by Nell Dixon
The pavement was deserted outside Beach Diva’s. Meg shivered as she debated what to do next. The sparkling snowflake lights in her shop window mocked her as she dug her hands into her pockets, wishing she had remembered to wear her gloves.
Her chilled fingers made contact with her mobile phone. She pulled it from her pocket. What should she say if she called him? As she hesitated she noticed a familiar figure strolling towards her.
“Adam!” She crossed the road to meet him, her heart bumping against her ribs as she walked. “I was looking for you.” She waved her mobile at him. “I was about to call you to see where you were.”
He paused by the railing overlooking the sea which glittered inky dark in the moonlight. His face was in shadow so Meg couldn’t read his expression until she drew closer.
“I thought maybe you were avoiding me.”
“I shouldn’t have run off like that. It was stupid,” Meg apologised.
She fell into step beside him, and they wandered along the promenade towards the steps leading to the beach where the street lamp glowed with a welcome yellow light. In the distance she could hear the crash and rush of the waves breaking on the rocky outcrop below the cliffs at that end of the beach.
Adam turned to lean on the railing, facing out to sea. “I thought I might have scared you off.”
Meg stared out at the waves glittering silver in the path of the moon, her breath forming a slight vapour as she breathed. “You did a little.”
He turned his head to study her face. “Why, Meg? I’m not very good at this kind of stuff but when we kissed there seemed to be something special between us.”
Heat flooded into Meg’s face, and she shuffled her feet on the pavement. “I think that was what scared me.”
His forehead crinkled in a frown. “Why? We’ve known each other for ages. You know how I feel about you.”
“I think that was partly why. We’ve been friends for such a long time and suddenly everything changed when we kissed.” She was glad her heated cheeks were hidden by the dim light.
“I see.” Adam fell silent, staring out at the darkened rocks on the beach.
* * * *
He fixed his attention on the rocky outcrop below the cliffs trying to work out what Meg meant. When they had kissed, he’d convinced himself that it meant something. That perhaps he’d stood a chance with her after all. Then she’d run away into the crowd, and he’d been left confused. He’d thought talking to her might clear things up between them. Instead he felt more bewildered than ever.
The tide had begun to sweep in quickly, sending up ghostly white plumes of spray against the rocks. A faint movement of something pale against the dark outcrop near the edge of the sea caught his attention.
He placed his hand on her arm to attract her attention. “Meg, do you see something out there on the rocks?”
She crinkled her nose as she concentrated, peering out to where he’d indicated.
“Oh Adam, I think there’s an animal of some kind out there.”
The pale fawn colour was wrong for it to be a seal. This looked more like a cat or a puppy.
“Why isn’t it coming in? The waves will reach it in a few minutes.” Meg’s eyes widened with alarm.
“I’m going down to see.” Adam sprinted down the rickety wooden steps leading onto the beach. The shingle crunched beneath his feet and he turned on his mobile to try and give some light to guide his footsteps.
“Wait! I’m coming.” The tiny stones at the top of the beach rattled as Meg scrambled towards him.
“Be careful, it’s hard to see.”
As they neared the start of the rocks he could see a half grown puppy frantically trying to free itself from the oncoming waves. Salty spray dampened Adam’s skin as took off his jacket.
“What are you doing?” Meg panted alongside him.
“It’s a dog. I think it must have trapped its paw or it would have run off by now.”
“Adam, be careful.”
Meg’s caution was half-drowned by the crash of the waves as he picked his way across the seaweed-covered rocks to reach the terrified animal.
The dog cowered and growled as he drew near, baring its teeth in fear. The sea was almost on them now. A couple more minutes and the dog would be under the waves. Adam threw his coat over the dog, praying the terrified animal wouldn’t bite him through the thick material.
By the faint light from his mobile he could see where the animal’s paw had slipped down between the rocks and jammed.
“Adam hurry!” Meg’s warning cry carried over the noise of the sea.
He worked fast to bundle up the dog as it struggled against him until he’d freed the trapped limb. A wave broke, soaking his shoes and the bottoms of his jeans where he was crouched. He slithered and skidded his way back towards Meg carrying the dog in his jacket.
“Are you all right? Is the dog okay?” Meg met him at the edge of the rocks and helped him to get the animal up the beach to the high water mark on the shingle.
Adam collapsed down onto the stony area before placing his bundle down next to him. The dog shook its head free and sat in between Adam and Meg. It was a gangling sandy-coloured animal with over-large ears and a long lolling tongue. With the emergency over, it showed no desire to escape.
“I don’t think it’s a Cruft’s candidate,” Meg said.
“It doesn’t seem to have a collar either.”
The dog made no move to run away. Instead it sat shivering between them.
Meg gently moved Adam’s coat so she could see the injured paw. “Ouch. I think it’ll need to see the vet. Do you think he belongs to anyone?”
Adam shook his head. “No collar, and his ribs are showing through his coat. I’d say someone was going to give him as a Christmas gift and changed his mind.”
Meg’s eyes glittered with unshed tears. “That’s terrible. Come on, we’ll take him back to my house. It’s nearer, and we can see what the damage is.”
