‘Whoah! Stop there! It’s been a quiet time, then?’ Ed laughed, ‘I’d best not go away again!’
‘You best not! Oh,’ Nell took a breath, ‘Has Guy mentioned to you that I’m thinking about bidding in the auction for the Old Picture House?’
‘He did, very exciting stuff. It would be great to see that place thriving again.’
Nell bent down and whipped out some rolled-up papers from her bag, ‘I’ve been busy! My head is so full of all these ideas I can barely sleep. Look I’ve even drawn up some plans – well, as plans go with my lack of talent for drawing.’ She laid them out on the table.
‘Let me get you a drink and I’ll have a look over them. I don’t know where that brother of mine has disappeared to.’
‘Don’t you dare move. I’ll get us one.’ Nell stood up. ‘Peruse all you want,’ she nodded towards the plans.
‘Kitchen’s through there. There’s beer and wine in the fridge. Beer for me, please.’
Nell patted Ed’s sleeve as she passed and then stood opened mouthed in the kitchen doorway. Her eyes followed the devastation around the room.
‘Goodness me,’ gasped Nell.
‘What’s the matter?’ Ed swung his head towards her.
‘Ed, I don’t know how to tell you this,’ Nell swallowed, ‘But are you aware there seems to have been some sort of nuclear explosion in your kitchen?’
‘I daren’t look,’ Ed rolled his eyes.
‘Whatever the hell’s happened?’
‘From what I can gather, a woman called Gloria, a YouTube recipe and my brother’s failed attempt at cooking venison pie from scratch,’ Ed chuckled from the settee.
Nell gave a small laugh, ‘Please tell me this wasn’t all for my benefit?’
‘I’m saying nothing!’
‘Oh God!’
Quickly, she handed Ed a beer. He was looking over the drawings that Nell had brought and she busied herself tidying up in the kitchen, wiping down the worktops and loading the dishwasher.
Guy appeared in the next five minutes, ‘What are you doing?’
Nell spun round to see him standing in the doorway, every nerve in her body tingled as she flicked her eyes over his toned body. Nell wanted to run her hands over the contours of his strong arms, the desire almost too much to bear. He was showered and not a speck of flour in sight.
‘Apparently, cleaning up after your liaison with some woman called Gloria,’ grinned Nell, throwing the dishcloth into the sink and picking up her wine glass.
Guy shook his head, ‘Not one of my finest moments, but hopefully I can redeem myself,’ his eyes sparkled.
‘Hopefully you can,’ Nell teased, feeling a rush of warmth towards him. ‘Was all this for my benefit?’
‘Hmm, I’m saying nothing. Come on, let’s go next door to the annexe,’ He said touching her arm gently. Nell felt her pulse quicken as she felt a sudden intense heat radiating from his touch. She wondered if he felt that too.
‘What about Ed?’
‘Don’t mind me,’ Ed said, overhearing the conversation. ‘I’ve got the remote control, and a take-away menu.’
‘Are you sure?’ Nell asked, ‘I don’t like leaving you on your own.’
Everyone was startled by Sam’s sudden bark, ‘See, I’m not on my own. Sam can stay with me,’ Ed laughed, ‘I’ll shout if I need anything.’
Guy and Nell disappeared towards the annexe, ‘Just one question, Guy?’
‘Anything.’
‘What are we having for tea?’
‘Guy Cornish’s signature dish!’
Chapter 19
‘Wow, look at this. You have been busy.’
Guy had laid the table in the annexe and pulled out a seat for Nell.
‘You even have flowers,’ Nell admired the pink carnations in the vase in the middle of the table as Guy opened a napkin and placed it on her lap before switching on his iPod for some background music. ‘Picked by my own fair hands just for you. Now don’t move a muscle, just sit and relax. Dinner will be served in five minutes,’ he smiled, tapping his watch.
‘I won’t be going anywhere,’ Nell said, amused, looking forward to Guy’s signature dish, whatever that might be.
‘That’s good to hear.’
‘I feel like we need a drumroll or something.’
