* * *
Nate arrived at the wine bar twenty minutes early. He’d been pacing his small flat, watching the hands of the clock ticking slowly round, and it had been too much for him so he’d decided to take a gentle stroll down to the wine bar, thinking he’d get there about nine if he took his time. Of course, he’d got there in five minutes flat with his long strides, so he decided to go inside and get a drink.
At the bar, he ordered a glass of house red then he looked around, wondering if Zoe was early too, but apart from three couples and an older man reading a book, there was no one else there. The couples weren’t familiar, so must be tourists on holiday or people from outside the village.
The interior of the wine bar was cool with the breeze that entered through the open windows, causing the sheer white curtains to billow against their tiebacks; along with the soft harp music that floated from speakers, there was a delightful ambience about the place. He could easily have sat inside, but as the evening was so pleasant, he decided to take a table outside overlooking the harbour.
Nate went back through the door and into the warm evening air then sat at a table for two opposite the harbour rail. He sipped his wine and gazed across the water. People strolled along the walkway that wound on past the harbour and along the coastal path, heading in both directions. The first building on the harbour was the lifeboat house with its stone jetty that led straight into the sea. Thankfully, there hadn’t been many callouts this year so far, but when there were, everyone in the village held their breath, hoping that the outcome would be good and that no tragedy would darken their village.
Along from the lifeboat house was Sugar and Spice, the sweetshop that sold locally sourced sweets, like the clotted cream fudge from Foxglove Farm. Outside the shop was a bench and as Nate peered across, he thought he recognized the couple sitting on it eating ice creams. When a fawn greyhound emerged from behind the bench to snatch the ice cream cone from its male owner’s hands, Nate snorted. It was Ash, with Nigel and Gaynor. Nate saw Nigel shaking his head at the dog then laughing as he hugged his wife.
They looked like a perfectly happy trio and something in Nate’s chest ached. Whether it was seeing such a happy couple, the fact that the greyhound had its forever family, or just the beauty of the Conwenna evening, he wasn’t sure, but suddenly he realized he’d never felt more alone than he did right now.
‘How’s the wine?’
Nate turned in his chair to find Zoe standing there. His breath caught as he gazed at her cream silk dress with a pattern of tiny black hearts. The dress fell to mid-calf where it seemed to float against her skin. She’d paired it with flat, black thong sandals that revealed perfectly straight toes and scarlet-painted toenails. And her hair… softly waved and shiny, it fell around her face. As she stood there smiling at him, he caught her scent on the breeze and it roused something deep inside him. She smelt of strawberries and vanilla and he had an urge to stand up and scoop her into his arms so that he could see if she tasted as good as she smelt.
‘Oh…’ His voice caught so he cleared his throat. ‘The wine’s good. House red. Want a glass?’
He stood up and leant forwards to kiss her cheeks. Her skin was soft and warm and her hair tickled his skin.
‘I’d love one, please.’
‘Do you want to stay out here… or to sit inside?’
‘Shall we sit out here? It’s a glorious evening.’
‘Of course. Back in a moment.’
Nate pulled out a chair for her to sit down then went back into the wine bar. He was glad of the opportunity to collect himself, because seeing Zoe in that pretty dress that caressed her perfect curves and moved gently in the breeze, along with smelling her delicious scent, had proved to be a bit much for him. And to think he’d barely known the woman existed a week ago. It just showed that sometimes he walked around in his own little bubble, not noticing what was right in front of him. Perhaps deliberately so, because now that he was getting to know Zoe, Nate knew that he was starting to want more.
He was glad he had the chance to spend more time with Zoe, more time to gaze into her soft brown eyes and to get to know if there was something beneath that veneer of hers that made her even more enticing than she already was. Because Nate was certain that there was far more to Zoe, and that he had only scratched the surface of who she really was and what secrets she had to hide. That this growing attraction towards her was something he should suppress, whilst knowing it was something he wanted to put to the test, because it was making him feel as if there was a whole other side to himself and to life, that he had, as yet, failed to explore.
* * *
Zoe tried to relax on the wicker chair outside the wine bar, but her stomach was a boiling pot of nerves. When she’d arrived, she’d spotted Nate straight away and had used the time that he was unaware of her approaching to enjoy looking at him. Nate’s blond hair was in its usual messy style, some of it gelled up and back while some fell carelessly over his smooth forehead. His faded jeans and white linen shirt set off his golden tan. The cuffs of the shirt were loosely rolled up, showing off his strong toned forearms with their dusting of white-blond hairs and his lovely strong hands, hands that Zoe had watched create coffees and teas, as well as sandwiches and crepes, along with many other meals. She couldn’t help but wonder what it might be like to feel those long lean fingers on her skin and that hard male body against her own.
When she had spoken to Nate to let him know she’d arrived, she’d liked the way his eyes had lit up as he’d looked at her. He’d clearly approved of her choice of dress and she’d felt at once feminine and empowered by the soft light silk. She had purchased it last summer although it was the first time she’d worn it, not having found a suitable occasion until this point.
When Nate returned with a glass of wine and placed it in front of her she thanked him, then waited for him to sit back down before taking a sip.
