A Girl’s Best Friend by Jules Wake (39)

With fierce concentration, Ella inked in Gurk’s worried little face. Worried because he was clinging to a drainpipe twelve feet up, under the beady, watchful eye of the pub cat. No, make it a friendly black Labrador who wanted to play with the strange-looking creature but the strange-looking creature saw him as a fearsome monster.

She sat back to admire the morning’s work and check the time. She ought to think about getting ready. Duty called this afternoon. It was her turn to work in the shop and she’d been tasked with opening up, along with a stern warning about not being late. She was hoping she could remember how to operate the till, which on her brief induction the other day had proved tricky.

Tapping the bunch of keys on her desk, she was telling herself she’d be fine and wouldn’t set off the alarm when her mobile buzzed into life, dancing along the table until she just caught it before it took a nosedive into the bin.

‘Hello.’

‘Hi Ella.’

‘Devon,’ she responded, letting the resignation show in her voice.

See, that’s what you got for answering the phone without looking at the screen. Her heart started doing the impression of a Catherine wheel. Stupid thing. She sighed; she was going to have to talk to him sooner or later but she wasn’t about to apologise for trying to help.

‘You’re mad at me.’

She rolled her eyes. No shit, Sherlock.

‘And I deserve it,’ he continued. ‘I owe you an apology. Are you at home? I’d really like to apologise properly. In person and I’ve got . . . got something for you.’

‘As long as it’s not bloody chocolates,’ she said, thinking of the last diplomatic mission to her house.

‘It’s much better than that. I think. Do you mind if I pop over now?’

‘Now, now?’ She looked down at herself in horror.

‘Yes.’

‘Give me ten minutes. I’m still in my PJs. I’ve been working all morning. But I haven’t got long because I’m working in the shop later.’

Ten minutes. Why hadn’t she said fifteen? She raced down the stairs, pulling her clothes off as she darted into the bathroom and leaping into the shower before it had time to warm up. Oooh, that was cold.

What was it he needed to say in person? She was suddenly all fingers and thumbs as she struggled still damp into fresh jeans, fluffed up her hair and pulled on a clean T-shirt. With five minutes to spare, she cleaned her teeth and slapped on a touch of moisturiser and several quick strokes of mascara. That would have to do. With a pause, still mindful of the ticking minutes, she stopped and took stock of herself in the mirror. Her hair had grown out of its usual sharply styled choppy layers, they were looser and softer, and she’d stopped applying the careful eyeliner and lipstick which had been her trademark for years. There didn’t seem much point these days. Not that she couldn’t be bothered, but it just wasn’t important any more. With a toss of her hair, she gave herself a cautious smile. She much preferred this new her.

Even though she was expecting it, the knock at the door made her jump. Trying to be casual, she took her time opening the door.

Devon stood there, empty handed and with a sheepish smile, but he made no move to come in.

Unease flickered in her stomach. Maybe he had just come to apologise and clear the air.

‘Hi.’ Nerves fluttered and her legs seemed to have suddenly lost their backbone.

‘Hi.’

Just the low timbre of the huskily spoken word made her mouth go dry.

They eyed each other and then Devon’s mouth began to curve in a slow smile. He stepped across the threshold and took her in his arms and without any further preamble kissed her. Kissed her socks off. Kissed her like there was no tomorrow. Kissed her breathless.

She clung on. Her legs gave up the last attempt to hold her upright but it didn’t matter because Devon held onto her, kissing her as if he were afraid to let go.

When he finally did let go, she stared at him, dazed. No one had ever made her feel quite so important to them. It felt rather wonderful.

‘I’m an idiot. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?’

If he kept kissing her like that, most definitely.

‘Are you going to come in? I’m worried we might give George another funny turn.’

‘I’m sure it would take more than that to shock him. I’ve got something for you . . . in the car.’ His face lit up like a small boy with a big secret.

She followed him to the car, almost laughing at the definite spring in his step as he confidently led her down the path.

The back window of the estate car had steamed up, apart from one wet patch, where a black nose was pressed up against the glass.

Ella’s heart missed a beat as Devon opened up the boot.

