Page 75 of The Path to the Last House Before the Sea

Ironically, with the roof likely to cave in at any moment she felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She’d told Jack why she was in Heaven’s Cove, and he hadn’t recoiled in horror. He hadn’t blamed her, even though she’d done little else for the last fourteen months. He was a good man.

Alyssa felt his arm tighten around her and she leaned into him, feeling horribly guilty for dragging him into such danger. He had a father and a son who loved him and would miss him if everything went even more pear-shaped than it currently was. An estranged wife, too, who didn’t seem ready to let Jack go, even though she’d brought her new man to Rosie’s wedding. It was all a complete mess.

‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘So sorry for getting you into all of this.’

When she moved her cheek against Jack’s chest and looked up at him, he was staring down at her.

‘You didn’t make me follow you into the tunnel. It was my decision.’

‘I know but I shouldn’t have—’

Alyssa blinked in surprise when Jack placed his finger briefly against her lips.

‘Stop. We can’t change anything that’s happened so there’s no point in beating yourself up.’

‘But that’s what I do best.’ Alyssa’s game attempt at a laugh sounded more like a sob. ‘I really am very sorry.’

‘I know you are, and I’m sorry, too.’

‘For what?’

He hesitated before answering. ‘For turning out to be a supernerd rather than a superhero.’

Alyssa wasn’t quite sure what he was going on about, but she tried to make him feel better anyway. ‘I reckon superheroes are overrated. Superman never did it for me.’

When she smiled at him, Jack placed his finger on her lips again, but this time let it rest there as he traced the shape of her mouth. His touch was unexpected and gentle, and incredibly sexy.

‘Alyssa,’ he said gruffly. ‘Alyssa Jones, or whatever your name is.’

He really was going to kiss her this time, thought Alyssa, wondering what it would be like to kiss Jack for real. The kiss in the marquee had been pretty special and that one was merely make-believe.

Her breathing became shallow as Jack pulled her closer and lowered his mouth towards hers.

This kiss would be real and wanted, as long as – the thought popped into her head – as long as it wasn’t simply motivated by trauma.

Trauma could heighten the emotions; she knew that from her nursing days. And perhaps Jack figured half a ton of rubble dropping on his head wouldn’t be quite so bad if he was locked in a smooch at the time.

Dying mid-kiss sounded better to Alyssa, too. Far nicer than dying as she sat in the dirt, telling herself she was a bad person. But they were going to be rescued. Alyssa had to believe that.

And there was one major issue with the no-doubt delightful kiss that was heading her way: traumatised Jack didn’t really want to kiss her at all. The woman he did really want to kiss was Miri.

Alyssa sighed, jerked her head away from Jack’s and sat up straight. ‘What about Miri?’

‘What about her?’ asked Jack, sounding confused.

‘I’ve told you my big secret and now you need to share yours.’

‘What are you going on about? What secret?’

‘That you’re still in love with your wife.’ Alyssa’s words echoed around the dark storeroom.

‘No, I’m not,’ retorted Jack. ‘Why do you think that?’

‘Because of the way you look at her and you’re totally gutted by the fact she’s seeing someone else. You pretended I was your girlfriend, for goodness’ sake!’

‘Don’t remind me.’ Jack sighed. ‘I’m not sure how I feel about Miri, to be honest.’

‘That’s not surprising because everything’s muddled, but I’m sure. You lied about going out with me because you still love her,’ said Alyssa, feeling a sharp stab to her heart. ‘You wanted to make her jealous so she’d realise what she was throwing away. I get it. I really do. And it’s OK, because I’m sure she’s still in love with you.’

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