‘Maybe a little bit over the top, but you know I’ll go with the flow,’ he grinned, disappearing back towards the kitchen.
‘I don’t have to clean up in there too, do I?’ she shouted after him.
His head appeared back around the door and he winked, ‘Cheeky! Now, close your eyes tight and no peeping.’
‘Are you serious?’
‘Yep!’
Nell squeezed her eyes shut, ‘Okay, if you insist. Ready when you are!’
She heard Guy’s footsteps behind her and two plates being placed on the table. He then sat down opposite her.
‘You can open your eyes now,’ said Guy, his chin resting on his hand as his eyes sparkled at Nell.
Nell looked down at the plate with amusement and bit down on her lip then laughed heartily. ‘Beans on toast – I love your way of thinking!’
‘I’m not sure whether this goes better with red wine or white. It’s your choice!’
‘I have no idea! I may just have a glass of both.’
‘Go for it!’ he joked. ‘It’s the only thing I can cook without burning.’
Nell chuckled, ‘You are so funny!’
‘I aim to please and I didn’t even have to watch a YouTube video to prepare this,’ he said proudly.
‘Eat your heart out MasterChef!’ said Nell, picking up her knife and fork and grinning like a Cheshire cat. She began to scoop up the beans with her fork, ‘Mmm, cooked to perfection.’
He picked up his knife and fork and paused.
‘Aren’t you eating?’ Asked Nell.
‘I’m sorry, I did want it to be perfect, but Gloria got the better of me.’
‘You don’t have to apologise, it is perfect.’ Nell met Guy’s gaze. ‘I mean it. I’m having a wonderful evening.’
‘I feel like I’ve let you down.’
‘Any particular reason why?’ asked Nell, puzzled.
Guy hesitated, ‘Because I wanted to cook you something special and …’ he took a breath, ‘I really enjoy your company,’ he said softly. ‘I hope we can do more of this … but without the beans.’
Nell felt the corners of her mouth lifting and her heart beat a little faster. Nell felt the same. She wanted to spend more time with Guy, ‘Beans or no beans, Guy Cornish, shall I let you into a little secret?’
‘Go on.’
‘Beans on toast is my favourite meal ever.’
‘Is that right, Nell Andrews?’
‘Most definitely,’ she giggled, ‘but do you have any brown sauce?’
‘Don’t move a muscle.’
Nell had no intention of going anywhere.
Chapter 20
Twenty minutes later, Nell and Guy had finished eating and made themselves comfortable on the rug in front of the fire with a bottle of wine.
‘I see you’ve come prepared’ said Guy, unfolding the plans and ideas that Nell had gathered together.
‘You sound like a boy scout,’ she teased.
Nell watched Guy as he looked over the plans.
‘So, what do you think?’ urged Nell, impatiently waiting for an answer. ‘I’ve opened up the back of the foyer and got rid of that ramp, the box office would go here,’ she pointed at the drawing, ‘and the popcorn machine here, with maybe a small bar here, serving refreshments. There will be a seating area here, which can be enjoyed by everyone. I was thinking on a Wednesday afternoon there could be reduced rates for the senior citizens with maybe a free drink with each ticket and film nights for the kids on a Friday at a special family rate. I want everyone flocking in here – a feel-good community atmosphere bringing all the generations back together. Ollie would have loved that. Come on … tell me what you thi
nk, for heaven’s sake.’
‘Did Jacob draw these plans?’ asked Guy with a grin, jokingly putting his arm around her shoulder and giving it a squeeze.
‘You what?’ giggled Nell, ‘I have many talents you know … well actually, drawing obviously isn’t one of them, looking at these!’
‘Many talents, you say? I hope to find out very soon,’ he peered up under his dark eyelashes and brushed his fingertips against hers. She looked straight into his eyes, his gaze was still fixed on her. She lowered her eyes to his perfect lips, the gentle lift of his mouth was mesmerising. Guy leant forward and kissed the tip of her nose lightly. Nell felt her heart hammering against her chest and a smile etched all over her face. Even though she barely knew Guy she knew she’d clicked with him. He was so easy to be around and, not to mention, drop-dead gorgeous.
