Starlight on the Palace Pier
Page 33
His gaze hadn’t let up. ‘I love you, Becca Roberts. I think I always have.’
Her breath hitched. It had felt like forever since she’d heard those words. She wanted to savour the way they sounded: soft, sincere and heartfelt.
His blue eyes searched hers, laced with uncertainty, as though everything rested on what happened next. ‘I’m staying in Brighton so I can lead the life I want. I’m tired of keeping people at arm’s length, afraid of letting them close. I was so angry when Dad left, but I behaved no better. I walked away when things got tough, just like he did. But I’ve learnt my lesson. I’ll never give up again. I want us to be together. I want the chance to make amends.’
She held his gaze. ‘Just to clarify…you want us to forget everything that’s happened in the past and pick up where we left off twelve years ago?’
His eyes briefly closed. ‘I’m asking a lot, I know. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but—’
‘I love you.’ The words tumbled out before she had the opportunity to assimilate her thoughts. But her shock was short-lived. She’d spoken the truth. She loved him. She’d never loved anyone else. It was time to stop pretending otherwise.
He looked stunned. ‘You love me?’
She reached up on tiptoes to kiss him. The feel of his warm lips against hers filled her with a rush of joy. She ran over to the airbed and jumped on it, making it bounce. ‘Come on, then?’
‘Just like that? No arguments? No making me beg?’
She gave him a playful smile. ‘Well, if you’re having second thoughts—’
‘I’m not.’ He ran over and landed next to her, sending her flying into the air. The sight of his dimples creasing his cheeks made her feel like she was home at last.
They collapsed in a fit of giggles, which turned to heated cuddling, which morphed into frantic fumbling, resulting in them rolling around the bed like two sex-starved teenagers, knocking heads and sending the lantern flying.
The years melted away. They’d gone full circle. Ending up back where they’d started twelve years earlier. Lying on the squeaky mattress in his dad’s treehouse…and snogging.
Acknowledgements
I always enjoy carrying out research, and I’d like to thank a few people for helping me with this book. Firstly, my lovely friend Beccy Wire, whose regular jaunts to Brighton proved extremely helpful. Also, Nick Bates and Anneli Sandstrom for sharing their in-depth knowledge about the city and how it’s changed over the years. They gave me some great insights and information, so a huge thank you. I’m just sorry I wasn’t able to include all the stories – I’ll have to set another book there, I think!
I’d also like to thank my wonderful brother, Kevin, who thanks to his continuing ability to regularly injure himself, was able to enlighten me about torn knee tendons and ruptured Achilles. Who knew his clumsiness would prove so useful? Thanks, Kevin. And try and stay off the crutches for a bit longer, yeah?
This is my third book, and I’ve come to realise the value of the wonderful book blogging community and my fellow writers who take the time to review new releases and share their reviews and quotes via social media. It’s such an amazing thing you all do, so thank you! Your support means so much.
The Avon team continue to be amazing, championing me as an author and helping me to develop new ideas and produce the best version of my stories. The whole team are fab, but particular thanks to Victoria Oundjian and Molly Walker-Sharp for guiding me through the process, as well as being jolly nice people. I’d also like to thank my agent, Tina Betts, who continues to support and encourage me. It’s very much appreciated.
And finally, a huge thank you to all you lovely readers for enabling me to continue with my dream and write stories. If you’d ever like to get in touch, please feel free to drop me a line – especially if you have a funny story – I’m always on the lookout for new book ideas! Contact details can be found on my website: www.tracycorbettauthor.co.uk.
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About the author
Tracy Corbett lives with her partner Simon in Surrey and works part-time for a local charity. Tracy has been writing for a number of years and has had a few short stories published in My Weekly magazine. As well as belonging to a local writing group, she enjoys amateur dramatics and can regularly be found dressing up in strange costumes and prancing about the stage pretending to be all manner of odd characters. Starlight on the Palace Pier is Tracy’s third novel.
By the same author
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About the Publisher
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