He looked a little relieved. 'That's probably just as well.'
'What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying you don't think I'd be a good mother? Because you're wrong. As you'll see for yourself one day.'
'Oh? And how will I do that? Are you planning on moving to Wyntersleap?'
The beginnings of what looked a little like a grin twitched at the corner of his mouth and his dark eyes sparkled. He was obviously making fun of her but there was something in his eyes that unnerved her.
'Um.' She looked away and shrugged. She could hardly tell him she had just been daydreaming about marrying his brother, could she?
'Please don't tell me you're going to include me in the Neva Grey annual Christmas newsletter. I despise those things.'
She glared at him. 'No I'm not. And so do I, as it happens. Especially as they're always about how fabulously everyone is doing and what fantastic places they've all been to on holiday. Fabulous doesn't often figure in my life, and no one wants to hear about my summer in Bognor, or some equally unexotic place. Wait a minute. How do you know my name?'
'Sean told me.'
'Great.' What else had Sean told him? 'Oh. Thank you for the candles, torches and lanterns last night. That was very thoughtful.'
He shrugged. 'Not really. You've paid to stay in the cottage. I didn't really have a choice. I couldn't expect you all to sit in the dark.'
She hadn't expected that. She thought he would say it was his pleasure, or milk the fact he'd been thoughtful and kind. At least he was honest.
'I suppose not. But it didn't stop you from being rude and frankly rather insulting yesterday afternoon.'
To her surprise, the twitch turned into a grin.
'Ah. But I didn't know you were paying guests at the time. You could've just been passing through the village.'
'I'm beginning to wish I was.'
He raised his brows. 'You don't like Wyntersleap? Or are you saying there's a problem with the cottage?'
'Apart from having no electricity for several hours yesterday evening, you mean? No. The cottage is lovely. The village probably looks quaint on a hot summer day, but in the middle of winter in the pouring rain. Not so much, if I'm honest.'
'I suppose that's fair. There's not much I can do about the weather, I'm afraid. If I could give you sunshine and warm and gentle breezes, I would.' The grin broadened. 'Although they'd cost extra.'
'I don't doubt that for a minute. Tell me. Were the photos on the website photoshopped?'
The grin vanished and the sparkle left his eyes. Perhaps she'd gone too far.
'No. They weren't. You may find this hard to believe, and given the present situation, I can accept that, but Wyntersleap is beautiful. Especially in the summer. But it's glorious at any time of year. If you look for the best, you'll see that. On the other hand, if you're only looking for the worst, then you'll rarely see beauty in anything. Even in a stunning place like this.'
'I do see the best in things. I was simply saying that nothing looked as I expected. For example, I expected a gently burbling river, not the raging torrent that almost drowned my niece's puppy. I expected a friendly welcome from the locals, not a mini ghost town where the only people my dad met were two gossips who had nothing pleasant to say. I expected a warm and cosy cottage, not a power cut on our first night.'
'I get the picture. I'm sorry you're disappointed. If you and your family want to go home, I'll refund your money. The power cut was out of my hands. And it's the first we've had for years. You'll get a friendly welcome from most of the residents when you meet them. Yesterday wasn't a day for doing that. As for the gossips. I know who you mean and I can imagine exactly what they had to say. There's not much I can do about that. I don't listen to gossip. I can only suggest you don't either. And the river is as much of a surprise to me as it was to you, believe me. Sean and I were worried about it which was why we were at the river yesterday. Although given what happened, it was just as well we were.'
'And I'm grateful for that. We all are.'
'I don't want your gratitude. In fact, you may have to go home anyway, if the river rises any higher. The cottage will be even less cosy with water pouring under the door.'
'Has that happened before? Perhaps you should say so on your website. And perhaps you should have some photos taken in the winter, too, not just the sunny, summery ones.'