A black blur leapt out and almost knocked Ella sideways, jumping up with overexcited joy, skittering about backwards and forwards, sniffing everything with unfettered delight. ‘Tess!’ She crouched down to hug the dog, almost knocked over by excited tail-lashing as Tess skipped about in crazy happy-dog circles.

‘Hello, you.’ Ella shot a teary look Devon’s way. ‘T-this is so kind. I’ve really . . . m-missed her.’ Tess dropped into a sit and nuzzled at Ella, licking her hand. ‘I thought she was in Kent. Has Mrs Bosworth come home?’

‘No. I’ve been to Kent,’ said Devon, gently pulling her up and putting both hands on her forearms, as if to make sure she was going to stay put.

‘You’ve been to Kent.’ Ella frowned, puzzled. ‘Why?’

‘I remembered the shape Tess was in when I first saw you.’ He paused as Ella raised an eyebrow, still stroking the dog’s ears with one hand as if unable to stop touching her. ‘I apologised for that.’

She laughed. ‘I know, just teasing.’

‘I went to check on her, see how she was doing, when Bets told me how much you were missing Tess.’ Ella looked down at the dog, who was gazing up at her with abject adoration. Her heart turned over at the expression in the amber eyes.

‘So you’ve . . . what? Borrowed her back for me?’

Devon cupped his hand under her chin and smiled gently down at her.

‘No, I’ve brought her home.’

Ella’s heart stopped.

‘You mean . . . ’ She stifled a sob, gazing up into his eyes, her pulse tripping at his serious gaze. Devon took both of her hands, holding them in his, squeezing her fingers gently. ‘Yes. She’s all yours. When I told her how close you and Tess were, Mrs Bosworth was delighted – she’d been toying with the idea of staying in Kent with her sister and moving into sheltered accommodation together, but the place they really like and can afford doesn’t take dogs. Tess is yours, if you want her.’

‘Of course I want her,’ breathed Ella, unable to tear her eyes from his.

‘There are some conditions.’ His face gentled and Ella bit her lip at his sudden solemnity. His pause made her heart thud louder.

‘She has to live in the village.’

‘She . . . ’ Ella stopped and for a moment couldn’t say a word; she didn’t think she could squeeze anything past the outsize lump in her throat, so instead she looked up at him and smiled and smiled and smiled.

‘Would that be OK?’ Devon’s quiet question had her heart expanding, until it felt as if it might just pop.

She nodded, still unable to speak.

‘I’m sure you could get a place around here.’ He scrunched up his face. ‘It’s a shame, Dad’s just let the other barn.’

‘Has he?’ asked Ella, with a sudden twinkle, thinking of the tenancy agreement on the kitchen table. ‘I wonder who to?’

Devon raised an eyebrow. ‘Ah, so that was why he was being so cagey.’

He lifted a hand and stroked Ella’s face. ‘I had a long chat with him. Realised I’ve been an idiot all round. I’m planning on staying here, too,’ his mouth curved, ‘if the village is big enough for the both of us.’

She gave a quick nod as he carried on. ‘With the money that Marina owes me, I’m going to invest in the equipment and training I need, and expand the practice in partnership with Dad, who will work part-time. When Jack graduates he can join the partnership.’

‘I did tell you you were an idiot.’ She stepped closer to him, feeling the roughness of his favourite wool sweater graze her arms.

‘You did. But I’ve stopped being one. Mine and Marina’s solicitors are going to get together for a chat, but thanks to you, I’ll come out ahead – and there’s the sponsorship money I’m owed for half of my dog being a star on the internet. Plus four puppies.’

‘Four puppies? That’s great.’

Devon grinned. ‘You’ve never had a puppy, have you?’

She shook her head, beaming back at him. ‘How hard can it be? Look at Tess. I’m much better at this dog-owning lark. Mind you, I had some help.’

With a tremulous smile, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him with a feather light touch on his lips. ‘Thank you, Devon. For bringing her back.’ Tears shimmered in her eyes.

He took her face in both his hands. ‘I think I deserve another kiss . . . it took me hours to drive to Kent and back.’

She dropped another kiss on his lips.

‘And the traffic was absolutely dreadful.’ He raised an eyebrow in challenge, his hands sliding down to rest on her shoulders.

She kissed him again.

‘And it took me for ever to find Mrs Bosworth’s sister’s place.’

