Cressida McLaughlin - Scones Away!

‘It was an easy assumption to make, when they appeared on the beach this morning for a week-long residence. I can see how you could have jumped to the wrong conclusion. I had expected a visit from you earlier, actually. I was looking forward to seeing you.’

Marmite squeaked and hid behind her legs, but a quick glance showed her that Jasper was still lying patiently at Daniel’s feet. Her dog was making something out of nothing, as usual. Charlie wondered if he’d learnt that from her.

‘You purposely didn’t tell me,’ she said through gritted teeth. ‘You let me think this, let me get worked up about it, when all along you were planning on having it at the hotel on Saturday.’

‘All’s well that ends well. You need to stop assuming that everyone’s against you.’

‘How can I, when you keep doing stuff like this? I bet you organized Rose and Frank to put on that little show outside my bus, just so you could set me straight and feel superior about it. You’re trying to show me who’s in charge, but do you know what?’ Her eyes blazed into his.

‘What?’ he asked. ‘Tell me.’ He leaned towards her, his breath tickling her cheek. ‘I’m all ears.’

They were only inches apart. He smelt good, woody and citrusy. She pushed the thought away.

‘I’m not against you, Charlie. I thought I’d made that clear the other night, but if you want to keep believing it, there’s nothing I can do.’

She couldn’t look away. Daniel’s eyes were dark pools of intent and his lips were so close … She knew how kissable those lips were …

‘Hey, Char! Hi, Daniel.’ Juliette’s voice broke the spell and Charlie jumped backwards, turning to her friend as if she’d been starved of her company.

‘Jules! How was it?’ Juliette looked happy, her skin glistening, her cheeks bunched into a smile.

‘Brilliant. You have to give it a go, Charlie. It’s the most wonderful, uplifting feeling, and Belle is a great teacher. Oh, and I meant to text you earlier, but I got caught up on the bus. She found out that they’re running all her sessions at the hotel on Saturday, so you don’t need to worry. The food market is safe! But Daniel’s probably told you that anyway. Want to go up to the house together?’

Charlie forced a smile. She wished, with all her heart, that Juliette had sent that text. ‘I’ve got your car in The Seven Stars car park. I’ll drive you up the hill, unless you want to walk?’

‘A lift would be lovely. Did you have a good time with Ollie?’

Charlie nodded, aware of Daniel’s gaze on her. ‘I’ll tell you all about it at home.’

‘Great. I’m just going to go and say goodbye to Belle, then I’ll meet you at the car. Catch you later, Daniel.’

‘Bye,’ Daniel called. ‘There, you see,’ he said, once Juliette was out of earshot. ‘I wasn’t keeping anything from you.’

‘I need to get Marmite his dinner,’ Charlie said. ‘Please don’t scratch the paintwork of my bus.’

‘Wouldn’t dream of it.’ Daniel stood up straight. ‘Good to see you again, Charlie. Glad we’ve sorted things out. I’d hate for there to be any animosity between us.’ He squeezed her hand briefly, letting go before she could react, and led Jasper down onto the beach.

Marmite whimpered, as if he was upset at the German shepherd’s departure, despite clearly being terrified of him. Charlie let out a loud, exasperated sigh and took her dog back to the car.

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