'If you're suggesting I hide things to make the cottages more attractive, you're wrong. As I said, I can't recall the last time we had a power cut. The tree coming down on the line was a complete surprise. We check them regularly for broken branches or disease, but it's a fairly large estate. I can hardly say on the website that there are gossips in the village. I don't want to be tied up in litigation. The river has never flooded in my lifetime. But we've never had rain like we seem to be having this year. Blame global warming if you want to blame something. I'm hoping the levels will drop if the weather stays like this but I'll keep a close eye on it, I assure you. As I said. I'll give you a full refund if you want to leave.'
'We don't. But neither do we want to have to wade through inches of water to eat breakfast. Or find our Christmas presents floating down the street. I'll talk to my family and see what they want to do.'
'Let me know. Or tell Sean and he'll make all the arrangements.'
'Thank you. Have a lovely day.'
'And you.'
Neva turned away and looked from left to right.
'Is there something else you want to say?'
She coughed and sucked in a breath as she twisted round to face him. 'Um. I seem to have wandered off the path.'
The grin returned for a split second before it was gone again. It was a shame. Smiling, he looked completely different. It was probably something he didn't do often as the grin was a little lopsided. As if he were uncertain how to smile.
'Of righteousness? Or the footpath back to the hideous village of Wyntersleap?'
'Both, as it happens.'
'Then allow me to show you the way.'
'No need. Just point me in the right direction.'
'And risk losing you by the wayside. No. I was going that way in any event. I need to discuss something with Sean. If you can tolerate ten more minutes in my company, that is.'
She tipped her head to one side and rubbed her chin, keeping a straight face.
'Ten minutes? Are you sure that's all it'll take? Or is this like your website?'
She finally smiled at him and saw the doubt flickering across his face replaced by a lightness and that hint of a grin.
'That depends on how fast you walk.'
'I can run pretty fast.'
'Not on this icy ground. Unless you want to add a broken ankle to your list of Wyntersleap woes.'
'Absolutely not. I'd need to start another notebook to add that.'
'Perhaps we should take it slow.'
She smiled again. 'Are we still talking about the walk back to the village? Or are you flirting with me?'
Why in God's name had she just said that? It wasn't as if she wanted the man to flirt with her. He wasn't Adam, after all. Adam could flirt with her every day of the week, and twice on Sundays.
He didn't respond at first, just furrowed his brows and pointed in the direction they needed to go. Neva fell into step beside him, hanging her head with embarrassment. But a moment or two later he spoke, although he didn't look at her.
'I wasn't flirting with you, Neva. It's been a very long time since I've done that with anyone. I'm not sure I still know how. These days I just say what I mean.'
'Sorry. It was just a silly quip. I didn't mean it. I don't think you'd flirt with me for a second.'
'I wouldn't.'
'Well, I'm glad we sorted that out.'
'So am I.'
'How's Adam?'
He shot a look at her. 'He's fine.'
'Did he tell you about our accident?' She needed to change the subject and that was the first thing that popped into her head.
'Acc
ident? No. When was this?' He looked annoyed again.
'The morning I arrived. I was ... Um. I think my car hit a pool of water and aquaplaned. Adam came around the corner and hit my car. But there was only a slight dent in my wheel arch so no real harm was done.'
'He didn't mention it.'
'Sadly, I haven't seen him since. I mean. I'm not sure if he wants to make a claim or anything and I'd like to know because I don't like to leave things like that outstanding.'
'I'll speak to him.'
'Or I can. I don't want him to think I've gone running to his elder brother.'
'He wouldn't think you had. But if you'd rather I didn't get involved, that's fine. I'll leave it to the two of you to sort out.'
He didn't sound pleased and he looked straight ahead as if he had something important on his mind.
'Thanks.'
'For what?'
'Err. For not getting involved.'
'I never get involved, Neva. At least, not if I can help it.'
What an odd thing to say.
'You got involved yesterday when you leapt into the river to save Tempest.'
'That was different.'
'In what way?'
'In every way. Let's just leave it at that, shall we? Look. There's the village. You can make your own way from here.'
'Aren't you coming? I thought you said you were going to see Sean?'
