photos. “I really like Roberta. She does a lot for the town and I’ve a feeling she barely gets any thanks. She opened up to me last night about her private life. She really misses her husband. That’s why she keeps so busy, it takes her mind off her loneliness.” Daisy clicked off the photos. “I’ve already said too much about her. I promised her our chat would stay private. And that includes you, my would-be stripper.” She grinned at him.
Jacob shook his head at her. “Get that idea right out of your head. I’m pleased you spent some time with Roberta. The woman annoys the life out of me, but it’s true that she does a great deal for the town. If there are any problems here, she gets it sorted out immediately. Anyway, enough about her, show me the website with Malcolm on. I hope his big hairy face hasn’t offended anyone.”
“Quite the opposite. People love him. There are already Twitter hashtags with his name attached. He’s trending.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
“It means this is a good thing.” Daisy brought up the website with Malcolm’s happy face on it. “There have been thousands of visitors over night. And from all over the world. People are also asking about accommodation in the town. Let me show you the comments.”
She scrolled down and Jacob started to read the comments. He bristled at the first one. “Is that a marriage proposal for you?”
Daisy nodded. “Yes, there’s quite a few of them.” She kept her eyes on the screen. “I might consider them. They sound promising. One of them owns his own bouncy castle business.”
Jacob studied her for a moment. “I hope you’re joking.” He knew it was ridiculous, but he couldn’t bear the thought of other men showing an interest in Daisy.
Daisy snorted with laughter. “Of course I’m joking. Look at these comments about Malcolm. Everyone loves him.”
Jacob read the comments and his heart lifted at the kind words. “My dad would have loved reading these. Daisy, I’m so glad you’ve done this. Not just putting Malcolm on here, but all the other things too. I saw how you talked to people yesterday. I saw how you listened intently. They like you a lot.”
“I like them a lot too. I know this is a marketing job for me, but it feels more like a labour of love. I’d do this
even if I wasn’t being paid.” She gave him a smile. “Don’t tell Roberta that or she’ll stop paying me.”
Jacob looked down at the desk and cleared his throat. Something had been on his mind since he’d first kissed Daisy the previous day. He found his bravery, gave her a direct look and asked, “When your work is finished here, what will you do?” He swallowed before saying the words he feared. “Will you leave this town?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t want to. It feels like home.” She gently ran her fingers through his hair and gave him a gentle smile. “I don’t want to leave you. You bring me food. And how could I leave Malcolm? He’s an internet star. Where is he anyway?”
“In the van, fast asleep again. Being a canine celebrity must be hard work for him.” Jacob gave Daisy a soft kiss and then stood up. “I’ll go and fetch him.”
“I’ll come with you. I’ve been sitting down for hours. Shall we have a stroll along the beach? I could do with a break.”
“That sounds perfect.” Jacob caught her hand in his and they headed outside.
Jacob stopped in his tracks when he saw the passenger door of his van was wide open. He dropped Daisy’s hand and rushed forwards. “Malcolm?” His dog wasn’t inside. He ran around the back of the van and flung the doors open. “Malcolm! Where are you? Stop messing about.”
Jacob slammed the doors shut and went back to Daisy. “He must have run off to the church again. He’s never done that before from all the way down here, but where else could he be?” He scratched his head and looked up and down the street. “Unless he spotted a cat and decided to chase it. But he’s not really the cat-chasing type; he’s too lazy.”
Realising there was no response from Daisy, he looked her way and was startled to see the colour had drained from her face. She was trembling and staring intently at her phone.
A Fresh Start In Holly Blue Bay Page 7