Page 27 of Finding Love in Micklewick Bay

Stella couldn’t remember seeing a sunset like it. ‘Oh, wow! That’s stunning.’ She breathed out, the glow reflecting in her face as she took in the full display, a sense of calm washing over her. ‘I’m so glad you knocked on my door when you did or I’d have missed this.’ The light breeze ruffled the fine tendrils of hair around her face.

‘I’m glad I did too.’ His eyes found hers and he leant towards her, his expression changing.

Instinctively, she moved closer to him, her heart hammering in the familiar way it did when Alex was in close proximity. He reached out his hand, cupping her face, his skin warm against hers.

SIXTEEN

With her breathing shallow and her libido raging, their faces were mere centimetres apart when a deep, booming bark sliced through their moment.

Startled, Stella sat back, pressing her hand to her chest.

They both glanced across to see Fred looking at them. He was wagging his tail and looking inordinately pleased with himself. He barked again, his tail wagging even harder and thudding against the table.

‘Jeez, Fred, you scared the life out of me!’ Stella said.

‘Fred! You little horror. Always have to be the centre of attention, don’t you?’ Alex gave the Labrador a stern look. Undeterred, Fred barked once more. ‘I think that’s quite sufficient, don’t you, young man? Unless you fancy a bit of time-out in your bed?’

At the tone in Alex’s voice, Fred’s ears flattened. He blinked, and looked away, aware his participation hadn’t been well received.

Much as she was disappointed their moment had been ruined, Stella couldn’t help but laugh at the Labrador’s expressive face. Though it didn’t stop her from wondering howit would feel to have Alex’s lips pressed against hers, and if she’d get another chance to find out that night.

Just then, his mobile phone started ringing from the living room, sending her hopes of any further kisses scattering.

Alex clapped his hand to his forehead, rolling his eyes in disbelief. ‘You’ve gotta be kidding me!’

‘I think that’s probably my cue to leave.’ Stella gave a regretful smile. She drained her glass and went to push herself up.

‘There’s really no need, you’re more than welcome to stay for another glass, if you’d like, that is.’ Alex looked at her hopefully.

She was about to ask if he was going to answer his phone when the ringing stopped. Checking her watch, she considered his suggestion – it wasn’t that late – when he said, ‘In case you’re wondering, I don’t intend to return that call this evening and I’m going to turn my phone off. I should imagine it will have just been work-related; it’s surprising how many clients struggle with the concept of me having a life outside of being an architect, or that I might actually choose to take some time off, and expect me to be at their beck and call twenty-four seven.’

‘I can empathise; sounds like the bar, and chambers to a lesser degree.’

‘The not-so-great side of being self-employed,’ he said ruefully.

‘Have you considered getting a separate phone for work?’

‘I have, but it might be a good idea to move on from simplythinkingabout it and actuallydoingsomething about it. Anyway, back to the matter in hand, what do you think? Can I tempt you?’

Oh, you have no idea!‘Hmm. Yes, why not?’ Stella’s wayward musings made her cheeks burn with unfulfilled desire.

‘Great!’ Alex grinned. He was clearly oblivious to the wicked thoughts running through her mind.

Back in their comfy chairs on the balcony, dusk had sneaked in further. The vintage streetlamps had flickered on, illuminating the road along the top prom. Lights from the pier stretched out into the sea and in the distance the odd light from ships punctuated the increasing darkness. A little cluster of lights nestled below Thorncliffe indicated the location of Old Micklewick, while the first stars started twinkling in the sky. It made for an achingly cosy sight.

Stella and Alex settled effortlessly back into their chat, their near-kiss almost forgotten – though not by Stella. It was still very firmly at the forefront of her mind and she couldn’t stop wondering if they’d get back to it. Fred was curled up contentedly at their feet. Alex was interested to learn more about her; what her hobbies had been when she was younger, what had made her want to become a barrister? Had she been a swot at school, he’d asked jokingly? That question had made her laugh. ‘I suppose some of my classmates would have considered me a swot, yeah, but it wasn’t as if I spent every night poring over my schoolbooks. Sure, I was keen to do well, and my mum certainly encouraged that, but I liked to enjoy myself too, and I was sporty as well as academic. I was fortunate enough to have a brain that seemed to retain relevant information, which made life easier for me and meant I could be a part of the sports clubs the school offered. I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and I loved being part of a team.’

He nodded. ‘Which teams were you a part of?’

‘Hockey, athletics – running was a passion – and netball.’ A smile spread over her face as she recalled days spent on the school sports field, winning medals and trophies for her achievements. She’d always loved the buzz of competition.

‘I’m guessing you were tall in your teens, so you’ll have been a much-in-demand player on the netball team!’ He grinned at her.

‘Yep, by the time I was twelve years old, I was already five-feet-eight and easily head and shoulders taller than all my friends, especially my pal Florrie who has the bookshop. She’s always been a little scrap whereas I was so long and lanky; I felt like a giraffe!’ she said with a giggle. ‘But you’re right, it came in very handy playing netball, basketball too.’

Stella had also been a keen swimmer – something she still enjoyed regularly today – passing all the levels in her swimming lessons, joining the local swimming club. ‘When I was old enough I enrolled for life guard training and, when I’d qualified, I managed to get myself a weekend job as a life guard down on the beach; I did more hours in the summer. I loved it, despite the sea being absolutely freezing cold!’

‘Sounds like you’ve always been driven, if you could fit that lot in as well as studying hard,’ Alex had said.

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