Flame

by Toya Richardson

Simon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘Dad would be a tad disappointed.’

  ‘I guess so,’ she mused.

  ‘Although he would understand, plus,’ Simon added laughing, ‘he would be outnumbered. Mum would be right behind us.’

  ‘She certainly would. Mum was always the creative one and would be right behind helping Greg with his business.’

  A huge smile lit Simon’s face. Amberley looked over to see Sarah had arrived. They kissed each other lovingly on the lips.

  She watched as they interacted. It was as if they were in their own little universe, oblivious to everyone and everything around them. She felt as if she were intruding on a very private moment.

  ‘Do you have any regrets about selling the business?’ Amberley asked her brother, as she poured them another glass of wine from the bottle.

  ‘No, the sooner we can get out of London the better, especially now Sarah is pregnant.’

  Amberley sat stunned, looking at them smiling back at her. ‘What great news, I am so happy for you. At last I get to be an auntie,’ she hugged them. ‘How long have you known?’

  ‘It was only confirmed yesterday. I’m about three months.’

  ‘Hopefully this will be the start of a very exciting and happy future for all of us,’ said Amberley, raising her glass to them.

  Then she remembered Steve, his threats seeped into her thoughts. She wondered how long it was going to be until she was completely free of him. Her biggest concern was that he may hurt someone close to her, and now she had a baby niece or nephew on the way, her concern intensified. She had to shake free of the terror he brought her and she decided to go and see Greg’s painting. She got up to leave.

  ‘Where are you going?’ Simon enquired.

  ‘I fancy taking a stroll.’

  ‘Let’s walk Sarah back to work and we can go together.’

  ‘No it’s okay; I want to have some time alone. I’ll see you back at the flat. I’ll leave you to talk about babies.’ She kissed them both and left.

  As she walked past the wine bar window, she watched as Simon held Sarah close and kissed her. She really hoped she could find someone who would love her that much.

  ***

  It didn’t take her long to reach the Summer Exhibition. She knew London like the back of her hand and was aware of all the shortcuts. A couple of times she felt as if she was being watched and would stop to search the crowd, fearing Steve had found her. She shook her head and carried on walking.

  The gallery was light and airy with bright, white walls, dark polished wooden floors and numerous windows. It was peaceful and calm and she began to relax and study the paintings. It didn’t take her long to find Greg’s; it was a scene from the cliff tops where their boulders were situated. The painting was so vibrant she felt as though she could almost hear the cry of the gulls and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. There was a face mirrored in the glass that covered the painting. She focused on the face and her spine tingled in warning. The face was as familiar to her as her own… it was Steve. Amberley froze to the spot, unable to move. She wanted to cry out for help but the words froze on her lips.

  ‘And the paintings exhibited here are those of up and coming artists.’

  Amberley could now hear the sound of feet and many voices behind her. She whirled around to see a guide and several tourists surrounding her. Steve was no longer there – if it had been Steve at all. She pushed her way through the crowd, her breathing coming in sporadic gasps. People were telling her to watch where she was going, but she ignored their comments.

  Once outside, she breathed in and out deeply until she had calmed enough. Maybe it was only her imagination. In the gallery, she had felt his threatening presence behind her, now outside it seemed a ridiculous notion. Slowly she made her way back to Simon and Sarah’s home, deciding not to mention this latest episode. There was no way she could say it had definitely been him.

  Her mind was in such turmoil as she moved through the crowds that she failed to notice Steve standing watching her from across the busy London street.

  CHAPTER NINE

  When they set out to meet Greg on Friday, Amberley felt anxious. She was uncertain what kind of reception he might give her. He would have had time to think about the danger he and his mother were in; would he have grown to hate her now?

  ‘There’s Greg over there.’ Simon indicated towards his old sports car, as they pulled into the service station.