Nell clapped her hands in excitement, ‘Come on, let’s have a look at your figures, then,’ she said, grabbing the spreadsheet from beside Guy.
‘Figures, you say. All is looking good from here,’ he nudged her and gave her a mischievous grin.
‘Money figures,’ she said, mindful she’d turned a bright shade of crimson.
Nell was finding it hard to concentrate but she forced her eyes over the sheet of paper.
‘So, what do you think?’ asked Guy.
Nell didn’t answer. After digesting the information, her mind was whirling. She couldn’t quite believe what she was seeing. Taking another gulp of wine, she pondered.
He noticed the shift in mood, ‘Hey, you okay? You’ve suddenly gone very quiet, not to mention white.’
Take a deep breath, Nell.
Nell’s smile had suddenly plunged into despair, her heart sank to a new level, her stomach churned and reality had hit, ‘Jeez, that’s an awful lot of money,’ she said slowly, taking in the proposal and digesting all the information. ‘I think I need more wine.’
Guy smiled and promptly filled up her glass.
‘It’s an awful lot of money, but remember, this is worst-case scenario, and I’m sure it won’t come to that.’
Thoughts of letting Ollie down filtered through her mind.
‘I’m kidding myself, aren’t I?’ she sighed heavily and stared towards the fire, her eyes threatening tears. Had her mum been right after all? Was this one of those ‘told you so’ moments? Nell looked at Guy incredulously and exhaled. ‘I’m not sure I can afford this …’
‘Oh Nell, I don’t know what to say to you. I’ve been as honest as I can be with the maths. The last thing I want is for you to get into any sort of financial difficulty.’
‘I know and I’m thankful, really I am,’ she leant over and squeezed his knee, ‘But it just doesn’t leave much money left over, if any,’ she rested her head on his shoulder.
‘It really does have to be thought about carefully.’
She nodded, ‘You know, when Ollie died, my whole world stood still. Recently, it’s felt as though I was getting a little bit of me back, something to work towards and look forward to. I’ve got that horribly gut-wrenching feeling in the pit of my stomach again. What if it is all too much for me?’ Her chest tightened and her eyes glazed over.
Guy instinctively turned towards her, tucking a stray hair behind her ear and wiping away a tear. She smiled a sad smile at him.
‘Come here. It’s natural to have doubts,’ he said, taking her into his arms. She snuggled into his chest and the pair of them sat in a contemplative silence while Nell blinked away more tears and swallowed a lump in her throat. Could she do this? Could she actually do this? She made herself take a breath.
Her eyes flickered up towards him, ‘What am I going to do?’
‘Only you know the answer to that one,’ he said softly.
‘If only it was that simple.’
‘It’s a huge task, but if anyone can pull this off you can. From what I’ve seen so far, Nell Andrews, you are an amazing woman. I mean look at all this,’ he gestured to the plans and the ideas she’d drawn up. ‘Take the spreadsheet home and sleep on it. The auction isn’t for a while yet – there’s ample time to make your mind up.’
‘Look at me stumbling at the first hurdle.’
‘Don’t panic, no one is stumbling, because I’d catch you,’ he smiled warmly. He hesitated slightly before moving his lips closer to hers. Her stomach fluttered with a hundred fireflies. She wanted him to move closer, she wanted to feel his lips on her and taste his kiss. The intensity of his gaze made her shiver in anticipation and a warm feeling that had been missing for far too long flooded through her body. He finally lowered his head and kissed her tenderly on the lips, leaving her wanting more.
‘That made me feel a little better,’ she smiled, resting her head against his.
‘Only slightly? We’ll have to see what we can do about that,’ he whispered softly.
‘Please do, and Guy – thank you,’ she said softly.
‘What for?’
‘Just this, helping me out.’
‘Believe me, the pleasure is all mine,’
He hugged her, his grip was firm, then kissed her gently on the top of her head. ‘What do you want to do now?’
‘The options being?’ asked Nell, casting her eyes upwards.