Ella rolled her eyes and stepped forward, slipping her arms around his neck and, pulling his mouth down to hers, pressed her lips with gentle insistence.

Their protracted kiss sent Tess into a tailspin of delight and Ella could feel her thrusting her head between their legs trying to squeeze through and join in.

Devon’s mouth roved over hers, his hand slipping down her back to her waist to hold her closer. ‘Bloody dogs,’ he muttered as Tess almost pushed him over. ‘Although Dexter’s going to be delighted.’

‘Thank goodness they get on,’ teased Ella. ‘It’s an important consideration, you know.’

‘You’re an expert on canine matters now, are you?’

‘I’m getting there.’

‘So four Labrador puppies wouldn’t faze you?’

Devon let out a shout of laughter at her horrified expression.

‘Steady on!’ said Ella. ‘Let’s just take one dog at a time.’

She stooped to pat Tess who promptly collapsed at her feet, her tongue hanging out with what Ella decided was definitely an adoring grin.

‘Where did the ribbon come from?’ asked Ella, spotting Magda’s trademark silver-grey ribbon tied around Tess’s collar.

Devon’s sheepish shrug made her smile. ‘Thought it made a nice touch. Although to be honest Magda gave it to me ages ago, with this.’ He pulled out a crumpled piece of navy blue card. ‘I’ve absolutely no idea why.’

Ella took it from him, smoothing out the creases as she stood in the circle of his arms.

‘Blessed be indeed.’ She sighed as his arms tightened around her, closing the circle to hold her fast. She closed her eyes, her breath suddenly catching as she realised this was where she belonged.

‘Ahem,’ The discreet cough was immediately followed up with, ‘Excuse me, I’m terribly sorry to interrupt.’

Devon and she stiffened.

‘Hello, Vicar,’ said Devon, giving Ella a slightly panicked sidelong glance.

Richard beamed at them, standing there looking very vicarly in his dog collar and long black cassock. ‘Ella. Devon. Isn’t it a gorgeous day? Lovely weather for being outdoors, but I’ve been asked to remind you of your duties.’

‘Duties?’ Ella swallowed hard, feeling her cheeks turning bright red. Vicars probably frowned at public displays of affection and kissing in the middle of the street. ‘Sorry, Vicar.’ She looked at Devon, whose mouth twitched. He was no help at all. ‘Sorry we just . . . erm . . . just got a little carried away.’

Richard peered over his little round glasses at her, looking very surprised, reminding her of Englebert whenever he was about to deliver news to his naughty brothers. ‘No, no, my dear. The shop. Everyone’s waiting for you to open up. You do have the keys, don’t you?’

‘Oh, sh— shoot.’ Ella and Devon turned to their right. Across the green a queue had formed outside the village shop. ‘Yoo-hoo,’ called Audrey. ‘I’d be very grateful if you could put my son down. He’s supposed to be taking me to the station.’

‘He’d better get a move on, then,’ said George, as usual wearing his trademark mustard cardigan, ‘and put her down. It’s almost coffee o’clock and no one makes a cappuccino like our Ella.’

‘Leave them alone,’ Doris, behind George, stuck both her thumbs up. ‘You’re only young once and he’s a handsome devil. If I were ten years younger I’d fight her for him.’

‘Ten years, Doris, steady on,’ giggled Bets from behind her, waving to Devon and Ella. ‘Hey guys, get a room.’

‘I’ll have you know I was a Tiller Girl.’

‘In your own time, love,’ yelled Greta, ‘but I have a pub full of punters and I’ve run out of lemons.’

Ella looked ruefully at Devon. ‘I’m really sorry, would you mind taking Tess for me? Duty calls.’

‘Bloody shop rota,’ muttered Devon, taking her hand. ‘Can’t we tell them we’ve got a veterinary emergency?’

‘Devon Ashcroft! Where’s your sense of community?’ she teased, waving back at the waiting crowd. ‘Just coming!’

Together they crossed the green. Ella held on tight to Tess’s lead with one hand, her other tucked into Devon’s, feeling a warm glow as she approached them all. It was difficult to remember why she’d been so reluctant to accept Magda’s offer of a bolthole in Wilsgrave. Now she couldn’t imagine ever leaving.