  He was leaning against his car, arms folded across his sculpted chest and with a big grin on his face. Her stomach tightened and her heart took flight in her chest. Greg sauntered over towards them. His whole stance was that of a man completely confident and at ease with life. Amberley got out of the car and rested against its side in an attempt to appear relaxed. He stepped up to her and kissed her on the lips. Not a lingering kiss, but one that let her know he wanted more.

  ‘It’s a shame we have an audience,’ he whispered, leaving her to imagine how the kiss would have developed if they’d been alone. The glint in his eye left her speechless.

  There was a polite cough beside them and Amberley remembered that there were two pairs of eyes watching their exchange with interest. After a quick break, Simon and Sarah said their goodbyes and left them on their own.

  ‘So, how was London?’ Greg asked her as he pulled out onto the motorway.

  ‘It was hectic, but the meeting was successful. We hand over the business in three months’ time. We’ll act as advisors but that will be all.’

  ‘What will you do then?’

  She drew in her top lip as she thought. ‘I have absolutely no idea. By the way, I went to the Summer Art Exhibition you told me about. Your watercolour was perfect, I almost felt as if I was on the cliff top.’

  A smile lit up Greg’s face. ‘I’m glad you went. I have to admit it’s done my business no end of good. Lots of enquires about commissions for paintings.’

  She was silent for long moments, pulling nervously at the sleeves of her jumper.

  ‘You okay?’ he asked.

  ‘Not really, Greg, I can’t stop worrying about Steve’s threats. I’m still not sure coming back here was the right thing to do. I keep picturing you and your mum being hurt by him.’ She rubbed her temples to relieve the tension.

  ‘You are not responsible for that nutter’s actions. I know he’s put you through a lot but you have to be strong and stop doing things just because of what he says. He’s a classic bully and if you leave, then you’ll just be giving in to him.’

  ‘I know and believe me I don’t want to give in. If anything happens to anyone that I care about well I…’ she faltered, not knowing what to say.

  ‘I will never let anything happen to you, or to Mum. I want you to know he won’t touch you again.’

  Amberley felt a warm glow spread inside her. He made her feel special… wanted.

  ‘Anyway, I need you here to help with my business plan.’

  She looked at him in astonishment, thinking he was being serious but she could see the corners of his mouth twitching.

  She smiled too. ‘And here I was thinking you were just after my body.’ She blushed at the brazenness of her words.

  ‘Oh God, I am so, so sorry. I think that came out in the wrong context, forget I said anything.’

  She took a sideways glance at him. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly until his knuckles turned white.

  ‘It’s a very good job we’re on the motorway,’ he said tightly.

  ‘Why?’ she asked looking as a nerve twitched along his jaw line.

  ‘Because if we weren’t I would be tempted to stop and take you up on that offer.’

  The tension and heat in the car was reaching boiling point. The silence was heavy, oppressive, and the strain mounted as they neared the cottage. She watched Greg, his face drawn in concentration. He braked to an abrupt halt in a lay-by on the outskirts of the village.

  Before she had time to react, he’d unbuckled his se
atbelt and took her lips prisoner with his. The kiss was deep and demanding. Locking her arms around his neck, she pulled him almost violently nearer to her. Her phone went off. She tried to pull away from Greg.

  ‘No, leave it,’ he growled, his lips still feasting on hers.

  Fumbling about in her bag, she disconnected the call. They continued their kiss, but the phone went off again.

  ‘Dammit,’ she groaned, ‘I have to answer it.’

  Greg chuckled wickedly; the sound was so enticing she almost threw the phone out of the window. Her hands were shaking so much that she dropped the phone and cursed again.

  He bent to retrieve the phone and handed it to her. ‘That was interesting,’ he said deliberately allowing his fingers to touch her skin lightly.

  Yes!’ she snapped, holding the phone shakily to her ear.

  ‘What’s the matter, are you okay?’

  She shut her eyes feeling guilty.

  ‘Sorry, Simon, didn’t mean to yell… you caught in me in the middle of getting my stuff from Greg’s car.’

