Page 40 of A Perfect Devon Pub
Josh chuckled close behind her. ‘It’s bracing. Good for the soul.’
The waves tugged at her hips and her skin prickled with goosebumps as the wetsuit clung tighter to her body. Josh moved alongside her, his arm brushing hers as he steadied her on the board. She wasn’t sure she needed the help, but he lingered, his hand resting a beat too long on her waist.
‘Alright, now lie flat on your tummy,’ he said, his voice soft yet insistent. She obeyed, feeling the slick chill of the board beneath her. Josh crouched beside her in the shallows, his hands running lightly over her hands. ‘When you see the wave coming, you paddle like mad. Then pop up quick, yeah? Here, I’ll show you.’
His hands guided her arms. His breath smelled faintly of coffee and saltwater, warm against her cheek as he leaned in to demonstrate. Her cheeks flushed, but she didn’t pull away. She had to move on from Ru. Shehadto.
The ocean roared around them, waves breaking with hissing foam. She caught a faint whiff of something earthy and familiar, carried on the breeze – the scent of wood smoke evoking a memory of her and Ru sitting in front of a log fire grilling sardines on a beach in Portugal. She squeezed her eyes shut and focused on Josh’s voice.
‘Now paddle!’
She did as instructed, her arm muscles straining against the resistance of the water. A swell lifted the board, and she wobbled upright, balancing precariously as the wave propelledher toward the shore feeling a brief thrill of triumph before the inevitable tumble. The salt water rushed into her nose and mouth as she crashed.
Spluttering, she surfaced, pushing her wet hair from her face. Through stinging eyes, she spotted a figure on the shore, silhouetted against the sun. Ru.
Her breath caught. He stood still, arms crossed, watching her. Watchingthem.
Josh’s laughter broke the moment. He swam to her, brushing hair from her face. ‘You alright? First wipeout’s always a bummer.’
Fiona forced a laugh, though her chest felt heavy. ‘I’m fine,’ she lied, her voice strained.
‘Bet this is a ton more fun than swotting up for an exam you don’t need, eh? Ready to catch another wave?’
Ru’s presence burned at the edge of her vision. She couldn’t look again. Guided by Josh’s firm arms round her waist, Fiona waded out into the water again, her eyes searching for an incoming wave big enough to surf. She put Ru firmly out of her mind and caught herself smiling when the next wave washed through her. She couldn’t think of the last time she had felt this invigorated.
When she passed that exam, maybe shewouldgrab hold of a bit more of life.
The following afternoon, Fiona was sitting in a bay window at Prosecco & Prose, her laptop open in front of her. Frustrated by the constant interruptions of their wine lessons at the pub, Fiona had suggested meeting Josh here for their next lesson. It was a comfortable space, warm, busy, with the sweet aroma of baking pastries. The softwhooshof the coffee machine punctuated the gentle purr of conversations. A bell tinkled, heralding another customer. Fiona looked up. Josh entered, a bright smile on hisface, looking as excited as a trainee chef peering through the oven door, watching their first soufflé rise.
He pulled out a chair and sat. ‘Great idea to meet here. Finally, no one can interrupt us.’
She forced a tight smile, her fingers curling around the edge of her coffee cup as she avoided his gaze.
‘I’m glad you could make it,’ she replied, her tone carefully neutral. Her eyes flickered briefly to the door, a faint tension settling on her shoulders. She hadn’t expected him to sound quite so enthusiastic about this meeting – nor to feel so alone with him.
‘What are we covering today?’ he asked.
Fiona flipped through her notes, feeling the familiar surge of passion replace her wariness about them meeting in private. ‘I thought we would explore some of the lesser-known wine regions.’ She felt a stab of pride – this topic was not her bête noire any more. ‘Everyone talks about France, Italy or South America, but places like Portugal’s Douro Valley or Spain’s Priorat region offer fantastic wines at much lower prices.’
She saw Josh’s eyes widen.
‘I’ve never heard of that place in Spain. Good reds?’ he asked, leaning forward.
‘Definitely! It’s all about finding value.’ Fiona smiled, watching his focus tighten on her words.
As she spoke, laughter erupted from a nearby table, adding a buzz to the café’s warmth. Momentarily, Josh glanced over, but his gaze quickly returned to her, pen poised, intent. ‘Now, all this talk about wine – when can we put it into practice in the real world? Can I take you out for a glass or two?’
Her smile faltered, just slightly. She had felt great in their surf lesson, but Josh was practically a boy, and she wasn’t ready to date. She laughed it off. ‘Maybe we could do some sampling together.’
Josh’s grin grew wider, and he pulled his chair closer to the table, leaning over with his chin hovering so close to her hands so could feel his breath warm them. ‘Sounds great,’ he said.
She sat back, snapping her laptop shut and picking up her coffee with both hands. ‘In the end, it’s about experimenting and trusting your own tastes. Find what you like, regardless of price.’
Josh nodded, then set his pen down. ‘Fiona, seriously, this has been amazing. How about letting me return the favour. Dinner? My treat.’
Fiona felt her cheeks flush. Dinner? That really was a date.
He pushed. ‘Please. To say thank you.’
