Page 20 of Autumn at the Cornish Garden Café

‘Coffee?’

‘That would be great, thanks. I would offer to help you, but I know Johan wants me here to cheer him on.’

‘That’s fine. I’ll bring it out for you.’

‘That’s very kind.’ His smile made her stomach flutter and a gentle heat filled her cheeks.

‘I won’t be long,’ she said, then she forced her feet to move. Standing there staring at him, even if he did look gorgeous with those blue-green eyes and his auburn hair damp around the front from bobbing for apples, was still rude.

What surprised her even more was that she’d been tempted to take the towel to catch the water droplets he’d missed on his right temple and lean in close to see if he smelt as good as he looked. To find out if his skin was warm or cold and if he would press a gentle kiss to her cheek in the way she could imagine him doing.

What was wrong with her? She’d decided long ago that men were not on her agenda and yet here she was, lusting after Henry Clay. He was probably just like her ex and if she got close to him, he’d hurt her and she didn’t think that she’d be able to pull herself together again. Surely one person’s heart could only take so much? This village was her new beginning. She couldn’t allow any man to ruin that for her, could she? Or would Henry Clay simply make everything even better?

12

ROSA

Rosa returned with a tray of drinks to find Henry cheering for Johan as he bobbed for apples then clapping when he won.

‘Here you go,’ Rosa said, and Henry accepted a mug of coffee.

‘Thank you.’

‘So you won?’ she asked.

‘We did, but it was all down to Johan and the rest of the team.’

Johan ran over and jumped up and down with excitement. ‘We won, Sir, and it’s all because of you! Mr Clay is amazing, Rosa.’

She smiled at her friend’s eldest son, and he beamed back.

Henry held up a hand and Johan gave him a high five, then he ran back to his mum and dad who were talking to Pearl.

‘He’s a great lad,’ Henry said. ‘All three of the brothers are polite and diligent.’

‘Sita and Niels are good parents.’ She looked over at her friend surrounded by her husband and three sons, and her heart squeezed with love and admiration. ‘Sita’s one of my oldest friends.’

‘She’s lucky to have you,’ he said, holding her gaze. ‘From what I’ve seen, you’re kind, sweet, and caring.’

Rosa opened her mouth to reply, but her mind had gone blank. Was he being genuine? She wished she didn’t have to question people’s motives now, but it was hard not to. Trusting was difficult when she’d been so badly betrayed.

‘I mean, few people would be so kind to an elderly gent.’ He nodded over at Christopher, who was smiling at something Vinnie had said to him.

‘He’s a lovely man,’ she said. ‘I can’t bear the thought of him being lonely. He’s such a great age, and he deserves to have company and people around who care about him.’

‘I agree.’ Henry sipped his coffee. ‘Do you need a hand with that tray?’

‘Oh…’ She’d forgotten she was holding it. ‘No, it’s fine. I should take their drinks over.’

‘Are you staying for a while?’ he asked.

‘I expect so.’

‘There’s pumpkin carving next.’ He waggled his brows, and she laughed. ‘Fancy being on my team.’

‘Goodness, I don’t think I’d be very good at that. Can I just watch?’

‘Of course. But, you know, if you want to cheer me on … I’d like that.’

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