  ‘Oh I see. I was just ringing to check if you’d got home safely.’

  Greg was trailing one finger up and down her arm; she lost her train of thought. He stroked the inside of her wrist and she closed her eyes tightly.

  ‘Are you still there?’

  ‘Erm, sorry, look can I call you back?’ She ended the call before he could respond.

  Greg leaned in to her once again. He stroked the side of her neck. His mouth followed his fingers, placing butterfly kisses along her neck until he reached her ear. Her body ached with longing for him, but she was afraid about their whole situation.

  I’d better get you back home,’ he said, his voice husky.

  When they reached her cottage, he stopped the car, looking at her speculatively.

  ‘Shall we carry this on inside?’ His voice was pure temptation.

  ‘Please stop, Greg, she said sharply’

  Instantly he sat back from her. ‘Did I do something wrong?’

  She took one of his hands in hers and shook her head. No, and that is the problem.’

  ‘I don’t see it as a problem then. We’re both adults and let’s face it; we are attracted to each other.’

  ‘Don’t you think I know that? I keep getting confused as to whether we are friends or… or something more.’

  ‘I’m positive it’s more and I don’t see what the problem is. Being with you is like being in a game of tennis sometimes. My head is going back and forth and not knowing which way the ball is going to land.’

  ‘I know and believe me I am just as confused as you are. All this rubbish with Steve is too much right now. I am frightened of rushing into anything with you, Greg, in case we both get hurt. I am afraid of losing what we have by trying to make it more. I’m not much good at relationships. We’ve been apart for nearly seventeen years and it’s scaring the hell out of me that things have happened so quickly between us.’

  He sat staring into space for a while, conflicting emotions in his expressions. He rubbed his face with his hands and then turned to her.

  ‘I’ll always be your friend, Amberley, and that will never change. But I am not going to apologise for the way I’ve acted with you.’

  ‘I don’t want you to apologise; there’s nothing to say sorry for. I’m not stupid, there is chemistry between us and I want you just as much but…’

  Greg put a finger to her lips. ‘Enough.’

  ‘I know you have a lot to deal with and I do understand.’ He got out of the car. She followed him and went to fetch her luggage from the boot.

  ‘But,’ he continued, ‘I’m not giving up hope just yet.’

  He lifted her case from the boot. She kissed him on the cheek and watched him get back in the car; he wound the window down, ‘Oh, I nearly forgot. I’m going to Newlyn tomorrow to finish a painting. If you fancy a trip out give me a call. No pressure. I’ll be leaving at nine.’

  ‘Thanks, I’ll bear that in mind.’

  He waved once and drove off.

  ***

  The following morning Amberley was awake at seven. She decided against taking Greg up on his offer. Sleep had deserted her and so she got up and pottered around. Looking at the clock, she could see it was just nine. She hesitated, then picked up the phone and dialled Greg’s number. It was on voicemail. She tried the shop, in case he was there. Kath informed her he’d left twenty minutes before.

  Amberley went for a long walk and ended up at their special place. Sitting on her boulder, she looked out to sea. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply in and out letting the sea breeze cleanse her senses. Walking back towards the village, she felt as if someone was watching her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She stopped to look around, although there was no one else in sight, only two couples down on the beach with a dog. She resumed walking.

  ***

  On returning to the cottage she looked at her watch, it was just past midday. She picked up a magazine but could not concentrate. She attempted to reply to some emails but her thoughts kept wandering to Greg. She decided to go and look for him; after all, they were good mates so why shouldn’t she turn up?

  Before leaving, she decided to make up a picnic. She knew he’d have forgotten all about taking food if he was painting. She was the same; if it wasn’t for Vanessa bringing her lunch at work, she would have starved.

