Page 20 of Finding Love in Micklewick Bay

‘That’s probably because she’s my sister; my twin sister. She was coming to see my new place but was late – as Zara always is.’ He rolled his eyes affectionately. ‘So I’d arranged to meet her at the Jolly. She’d only just landed when you and I were talking at the bar.’

‘Oh. So… so, does that mean you’re single?’ A feeling of relief washed over her mingling with a generous dash of embarrassment. It was quickly followed up by an unexpected surge of happiness.

‘Yup, well and truly. Well, unless you count Fred, we come as a package, I’m afraid.’

‘Sounds like a nice package.’ Stella smiled at him, her heart dancing, he had a way about him that she found herself drawn to; a mix of his easy manner, his friendliness, not to mention his sense of humour. That, along with the fact there was no edge, or arrogance to him – unlike most of the men she encountered in the robing room – all added up to make him undeniably appealing.

‘Why thank you, you’re not the first woman to have complimented me on it.’ He gave a mischievous grin.

‘I didn’t meanthat!’ She giggled. Though she had to admit, she wouldn’t mind getting a bit of first-hand experience of it. He did, after all, look mighty fine, even more so with this new information he’d just shared.

They stood smiling at one another for several moments, emotions swarming around Stella’s insides. Alex was the first to break the silence. ‘So,’ he said, ‘if you’re free this afternoon, don’t suppose you fancy grabbing a coffee somewhere, do you? Or a bite of lunch, even? I quite like the idea of playing hooky for a few hours.’

Her mind went to the boxes back at her apartment, waiting to be unpacked. She figured they could wait a little longer. Smiling, she said, ‘I’d really like that.’

‘Great.’ He beamed at her. ‘Don’t suppose you can recommend anywhere? With me being new around here, I’m still finding my feet as far as eateries are concerned.’

‘How about the Jolly? They do a great Lite-Bite menu that runs from lunchtime right through to about five p.m. I was planning on heading down to the beach this afternoon anyway.’

‘Sounds good. Shall I meet you down there, say, one o’clock?’

‘Perfect.’

‘Great.’

They struggled to break eye contact, both grinning inanely until an impatient voice broke into their moment. ‘S’cuse me, you’re stopping anyone getting to them chocolate biscuits.’

‘Oops, sorry.’ Alex flashed an apologetic smile as he stood back, Stella doing the same. ‘See you at one then. Oh, and do you mind if I bring Fred?’

‘I’d be disappointed if you didn’t,’ Stella replied.

‘You mean there’s two of you?’ asked the woman reaching for the chocolate biscuits. Before Alex could answer, she turned to Stella and said, ‘By, aren’t you a lucky lass?’ She gave her a saucy wink before ambling off, leaving Stella and Alex dissolved in a fit of the giggles.

THIRTEEN

Stepping inside The Jolly Sailors, Stella pushed her sunglasses up onto her head, the cooler temperature of the pub a welcome relief after the intense heat of the sun. She’d swapped her court suit for a pair of olive-green cigarette trousers and a loose-fitting cotton top. Her hair had been released from its neat French pleat and was left to hang in relaxed glossy waves over her shoulders. Never one to get overexcited for a date – if, indeed, that’s what this was – she’d found herself feeling a little fluttery as she was getting ready to meet Alex, and unusually indecisive about what to wear. Should she opt for her new chambray dress with the shoestring straps, or her knee-skimming playsuit? Or would that send out the wrong message? she’d wondered, before giving herself a talking to and telling herself to get a grip.‘It’s just a casual bite to eat with someone you’ve just met, it’s hardly the date of the century!She’d chosen to ignore the excitement that had been fizzing away in her stomach.

Unsurprisingly for a glorious summer’s day in the middle of the school holidays, the bar was heaving. Jaunty music Stella recognised as that of one of the local folk bands who played there of a Friday evening was filtering through the speakers, adding to the upbeat, happy vibe. She glanced around the room,spotting Alex at a table by an open window. Seeing her he raised his hand in a wave, his smile sending a pulse of attraction shooting through her. She headed over, her stomach doing its now-familiar somersaults whenever Alex was in close proximity. It really was a novel feeling to her. As soon as she arrived at the table he got to his feet and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, his hand resting on her forearm. Butterflies took off in her stomach adding to the chaos there, and her knees felt in danger of buckling at any minute. He smelt delicious, all soapy-fresh-from-the-shower with a dash of crisp cologne. The brush of his stubble against her skin and the touch of his hand combined to send her hormones into overdrive.Oh my days! What’s happening to me?She was reluctant to focus too much on what made her body react in this out of character way when she was around him – other than his obvious good looks – but there was no denying the chemistry that danced between them.

Fred jumped up, wagging his tail, nudging at her leg. She bent to stroke him, momentarily glad of the distraction, allowing her to regroup and rein in her wayward senses. This wasintense.

‘Hi,’ Alex said, his smile warm and relaxed, his eyes locking onto hers. ‘What can I get you to drink?’ He’d changed into a striped linen shirt – a pair of sunglasses peering from the pocket – and navy chino shorts, and was sporting a pair of canvas shoes. He looked impossibly handsome.

‘It’s okay, I can get my own, thanks. I just came over to see if I could get one for you.’ She glanced at the table to see he had a bottle of beer. Her heart thudding hard beneath her top, she did all she could to appear nonchalant and cool.

‘I’m fine, and I’ve set up a tab at the bar, so please allow me.’

‘Oh, okay, in that case, I think I’ll have a glass of Pinot Grigio, thanks.’

‘Coming up, I’ll grab us a couple of menus while I’m at it.’

‘Sounds good.’ Smiling, she turned her attention to Fred, hoping her galloping heart would calm itself down. ‘Hi there, Fred, how are you doing?’ She ruffled his ears and he pushed his head into her lap as she made herself comfortable in the chair opposite Alex’s. She hoped she wasn’t going to feel like this all the way through their meal. She was in danger of not being able to concentrate on the conversation.

Moments later, Alex returned. ‘I hope Fred’s been behaving himself. He’s just over a year old and can get a little overenthusiastic sometimes; thinks everyone’s his best buddy.’

‘Ah, he’s adorable, and he’s been as good as gold, haven’t you, lad?’ Stella smoothed Fred’s head, two amber eyes blinking up at her happily.

‘That’s what I like to hear. Anyway, Cheers,’ Alex said, raising his bottle.

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