‘Is it okay?’ he asked.
‘It’s lovely.’
‘Good. How was your day?’
‘Great, thank you.’ She took another sip of wine, enjoying the sensation as it slid down her throat and warmed her tummy from the inside. It was strong too, she could already feel it filtering into her bloodstream, relaxing her and soothing her nerves. ‘Grace rang and asked if they could hold their engagement party at the diner next Saturday.’
‘Oh, that’s great news! Good for you and the business.’
Zoe nodded. ‘It is wonderful. They want a buffet and champagne for about thirty guests.’
‘Oli did mention they’d have one soon, but they’ve must’ve decided to do it right away.’
‘And, why not? Life is for living right?’ Zoe winced inwardly. Why had she used that line? She didn’t want to tell him that Grace had said it was so Nate could be there; it wasn’t her place to do so.
‘It is for living. That’s why I thought I’d better go away soon, or I’ll never go. I’m so comfortable in Conwenna Cove that it’s made me a bit complacent.’
‘Is that wrong, then?’
‘Being complacent is, if sometimes…’ He worried his full bottom lip and Zoe had to look away because all she could think about was kissing him. ‘I mean… I sometimes I feel as if there’s something missing.’
‘There’s something missing from your life?’
He nodded. ‘I’m not quite sure what, but lately I’ve been feeling that there must be more to life than what I have. Perhaps it’s down to my age, and don’t get me wrong, I do love my life, but…’
‘There’s an emptiness. Behind everything.’
‘Yes! A sense that time is slipping away and although I’ve had a ball, I haven’t really achieved anything.’
‘But you have, Nate. You make people happy.’
‘Like who?’
‘Your aunt and uncle, the customers who come into the cafe, and your friends.’
‘But, no one special.’
‘You have your fair share of special someones, don�
��t you?’ She drank more wine to suppress the pang of jealousy she experienced as she acknowledged the fact that Nate dated a lot of women.
‘I guess I deserved that.’
‘No, I didn’t aim to be mean. I just… I know you date from time to time.’
Nate laughed. ‘So I do, but none of them are special to me, Zoe. Perhaps that’s wrong of me but I’ve never fallen in love. It’s more a mutual agreement to have some fun but I always, always make it clear from the start that there’s nothing ahead for us. I never lead my dates on.’
‘Some women see that as a challenge, you know.’
‘Really?’
‘They think they can be the one to change your mind.’
Nate shook his head. ‘My mind won’t be changed.’
Zoe nodded. ‘It’s good that you’re honest. Some men… and women… aren’t, and that can lead to other people getting hurt. Far better to say you want some fun and nothing else than to lead people on or to deceive them by marrying them and making them feel secure while you…’ She sighed as she realized what she’d said. ‘Sorry. I sound so bitter sometimes, and I hate it. This isn’t who I am and I won’t be defined by anger and pain.’
‘Zoe, it’s fine. I guessed someone let you down in the past, and he’s an idiot. I’m a good listener if you want to talk about it.’
‘Thank you.’
‘And you’re a good listener too, you know.’
‘I am?’
‘You are.’ He drained his wine. ‘Now, how about I get us another glass of red and we put the world to rights?’
‘Why not?’
‘Yes, let’s celebrate.’
‘Celebrate?’
‘It’s a gorgeous evening and I’m here with a gorgeous woman, so I think that’s a reason to celebrate.’
‘Okay then!’ Zoe finished her wine, flushing at his compliment. ‘Let’s celebrate.’
And as she watched Nate head back into the wine bar, she meant what she’d said. At least, right now, anyway. Her idiot of an ex might have hurt her, lied to her and broken her heart but that was in the past. She had a new life and a future in Conwenna Cove, and the chance to spend some time with a lovely man. Celebrating that seemed like a very good plan indeed.
Chapter 7
Zoe’s face was aching from smiling. For over an hour, Nate had regaled her with stories about his time at the Conwenna Cafe and up at the sanctuary. He knew so many people and had such great relationships with others, as if being friendly was effortless. He was clearly one of life’s likeable characters and she marvelled again at how he was single. He was the type of man that a woman would want to spend time with. And women did, clearly, want to spend time with him, but he’d already told her that it never became anything long term.
Not that she’d forgotten her previous reservations about him; she hadn’t at all. She’d merely tucked them to one side in order to enjoy their evening and she was glad she had made the effort, because Nate wasn’t the shallow, narcissistic surfer dude that Zoe had suspected him of being. This, in turn, made her question why she had made up her mind about him so soon after arriving in Conwenna. Yet she knew why: Zoe did not want to like anyone who could be similar to her ex in any way, shape or form. Even the fact that Nate surfed had made her determined to dislike him.
Now she’d spent some time with him, she knew that she couldn’t help but like him.
However, Nate wasn’t looking for commitment, and neither was Zoe.
So where did that leave them?
She shivered and Nate’s expression changed.
‘Are you cold?’
‘No… not really. Just the breeze has cooled down a bit.’
‘And when did it get dark?’
Zoe looked around them. ‘About twenty minutes ago, I think.’