‘I can either walk you home or we can open that other bottle of wine.’ He tilted her chin towards his gaze and his eyes didn’t leave hers. Nell’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of spending more time in Guy’s company and she reminded herself to breathe normally. It felt so good being with him and she pressed her lips together to try and hide the delight that was about to burst out at any second. Nell was a strong believer in fate. Things happened for a reason, in her book, and she was thrilled Guy had come into her life when he had.
‘Second bottle sounds good to me.’
‘Me too.’
Chapter 21
The following morning Nell looked out of the window of the ‘Nollie’. Little Rock Marina was still bright on such a grey day, but now she longed for the warm summer days to arrive. The towpath was already busy with dog-walkers and joggers and Nell noticed the blackboard was already standing outside the deli. Bea must have been up with the larks, she thought to herself. Cracking open her boiled egg, she glanced over the figures on the spreadsheet that Guy had prepared. Luckily, she’d slept well, despite her going to bed with the uncertainty hanging over her, but having slept on it, she’d woken up more determined than ever to win that auction.
‘No more dithering,’ she muttered to herself. After finishing her breakfast and washing the pots, she glanced at her watch.
There was still an hour before she was due at the deli. Quickly grabbing her coat and a flask of tea, she locked the ‘Nollie’ behind her and stepped out into the crisp morning air. Most of the boats still lay in darkness as she strolled up the path towards the lake.
Her feet echoed over the wooden bridge and she snuggled deep inside her coat before perching on the edge of the bench under the willow tree. There were a couple of swans gliding through the water with such grace, and a mallard with its brown speckled plumage bobbed its head under the water.
‘Morning Ollie. I know it’s early,’ she said out loud, taking a sip of her tea, ‘And you’re not one for early mornings, but I have news.’ She felt comfort as a robin flew and landed on the arm of the bench next to her. ‘Big news that I’m so excited about! You know we always talked about undertaking a project, something for the community? Well the Old Picture House has come up for sale and I’m thinking of restoring it to its former glory. Actually, not just thinking about it, I’m going to do it. What do you reckon?’
She stared out across the tranquil lake and had a sudden flashback to a conversation she’d had with Ollie when he had been umming and aah-ing about buying the yard. They’d been sitting outside The Waterfront sipping on a cool beer on a red-hot summer’s day when Ollie had shown Nell the property details of a business yard on the edge of Heron’s Reach. Nell could see the excitement in his eyes and the fire
in his belly as he told her that he was thinking of buying it.
‘Let’s flip a coin: heads we buy it, tails we don’t,’ Ollie had suggested. Of course the coin had landed on heads.
‘Best of three,’ Nell chipped in, flipping a further two heads. They’d bought the yard and it had been a good decision. Ollie had been very happy there.
‘Maybe that’s it – let fate decide for me,’ said Nell, peering up at the sky.
She dug deep into her coat pocket and pulled out a ten-pence piece.
‘Heads or tails?’
As she flipped the coin in the air, ‘Heads,’ she said, catching the money and placing it on the back of her hand.
For a brief moment, she closed her eyes, not daring to look. Slowing removing her hand, ‘Heads,’ she murmured, ‘Best of three.’ She flipped the coin twice more and both landed on heads.
She heaved a huge sigh of relief, ‘Thanks, Ollie, decision made. I knew you’d come good. There’s something else too.’ She paused and took a deep breath. ‘He’s called Guy. We’ve become friends. You’d like him.’ Nell knew she was waffling but felt that she needed to say the words out loud. ‘I think I really like him.’
Suddenly, Nell was surprised by the intensity of the presence she felt. He was here, listening to her and comforting her, ‘You really are here, aren’t you?’ she whispered.
‘Whoa!’ Nell jumped out of her skin as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She flew off the bench and spun round.
‘Sorry … sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.’
Guy’s eyes locked with an alarmed Nell, ‘Jeez, you frightened the life out of me,’ she said, her heart pounding.
‘I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.’
Nell exhaled and held her hand to her chest, ‘I’m surprised you didn’t give me a heart attack.’
The Cosy Canal Boat Dream: A funny, feel-good romantic comedy you won’t be able to put down! Page 13