'I was. I am. But there's something else I need to do first. I've only just remembered. Talk to your family about the river. The more I think about it, the more I think it's best if you go home.'
Without another word or as much as a smile, he turned and walked back the way they had come.
'Bye then. Thank you,' she yelled after him in a slightly sarcastic tone, but he didn't turn around, or wave or even acknowledge her words.
What on earth was wrong with that man?
She let out a sigh and marched towards the village in a bit of a mood.
There was nothing else for it. She'd have to call Jo.
She was going to call her anyway to tell her about her fabulous present from her mum and dad. And about Tempest and the river. And the power cut, of course. She may as well tell her about this morning too and get a little advice. Jo was so much better at understanding men than Neva would ever be. Besides, Jo would probably be grateful for the interruption. Even if it meant she would have to go and hide in the shed to get away from Charmaine Ashford.
Chapter Eight
Neva opened the door to the cottage and was met by a sulky-looking Sasha. Her arms were crossed in front of her and she had the usual tight-knit brows and familiar pursed and pouty lips. But she was wearing the zombie princess outfit that was part of the present Neva had bought her for Christmas.
'You went to the waterfall without us, didn't you? I'm never going to speak to you again.' She turned and flounced off along the hall, stomping her feet as she went.
'I'm sorry, Sasha. It was slippery and I didn't want Tempest to get hurt. You look beautiful in that dress.'
'Don't care. I hate you.'
'OK then. But I still love you. I promise I'll take you both when it's not so icy.'
'Not listening.'
Sasha hesitated when she reached the foot of the stairs, clearly undecided whether to race up to her room, or turn and face Neva so that she could go back to the sitting room or kitchen. Dawn, coming out of the kitchen, made the decision for her.
'Let's go and decorate that gingerbread house we made yesterday.'
Dawn eased one of Sasha's hands out of the tight cross and led her back into the kitchen and Sasha kept her head turned sideways so that she didn't look at Neva.
'You gave her an early present then, Dad?' Neva tried not to laugh as she popped her head around the sitting room door.
Dennis grinned over the rim of his teacup. He looked very relaxed in the chair beside the fire, his feet on a padded footstool and Tempest stretched out in front of him, both taking full advantage of the warmth of the blaze.
'It was the price we had to pay. Once she discovered you'd gone out, she had a bit of a tirade about how unfair life was when you're eight and how everyone got a present yesterday except her. So we gave in. But she insisted it must be one of the presents from you that she opened. We didn't think you'd mind. Especially as you seem to have bought so many presents for us all this year.'
'I don't mind at all. But you and Mum didn't get presents yesterday.'
'That's what we said. She told us we should have and that each of us could open one too.'
Neva laughed. 'You can't argue with that logic.'
Dennis shook his head. 'You can't argue with Sasha. You'll never win. Did you enjoy your walk? Are the Falls as beautiful as they look on the website?'
'Yes. They're spectacular. But when we do take Tempest, we must definitely hold on tight. They look a bit dangerous. I need to talk to you actually. Well, to everyone really. The river's much higher today and I met Rafe Wynter who's rather concerned about it. He thinks it may flood.'
Dennis sat upright. 'Flood? Really?'
'Yep. He says if we want to go home, he'll give us a full refund.'
'Oh. That's very good of him.'
'No, it's not. We paid for a cosy cottage in an idyllic setting. We got the house from Hell. OK. That's a bit of an exaggeration but it hasn't exactly been what any of us expected so far, has it?'
'He can't be held responsible for the weather, sweetheart. Or the power cut. And he promptly provided us with lighting, didn't he? You seem to have taken an immediate dislike to the man, which is very unlike you. You're usually friendly and goodhearted, like your mum.'
'He was rude.'
'So were you. He had just saved Tempest's life. And he did have a point. It was our fault she was running wild.'
'My fault, you mean.'
'No. Rowan, Nigel or I could have easily grabbed the lead and got the dog inside. We didn't. It was just one of those things. But let's not worry about that anymore. Was he rude to you today?'