The street lamps had come on as they chatted and a waitress had come out and lit the candles in the yellow glass holders on the outside tables. The moon was visible now, a silver crescent high above the sea, casting its glow over the surface of the water that was otherwise black, mysterious, wonderful and intimidating.
‘Perfect time for a swim.’ Nate gently touched her arm, and goosebumps rose on her skin.
‘Maybe. At least if you can’t see, you can’t be afraid, I suppose.’
‘Afraid? The water should be respected, not feared.’
‘It depends what it’s done to you.’
‘I agree.’ He nodded thoughtfully. ‘Shall we go inside now?’
‘Okay.’
He stood up then held out a hand. Zoe hesitated for a moment; she was not used to holding men’s hands, but Nate’s smile was so warm and kind that she linked her fingers in his and they walked into the wine bar together.
It was quite busy and all the tables had been taken except for one in the far corner, near the open fireplace. No fire burned there, as it was July, but there were logs and bunches of dried lavender in the grate and when they sat down, Zoe could smell the sharpness of the lavender and the faint aroma of smoke from old fires. It was comforting and homely, reminding her of the open fireplace at her cottage.
‘More wine?’ Nate asked, as he lifted his empty glass.
‘I’ll get it. It must be my round now.’
Zoe went to the bar and ordered a bottle. The barman gave her fresh glasses and as she waited for him to uncork the wine, she thought about what a good time she was having. Nate had turned all her assumptions about him on their head and she was enjoying his company immensely. It had been a long time since Zoe had gone out on a date and a long time since she’d been able to relax in a man’s company. Did that mean Nate was special, or that she was finally ready to move on from her past? Was this the start of her new life? Were there possibilities ahead for her that involved a man and companionship? So many thoughts whirled around in her head that she felt almost dizzy.
Best to focus on the evening for now and on getting to know Nate better. Sure, he didn’t want a relationship or anything serious – he was going away soon – but he’d definitely made Zoe start to think about a life that wasn’t shut off from the possibilities of love and romance.
She carried the bottle and glasses back to the table, where Nate was gazing up at the drawings above the fireplace.
‘Are they Jack’s?’ she asked.
Jack Adams drew some amazing pictures of greyhounds and local scenery that he sold at the Conwenna art gallery; many of the local businesses displayed his work for him for a small fee. Zoe had some at the diner too, although she always refused to accept anything from him in exchange. She was happy to have the artwork on her walls as she enjoyed looking at it, and the continuous sales meant that there was always something new to admire.
‘Yes, I think so. That looks like Gabe.’ He pointed at the sketch of a beautiful big black greyhound.
‘He’s a gorgeous dog, isn’t he?’
‘He is, and he adores Eve and his family.’
‘Would you like to adopt a dog?’
‘I would love to, but not until I return. What about you?’
‘After losing Raven, I’m not ready. But I like to think that I will in the future.’
‘What else do you see in your future?’
Zoe poured wine into their glasses. ‘Ooh, I don’t know. Perhaps I’ll open another diner in another village and create a chain of Zoe’s Diners. You know, sell the franchise.’ She smiled, knowing that while it was something she believed she could do if she put her mind to it, it would mean a hell of a lot of work and she liked the pace of her life right now. She wanted time to do normal things like read a book, watch TV and walk. Life wasn’t all about the buzz of business, much as she loved owning the diner. She wanted to be able to enjoy life too.
Possibly even go on a few dates… She swallowed a smile as the thought popped into her head.
‘Would you do that, then? Open a whole chain?’
‘No. I like the personal touch and I’m happy enough here. Sometimes, though, I think…’ She paused and
met his gaze.
‘What do you think?’
‘That I’d like to see a bit of the world. That it would be nice to travel, but then I remember that I have the diner and I’m all set up here. I couldn’t leave it all, so it is a tie, I suppose, but it’s one that I love.’
‘You could always get someone to run it for you if you did go away.’
‘Perhaps for a week or two, but not for anything long term. I mean… who’d run a business for someone else for six months, or more?’
Nate nodded, and Zoe’s heart sank a little. What if her comment about travelling had made him think that they could have travelled together? This was so premature of her to consider and yet, something about Nate and getting to know him made her feel that she’d like to think there could be adventures ahead for them. After all, if she was going to have adventures in her life then Nate would be a good person to have them with, wouldn’t he? Did he like her too? Or was the wine affecting her common sense? It was, most probably, dulling her inhibitions and bringing out her romantic side. And that side of her had been locked away for a long, long time.
‘Zoe… I’m having a great time.’
‘Me, too.’
They clinked glasses.
‘I wish we’d met sooner.’ He smiled at her. His cheeks were slightly flushed and he seemed very relaxed.
‘We met ages ago, didn’t we? We’ve both been in Conwenna for quite a while.’
‘Well, we met, but we didn’t meet properly. You’ve been here all this time, walking the same streets and the same beach, breathing the same air and all those type of things… but it’s only now that I feel like I’m getting to know you properly.’
She swallowed hard as her thoughts struggled to escape as words. Just because Nate was being nice didn’t mean she could dump the contents of her head in his lap, or unburden herself about her past and why she was so terrified of being hurt again. There was no point in letting her mouth run away with her.
Forever at Conwenna Cove Page 6