Page 6 of A New Arrival at Cwtch Cove

‘It’s bread dough. Don’t tell Mum but the cats stole it and I caught them playing with it in the garden.’

His smile was like sunshine breaking through clouds. ‘It’s not the first time they’ve done that. Don’t worry, I won’t tell her but I’ll make sure she brings a loaf of bread home later.’

‘Thanks.’

‘Are you… uh… staying in the village for long?’

Something seemed to dance behind his bright blue eyes and Alice’s mind filled with images of tropical pools and clear summer skies.

‘I’m not sure to be honest. I have no reason to go back to Exeter now so I guess I’ll stay here until I decide what to do with my life.’

‘At a crossroads, eh?’

She swallowed, feeling seen. ‘I guess that’s how it could be described.’

‘Been there. Take some time and be kind to yourself and it will all become clear.’ He pushed a hand through his hair and she caught sight of the fine blond hairs at his hairline, had an urge to run a finger over them to see if they were as soft as they looked.

What is wrong with me?

‘I hope so.’ She sighed.

‘If you need to talk to someone, I’m available for chats and for pastries.’ He held up his hands and Alice looked at his long fingers, short nails and smooth skin. ‘These hands make pastries that can cure a multitude of ailments and make you forget about your worries.’

His lopsided grin made her stomach flutter and she realised that he was teasing her. Possibly even flirting with her.

‘I’ll bear that in mind. Thank you.’

‘No problem. Enjoy your breakfast.’

‘I’m sure I will.’

And as he walked away, she closed the door then leant against it, wondering at the way her heart was racing. When she passed the mirror in the hallway, she caught sight of her reflection and the goofy grin that had appeared there.

‘Really, Alice? You’re going all mushy over your mum’s pastry chef?’

She shook her head then took the bag of pastries through to the kitchen and set them out on a plate. The textures, colours and aromas were tantalising but as yummy as they looked and smelt, she didn’t know if she’d be able to eat them because her stomach was filled with excited butterflies while her head was filled with the sight and scent of the tall, broad-shouldered Henry Sinclair.

Chapter6

Henry

Henry upped his pace along the coastal path. He was pushing himself on his run but he needed the relief of physical exhaustion to try to stop himself from ruminating. Running was something he enjoyed physically but it was more than that for him; it was his form of therapy. Whenever life had hit him with something that was difficult to deal with, he’d run. Some might say he was running away from things but he didn’t think it was like that. Running was mindfulness for him because when he ran, he was focused on the pounding of his feet on the ground, the working of his muscles, the beating of his heart and the deep breaths he had to take to keep going. And then there was the runner’s high that he got and there was no denying the power of that to help lift his mood.

To his left, the sea stretched out, a navy canvas in the fading light of the September evening. The last remaining swallows circled above the water, swooping and diving in sync before rising again in seemingly endless movement. The air was cool on his skin and scented with brine as well as the flowers that grew either side of the path, clinging to the fading warmth. Knapweed sprung up amongst the grass, the ragged-edged purple flower heads reminding him of thistles and the clusters of the white and pink flowers of the sea campion bobbed their delicate heads in the breeze as if encouraging him to keep going.

While he ran, he let his mind drift. September was the official start of autumn and he’d always felt that it was a time of fresh starts. It was probably linked to the fact that the new school term began in September and so his childhood conditioning remained with him. Even though Christmas was closer than spring, September was a month he liked. The darker evenings and mornings that were on the way didn’t bother him because he’d always enjoyed the chance to get cosy in the evenings and to read or watch a new TV series. He was also looking forward to his first winter in Cwtch Cove and to some chilly winter dips in the sea.

When he felt like his lungs might burst, he slowed his pace to a brisk walk then turned to head back towards the village. The breeze soothed his hot skin and he sucked in lungfuls of it gratefully, enjoying how clean and fresh it was.

He’d had a busy day at work, as Fridays often were, and he’d been desperate to get home to change so he could head out for a run. He liked his job and working with Trudy but today, he’d been keen to finish. His mind had been too busy. Somewhat preoccupied if he was honest. This had led to him overcooking a tray of almond croissants and the burnt aroma had filled the bakery kitchen all afternoon. He’d also kneaded the dough for the rolls for too long and they’d come out tough and chewy. Then he’d underbaked the meringues and they’d collapsed. In the end, Trudy had told him to grab a coffee and go and sit in the staffroom to clear his head. He’d tried but he’d known that only running would do that.

So what was it that had been troubling him?

A beautiful young woman with shiny brown hair and pretty brown eyes.

A woman he’d never met until recently but had heard lots about from Trudy. So much so in fact that he felt like he knew her well.

A woman who, when he was near her, made him feel like he was in a musical so he wanted to dance around and sing with a big grin on his face.

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