The dog allowed Adam to scoop him back into his arms for the short walk to Meg’s tiny rented home in the back streets.
“Come through to the kitchen.” She turned on the lights and led the way through her small front room to the diminutive kitchen at the back of the house.
Adam placed the dog down gently on the quarry-tiled floor and stretched his arms. “He’s heavier than he looks.”
Meg bustled across the larder and retrieved a pile of towels and an old blanket from the shelf. She tossed one of the towels to Adam before spreading the blanket in a corner of the kitchen for the dog.
“You’re soaked,” she clicked her tongue and tutted.
Adam eased off his wet shoes and socks and began to dry the bottoms of his jeans. The rough cotton loops of the towel felt warm against the icy soles of his feet. His arms ached from the weight of the dog, and he was cold from walking through the streets without his coat.
The dog allowed Meg to wrap it in a towel so only his head poked out. She filled a dish with water and placed it in front of him then took some cold chicken from the fridge and put it on a plate.
“He’s certainly hungry.” Adam watched as the dog took a few cautious sniffs before devouring the food.
“Poor thing. People are so cruel, and it’s Christmas, too.” Meg’s gaze met Adam’s and his pulse quickened at the tenderness in her eyes.
“Yeah, even at Christmas,” he agreed.
CHAPTER FIVE
Meg had often wished her kitchen was larger. Most of the time, living alone, it was the perfect size. Now though, Adam seemed to be filling all the available space, making her head dizzy and her senses confused. It was warm indoors after the chill of the outside air. Heat fizzed through her body from Adam’s proximity, and Meg contemplated turning her heating down.
She turned away to make a mug of tea, conscious of his thoughtful gaze resting on her back as she busied herself with the kettle. She’d made a real hash of things between them.
His mobile rang as she poured milk
into the mugs. The sudden noise caught her unawares, and she splashed milk onto the countertop.
He answered his phone. “Hi, yes, I’m at Meg’s. We found a stray dog at the beach.”
Meg mopped up the spill with a cloth while Adam continued to talk to the mystery caller.
“Sure, see you in a minute.” He rang off and returned his phone to the pocket of his jeans.
“That was Erin. They’re all at the Mermaid and wanted to know where we were.” He accepted his mug of tea.
“Oh, I suppose they were worried.” She’d forgotten all about meeting back up with Erin and Dan in the excitement of rescuing the dog. “I said we’d meet them there.”
“I think they’re all on their way round here.” The corners of Adam’s mouth lifted in an apologetic smile.
“We’d better move into the lounge then.” Not that there was much more room in there. She glanced at the stray curled up on the blanket, his ribs showing through his sandy coat with every breath he took.
“He’s already out for the count. The poor thing must be exhausted.” Adam appeared to guess her thoughts.
“Do you think we ought to do something with his paw?”
The injured limb was coated in dried blood and sand.
Adam followed the direction of her gaze. “He might bite us if we try. I’ll give Ian, the vet, a call first thing in the morning. He doesn’t appear to be in any pain.”
“Did you notice a microchip?” Meg asked.
Adam shook his head. “No, Ian will check tomorrow though.”
He followed her into her lounge, taking a seat on the sofa. The white lights on her tiny Christmas tree twinkled from the corner of the room and gaily coloured cards hung from strings down the uneven cream plaster of the walls. A bowl of potpourri scented the room with vanilla and cinnamon.
“It looks very festive in here,” Adam observed.
“Thanks.” Meg sank down onto the armchair next to the fireplace. She half wished the others weren’t coming. Awkward as it was to be alone with Adam, it would at least have given them chance to talk some more. She drew up her knees and tucked her feet up under herself wondering how to break the silence that had developed.
“Meg, I need to know…”
Whatever he had been going to say was interrupted by loud knocking on the front door and mock attempts at carol singing from outside.
“Were we disturbing something?” Erin asked as she stepped into the lounge bringing a gust of cold air with her. Dan followed close on her heels accompanied by Etty and Brad.
Meg swallowed her jealousy as Etty immediately took the seat next to Adam. Brad promptly squeezed in next to Etty propping his crutches against the end of the sofa.
“What’s all this about a dog anyway?” Dan asked as he unbuttoned his jacket.
“Adam recued a stray trapped on the rocks. It looks as the poor thing’s been abandoned,” Meg explained.
“His paw was trapped in a crevice. I got a bit wet getting him free, hence the soggy jeans and shoes.” Adam wiggled his bare toes and Etty wrinkled her nose in mock disgust.
Erin and Dan opened the door to peek inside the kitchen. “Aw, he’s not the most beautiful animal in the world is he? Look at those ears!” Erin grinned. “Good on you, Adam for saving him.”
“We’re going to get the vet to check out his paw. But he took his weight on it okay, and I don’t think it needs stitches, so hopefully he’ll be fine,” Adam added as Erin and Dan perched on the bottom step of the narrow stairs leading up from the lounge.
“You’ll have to make some posters to put up around town in case someone is missing the furry little dude,” Brad said.
“I’ll ask around tomorrow and put a sign on the shop door.” Meg wondered if anyone would claim the dog. He didn’t appear to have been very well cared for.