Neva hung her head. 'No. He was actually quite pleasant. Although he did say he thought it was best if we went home. That wasn't very nice, was it?'
'It was if he thinks the river may flood. Offering to give us a full refund means he's not only putting our safety ahead of his profits, he's paying for an 'Act of God', as such incidents are called, which he doesn't need to do. No one's automatically entitled to a refund due to bad weather. I have to say, all things considered, Rafe Wynter seems a very decent sort of chap. Do you want to go home? We could move Christmas back to our house, as usual.'
'I'm not sure. We're sort of settled here now, aren't we? The tree's up. The presents are piled around it. Mum's made enough mince pies and shortbread, and other biscuits - and also the gingerbread house, to feed the entire village. And if it doesn't rain again the water should recede. On the other hand, we could wake up one morning and find the presents floating in an indoor pool.'
'We'll discuss it over lunch. Perhaps Sean will have more information.'
'We're still going to the pub?'
'Yes. Unless you'd rather not.'
'No. That's fine.'
She didn't relish the prospect of seeing Rafe again. But perhaps he would have been and gone by then. And there was always the possibility that Adam might pop into the pub for a drink. She was disappointed she hadn't seen him again. She thought he might call round to see how they were doing after the power cut. Or to ask after Tempest. Although perhaps Rafe hadn't told him about that. Adam hadn't told Rafe about the accident. Not that there was much to tell.
And Jo had been no help. She was excited about Neva's news and thrilled that Neva's long-held dream was finally coming true, although not quite so pleased to learn that her best friend would be moving so far away. But as Neva explained, Upminster isn't exactly close to anything much, unless you live in Essex. And Neva didn't want to do that. She had nothing against Essex but it was the wrong side of London as far as she was concerned. South of the river w
as the place for her. And Merriment Bay was south. Just a little farther south than she had initially planned.
Jo also said she rather liked the sound of Rafe Wynter. Which annoyed Neva quite a bit.
'How can you like the sound of him? He's rude. Even when you think he's being nice, he's rude.'
'I like strong men. You know that. And he sounds strong in more ways than one. Is he tall and hunky?'
Neva cleared her throat. 'He's tall, yes, and I suppose you'd call him hunky. But not in an overly muscular way. Just ... firm and broad-chested.'
'When he got out of the river after saving Tempest, was it like that scene from Pride and-'
'Don't you start! I had all that with Rowan and Mum yesterday.'
'Oh God. I so-o-o wish I had come with you. He sounds divine. The dark and moody hero only the heroine can change. You should see this as a challenge. Perhaps Adam's not the one for you. Perhaps it's Rafe instead.'
'OK, that's it. I'm going to hang up. I phoned you for advice because you're always the sensible one of us, but if all you're going to do is make ridiculous comments like that, then there's no point in talking to you. You can go and chat with your new mum.'
'Oooooh. Get you.' Jo laughed loudly down the phone. 'I was joking, Neva. Although ... why does the thought of being with Rafe make you so cross?'
'That wasn't funny. And it's not the thought of being with him that makes me cross - because I haven't thought about being with him. It's him that makes me cross. There's something about him. I can't explain it. But he's nothing like Adam, I can tell you that.'
'Maybe not. But I'll tell you one thing, Neva. I have a feeling I'm going to be hearing a lot more about Rafe Wynter than I am about his brother, Adam.'
'Oh go away. I love you, Jo, but sometimes you're a pain in the bum.'
'I love you too. And so are you. Call me tomorrow and fill me in.'
Chapter Nine
Neva put on her new red dress. She was going to wear it on Christmas Day, but lunch at the pub was a good enough reason. She tonged a few waves into her hair, put on the sheerest touch of foundation and checked her lipstick twice. Despite her eyelashes being tinted, she topped them up with some mascara and even wore the merest slash of 'morning sunrise' - a pale, glistening, golden beige that brought out the colour in her eyes. She wanted to look her best, just in case Adam was there.
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