Page 33 of Summer at the Cornish Garden Café

‘She’ll be delighted and ask me a thousand questions. So perhaps we should keep it between us for now?’ He took a sip of the drink. ‘This is perfect.’

‘I’m glad you like it.’ Lena sipped hers. ‘Ooh, yes, that Cornish gin is divine.’

‘Marnie will like you. A lot. You’ll get on with her.’

Lena felt her cheeks glowing. He’d saidwill like youso he was planning on introducing them. ‘I hope so,’ she said.

‘Do you like stir-fry?’ he asked. ‘I have veg that I need to use and some prawns, so I could make us a ginger and chilli stir-fry. There’s ice-cream in the freezer and some strawberries in the fridge for dessert. I grew them myself in the courtyard.’

‘You grew your own strawberries?’

He nodded. ‘I grow what I can out there. It’s nice to feel the sense of accomplishment when I eat things I’ve grown.’

‘It’s a yes to all your questions!’ Lena took another sip of gin. ‘I like stir-fry and strawberries and ice cream.’

‘Why don’t you sit in the garden and enjoy your drink and I’ll make the stir-fry then we can eat it out there?’

‘Are you sure you don’t want help?’

‘No, it’s fine. It won’t take long, and I want you to relax and enjoy being here.’

‘OK then, thanks.’

Lena went outside into the courtyard. She sat down on a wooden bench with padded cushions and placed her drink on the table in front of it. Curling her feet up underneath her, she sat back and relaxed. The heady scent of the roses that climbed the wall of the cottage and the lavender that grew in a square pot next to the bench, along with a variety of other herbs, filled the air. The garden was a tranquil haven, secluded yet open enough to allow her to gaze at the blue sky and to hear the sounds of the harbour carried up on the breeze.

She had a beautiful place to sit, a delicious gin and tonic and a man cooking her dinner. And at that moment, Fifi plodded outside and hopped up next to Lena then turned around and settled with her head on Lena’s knees. Lena stroked her fur and the dog grunted with contentment.

There were moments in life that had to be savoured, and this was one of them. It was a moment of true happiness, when nothing could make it any better than it was and when her heart was bursting with joy. Whatever happened with Thomas from this point on, she would always have today, and for that she would always adore him. But, of course, the evening was just getting started, and who knew what could happen between two mutually attracted, consenting adults?

20

THOMAS

Thomas woke the next day with a jolt. He sat up in bed and rubbed his eyes, aware that something was different.

‘Morning.’ Lena was smiling up at him.

She had stayed the night!

They’d had gin and tonics and then some wine with their food and they’d talked into the small hours. By that point, Fifi had been snoring on her bed in the lounge and Thomas and Lena had been on the sofa sharing a blanket because it had got quite cold. The June days were warm but the temperature dropped in the nights after dark, and so rather than light the fire, they’d snuggled close under the blanket. They’d talked about lots of things but kept it light — favourite movies, books, Netflix series and so on. It had been a form ofgetting to know you at a dating leveland he’d really enjoyed himself. But then they’d realised the time, and he’d offered to walk Lena home. She’d resisted the offer, claiming she’d be fine, and so he’d suggested she could stay in his bed and he’d take the sofa. Lena though, had said she would stay but only if they cuddled up in his bed.

Nothing had happened other than cuddling. They had kissed chastely, and he’d spooned her, then they’d fallen asleep, exhausted by their day on the beach and sated by the food and alcohol they’d consumed.

‘Did you sleep well?’ Lena asked, pushing her hair back from her face.

‘Very well.’ He smiled.

‘Me too. Must’ve been all the fresh air and talking.’ She reached over and touched his arm, and he covered her hand with his.

‘Talking definitely has a soporific effect on me.’ He winked and she giggled.

‘Are you saying that I bored you?’ She sat up and pouted.

‘Not at all. I think it’s just the process of sharing things. It helps me sleep.’

‘Well, you know what to do then,’ she said. ‘Keep talking!’

‘Are you hungry?’ He tucked a few strands of her red hair behind her left ear and then gently stroked her cheek.

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