“It’s been quite a night. I’m exhausted. What happens in town tomorrow?” Etty yawned.
“Tomorrow is the main Christmas market day and there are fireworks at the park in the evening. Lots of people dressed up on the streets all day doing juggling and stuff,” Brad explained.
“Can’t wait.” Etty smiled up at him.
“It’s really good,” Dan assured her.
“We ought to go. Meg has to open her shop tomorrow, and I bet it’ll be busy.” Erin jumped to her feet and grabbed Dan’s hand to pull him up.
Brad looked pleadingly at Etty. “C’mon Doc, I need some help here.”
Etty laughed as she stood and assisted Brad with his crutches.
“Give me a minute to put my shoes back on.” Adam grimaced as he slid his bare feet back inside his sodden footwear.
Adam’s shoes squelched when he stood.
“We can give you a ride, it’ll save you walking.” The corners of Dan’s mouth quirked with amusement.
“Thanks, I think these shoes may be done for.”
Meg watched as the group gathered their things together and began to file out of her front door. Adam was the last to leave.
“I’ll call you in the morning about the dog when I’ve spoken to Ian. Are you sure it’s okay to leave him here?”
“Of course. I always had a dog when I was younger. I’m kind of hoping no one will claim him. He seems like a sweet animal.”
His gaze locked with hers sending a shiver of desire along her spine. For a brief second, she wished Adam were staying the night instead, before dismissing the idea as foolish. His lips brushed gently against hers. “Goodnight, Meg. Lock up safely.”
He hurried off to catch up to the others before she could respond. She closed the door and slid the bolt home still in a daze from his kiss.
* * * *
“See you both at the firework display?” Dan dropped Adam and Etty off at Adam’s home.
“Wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Etty waved goodnight as Dan’s small car turned and set off back towards the town.
“I’m sorry I abandoned you tonight.” Adam apologised as he squelched towards the house.
“That’s okay. I had fun with Brad. He’s really nice.” She flashed him a shy smile. “Besides, I think you’d rather be spending your free time with Meg.”
“Thanks, am I that obvious?” It would be embarrassing if she agreed.
Her smile widened. She tucked her arm in his as they walked the final few steps along the driveway. “Only to me because I know you, and she keeps looking at you, and you keep looking at her.”
Adam drew out his key and opened the front door. He would be glad to take off his shoes so they’d have chance to dry out. Hopefully they would still be wearable after their saltwater immersion.
“So are you and Meg together?” Etty asked. “I know I should mind my own business.”
“No, we’re not.” He kicked off his shoes in the hallway with a sigh of relief. Etty slipped off her coat and hung it up. Adam’s elderly mother had gone to bed and the house was dark and quiet. Only the light from the small Christmas tree in the corner illuminated the space. Both of them kept their voices low so as not to disturb her.
“You two seem so good together.” Etty paused at the foot of the stairs.
He raked his hair back from his face unsure how to answer. “It’s complicated. Sometimes I think she likes me and then she backs right away.”
Etty nibbled on her lower lip, her pretty face thoughtful. “She seemed pretty interested to me. I mean she’s been perfectly nice to me and everything but I did wonder if she might be a bit, well, put out by me being here this weekend.”
Adam moved his shoulders in a small shrug. “I don’t know. Meg isn’t the kind of person to show you how she feels very easily.”
“I’m sure you’ll work it out.” She patted his arm.
“Maybe. Thanks Etty.”
She walked away upstairs leaving him alone with his thoughts in the hallway.
* * * *
Meg woke early and hurried downstairs to check on her canine guest. She opened the door to the kitchen and peeped in to find the dog
still lying on the blanket where they’d placed him the previous night. As she entered the room the dog lifted his head and then rose on unsteady legs to meet her.
“How are you this morning?” Meg dropped to her knees to stroke the dog’s narrow head as it sniffed at the sleeve of her dressing gown.
She was relieved to see the animal didn’t appear to be having any difficulties walking on the injured leg. After refilling the water bowl she opened the back door leading into her tiny courtyard garden so the dog could go outside. The rush of chilly winter air made her shiver as she waited for him to return to the house.
Once the dog was safely back inside, Meg took the last of the cooked chicken from the fridge and refilled the food bowl. Within seconds the dish was empty once more. The dog looked up at her, its melting brown eyes hopeful.
“No more food until the vet has seen you, and I can get some pet food from the store. You just ate my lunch.” Meg rubbed his head and smiled. He really was a very sweet animal.
She made herself some coffee and scurried back upstairs to get ready for work. The events yesterday had left her restless and out of sorts. A night spent tossing and turning meant she had to spend extra minutes attempting to conceal the dark shadows beneath her eyes.
The dog was back on his blanket when she re-entered the kitchen to grab a slice of toast before preparing to leave for the shop. Her mobile rang just as she started to spread the marmalade.
“Meg? Hi, I called Ian, and he’s going to call round now to check the dog. Will that be all right?” Adam’s voice sounded low and reassuring.
“Will he be long?” She glanced at the clock on the microwave. Today was going to be a busy day, and she couldn’t afford to be late opening the shop.
“No, he should be with you in a minute. Has the dog been okay during the night?”