Page 17 of Love in the Air at The Cornish Bakery

‘He’s had to go and visit a supplier. Some last-minute emergency or something, so you’ve got me instead.’

‘You’re coming on the balloon ride?’ Oh great, this was supposed to be exciting, something nice for her to do.

‘Yes. How brilliant is this going to be?’ He indicated the balloon. ‘I’ve spoken with the pilot, who reckons we have the perfect weather conditions for the ride.’

Stubbing her trainer against a clump of grass, she closed her eyes. She wasn’t going to run. She’d promised herself she wasn’t going to let the fact that Rowan was in the bay ruin her holiday, and if that meant she had to ride in a tiny basket with him, then so be it. She would.

‘Good morning, Nina, is it?’ A man wearing navy overalls and a flat cap walked towards her, holding his hand out.

‘Hi, yes.’ Nina took his hand; his grip was firm.

‘I’m Nigel. I’ll be your pilot today. Have you been on a balloon ride before?’

‘No, this will be my first time.’ Nina smiled.

‘In that case, I’d like to assure you that I’ve got twenty-eight years’ experience under my belt and you’re in safe hands. As I’ve been telling your friend here, we couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions, not at this time of the year, and so you’ll have nothing to worry about up in the air. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy each other’s company.’

Nina glanced across at Rowan. Friend? If only he knew.

‘Have either of you got any questions?’ Nigel looked from Nina to Rowan and back again.

‘Where will we land?’ Rowan glanced across at the balloon.

‘The only thing I can promise you is we will land on the ground.’ Nigel chuckled. ‘It’s always a little more difficult to pinpoint an exact spot as it very much depends on the speed and direction of the wind when we get up there. We can make predictions, but we’re very much in the good hands of Mother Nature as to the exact location. We have numerous landing sites around here, meaning the landowners have given us their permission to use their land.’

‘Ah okay. So, it’ll be a surprise then?’

‘Yes, it will. Our good crew members here will come and fetch us, though.’ Nigel indicated a small group of people huddled around the balloon, presumably carrying out safety checks or something.

‘Any more questions?’

‘No, I don’t think so. Thank you.’ Nina nodded.

‘Great, in that case, I’ll go and get the balloon ready for you and call you over when we’re ready.’ Rubbing his hands together, Nigel walked towards his crew members.

‘This is exciting.’ Rowan shifted from foot to foot.

‘Yep.’ As she watched the balloon slowly inflate and stand tall, the basket tipped into position.

‘Come on over and hop in.’ Climbing into the basket, Nigel called across to them.

‘Great, after you.’

Slipping in front of Rowan, Nina stepped onto the wooden steps leading up to the basket and swung her leg over the rim, taking Nigel’s hand to save herself from toppling over. ‘Thank you.’

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