  She parked up in Newlyn and spied his car. At least she hadn’t missed him. Strolling along the pier, she spotted him sitting with his back to her, looking over towards St Michaels Mount. His glossy black hair was shining in the sunlight. She approached him quietly, until she stood right behind him. He was so engrossed in his work; he’d not heard her. The watercolour he was painting was amazing; so vibrant.

  ‘Very good, keep this up and you could have your own gallery one day.’

  Greg jumped at the sound of her voice; he turned to face her, brush in hand.

  ‘You made it! I’m so glad you changed your mind. How did you know where to find me?’

  ‘Newlyn isn’t that big a place; I knew I’d find you eventually. I take it you haven’t eaten?’ she enquired.

  ‘No, I forgot.’

  She grinned at him. ‘I thought as much, good job I brought a picnic then.’

  ‘Brilliant, give me another half hour and I’ll be finished.’

  Amberley looked over to St Michaels Mount while she waited for him. She had always loved the place as a child – maybe it would be another place to visit.

  ‘I’m ready,’ Greg whispered. She shivered at his closeness.

  ‘Let me give you a hand with some of your gear.’

  She took his palette and brushes, which he had in a box while he folded up his small seat and easel. They began to walk back. She had the uneasy feeling she was being watched again. She shrugged her shoulders she really was becoming obsessed.

  They strolled around the streets near to the harbour, the sun shone off the white painted and stone-faced granite cottages. It was tranquil there, the streets were so steep and narrow that they were inaccessible to cars.

  On reaching her car, Greg took the picnic basket from her boot whilst she grabbed a rug. They strolled past the Fish Market and Quays, walking on the road in the direction of Mousehole. There appeared to be one or two local children with their parents on the beach but that was all. They sat down on the rug and ate in companionable silence. After finishing their meal, Greg lay down on his back and rubbed his stomach appreciatively. Amberley lay on her side and propped herself up on one arm.

  ‘It’s so quiet and colourful here. I never noticed how drab and noisy London is compared to Cornwall until I went back there,’ she said, indicating to their surroundings.

  ‘Maybe you’re not quite the city girl you thought you were?’

  ‘You could be right; this place makes me feel so at peace.’

  She closed her eyes feeling completely at ease and content. They were silent for a long time, watching two
children playing on the beach.

  ‘Time to be heading back I guess,’ she said after a while.

  Amberley leant against the side of her car whilst Greg put his equipment away. She admired the way his clothing clung to his body like a second skin. She was still looking at him appraisingly when he turned round. Too late, he saw the look in her eyes. He walked over to her his stare was intense. He placed his hands either side of her, effectively trapping her where she stood.

  ‘Were you looking me up and down just then?’

  She was speechless. He brought his lips to hers, almost touching but not quite. Her mouth went dry. She closed her eyes, wetting her lips in anticipation of the kiss. She heard him chuckle. Opening her eyes, she saw that he’d moved away from her.

  ‘Remember, you were the one who said we should be just friends. I think I’d better go before I let my hormones get the better of me. I could stay with you tonight though, if you wanted me to…’

  She sucked in the fresh air deeply and shook her head with as much conviction as she could manage. ‘As tempting as it may be, I’m sticking to the friendship level for now.’

  ‘Okay.’ He shrugged. ‘No problem.’ He sauntered back over to his car, his whole stance masculine and attractive.

  ‘Oh don’t forget,’ he said turning to look at her, ‘I’ll pick you up at twelve-thirty tomorrow for the beach party.’

  She waved him off, slightly annoyed by his casual attitude. But then she only had herself to blame for his behaviour; she had been the one to insist on friends only. She told herself that she must start looking at him in that way.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Looking up from her laptop, she could see that the sky was filled with storm clouds. She hoped the beach party would be called off; she didn’t feel much like socialising. Unfortunately, by eleven, the clouds had disappeared and were replaced with warm, June sunshine. When Greg called for her, she was on the phone. She beckoned him in.

  ‘No, if you get Vanessa to type up the minutes she can email them to me and I’ll send my input by return.’ She replaced the receiver.