Page 26 of Rescuing Rosie
‘Yes please!’ She raised her glass in a toast. ‘Here’s to Rosie and Ashley’s ascent of Hell Crag!’
Ashley laughed. ‘HelmCr–’
The rest of the name was drowned out by a deep, melodic crash, which echoed around the hillside.
‘What the heck?’ said Rosie. ‘Was that an actual dinner gong?’
‘We pride ourselves on blending the traditional with the modern,’ said Ashley. ‘Yes – dinner is served. At least, that’s our ten-minute warning.’
‘But I haven’t had time to change! Or … aw, my bath! My bath with my Xanadu and the chocolates.’And more to the point, my cosy drink with Dale.
‘Tomorrow,’ said Ashley. ‘You’ll appreciate a hot bath after your climb. And don’t worry about changing – you look adorable, darling.’ His eyes swept down her pink and white clothes, to her floral boots. ‘I’m such a fan of your look.’
She wondered if he was being this kind for the sake of a good write-up. But already, after just one afternoon in the Lakes (and one and a half Xanadus), Ashley felt like her new best friend.
‘Am I eating dinner with everyone else?’ she asked.
‘Yes – there are two tables for your crew,’ he said. ‘And Madison requested an extra place, for Dale.’
They made their way back to the bar, where said hottie was halfway through his pint.
‘You’re joining us for dinner?’ Ashley said to him, before turning to Rosie. ‘We have a special, locally sourced buffet for our wellness weekend guests. Anything you need to know about the food side of things, please do ask.’
‘Tell me it’s not Cumberland fucking sausage?’ said Dale.
‘Not on this occasion.’
‘The health-kick ladies probably wouldn’t appreciate a sausage-centric buffet,’ said Jono.
Dale looked over at the women, who were finishing up their bubbles. Most of them looked back at him.
‘Au contraire. No girls’ weekend is complete without a nice bit of sausage,’ he said, raising his glass to them.
‘Dale!’ spluttered Rosie. ‘They’re here for the sake of theirhealth–!’
‘Trout,’ interrupted Ashley. ‘And Cumbrian lamb. Vegetables from local growers. Shall we wend our way?’
Dale downed his pint and Rosie skulled the rest of her cocktail. As they followed Ashley and Jono out of the room, Dale casually draped an arm around her shoulder and said in a low voice, ‘I’m only staying if I get to sit next to you.’
Rosie’s skin tingled at his touch, and her heart began to thump. This man was like those truffles upstairs: irresistible, delicious, undoubtedly bad for you. But as Ashley had said,Alittle of what you like does you no harm.
She looked up at him, meeting his dark gaze, then of their own accord her eyes moved to his full lips. He removed his hand, his fingers brushing the back of her neck as he did, and a shiver ran down her spine … gaining in intensity until it landed in the sweet spot between her legs. Her knees wobbled as they entered the dining room.
‘Steady there, Rosie,’ he said, slipping his arm round her waist.
‘Need food,’ she said. ‘The Xanadu is the devil’s own brew.’ She blew out a breath. ‘But I sure am enjoying the Grasmere Heights pleasure dome!’
‘Wait until you meet mine,’ he said, and squeezed her waist before dropping his arm.
Chapter Eleven
The elegant room was set with round tables, each seating six. Members of the crew were at the far end, and Ashley led them over to where Madison, wearing a short, tight, red bandage dress, was sitting with Guy, Lucas and Veronica. The star’s face was beautifully made up and her glossy dark hair was arranged in a curly high ponytail. The bare skin of her back and shoulders glowed with an almost iridescent sheen.
Ashley indicated the two empty seats between Madison and Guy. ‘Rosie, Dale, you’re here; Jono, you’re with me and Kayleigh.’
Madison’s shiny red lips curved into a seductive smile and she patted the seat next to her. Dale pulled it out but waved Rosie into it, saying, ‘Scoop opportunity for our Rosie the reporter. You’re welcome.’
Rosie took the seat and said, ‘Thanks, Dale! Is that okay, Madison?’
