Chapter 2

Lizzie looked exhausted when she came to say goodnight. “It’s lovely that you and Sam got on so well,” she remarked. “I was worried you’d spend all day moping over Jack.”

“He’s nice.” Josie’s attempt at flippancy would have been more effective if she hadn’t been grinning. She couldn’t help it, though. It had been an unexpectedly wonderful day. And she definitely had Sam to thank for that.

“Every time I looked over you were dancing with him,” Lizzie said. “I’m glad you had a good time.”

“It was a lovely day,” Josie said. That’s what you’re supposed to say about weddings, but it was true. “Annette is a lot of fun too.”

“Poor Annette.” Lizzie glanced around the room. “She’s having such a hard time. Where is she?”

“She went up to bed a while ago.”

“Lucky her. I’m worn out but I think it’ll take me another hour to say goodbye to everyone.”

“Get on with it then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Josie kissed her sister goodnight, then stepped outside for some fresh air. It was a beautiful evening, and she gazed up at the starlit sky with the full moon shining brightly. The whole day had gone by without her dwelling on her breakup with Jack, but suddenly she felt gloomy. She was twenty-eight years old and had just split up with her boyfriend again. They’d split up four times in the past eighteen months, but they always ended up back together. She had no idea if it was over for good this time or not.

The other problem was that she was unemployed again. Her last job had only been a temporary position to cover maternity leave. It was a PA job in a small advertising company and she’d enjoyed it. They’d been happy with her too and would’ve kept her on if they could. It had been convenient since she’d never had any trouble getting time off for auditions. Acting had been her dream for a long time, although she was finally coming round to the fact that it probably wasn’t going to work out.

She wasn’t too worried about the job situation; she always managed to find something else. It just seemed like she had a lot of decisions to make. If her and Jack really were over, where was she going to live? She’d been living at his place in Oxford. She’d have to go and see him and either sort things out or pack up her things. Moving back with her parents would be fairly depressing.

“You okay?” Sam asked, appearing beside her.

“Yeah. Just miles away.” She looked down at his bare feet. His tie had disappeared too and he looked far more casual. “I see you took my advice about the shoes.” 

“You made me dance too much. I’m in agony.”

“I didn’t make you do anything.” She automatically followed as he walked away, through the gardens. “Where are you going?”

“Down to the beach. I’m going to soak my feet! Do you want to come?”

She nodded and they continued through the gardens together and out onto the coastal path beyond. Sam winced and hopped along the stony path. The short way to the sandy cove was lit by white lights on short wooden posts. Josie inhaled the wonderfully salty air as Sam headed straight for the shoreline, rolling up his trouser legs and groaning when the water washed around his feet. “That’s amazing.” He looked content as he wandered through the gentle waves. “You okay? You’ve gone quiet on me.”

“I’m fine.” She dug the toe of her shoe absently into the sand. “Just tired. Weddings are emotionally draining.”

“All that romance in the air! It’s exhausting.”

She forced a smile but felt sad again. “In the last two weeks I’ve split up with my boyfriend and lost my job.” And also lost the filter between her thoughts and her mouth apparently. Why had she said that?

“Sorry.” An odd look flashed across his face but she struggled to read him.

“You already knew that, didn’t you?”

He made a decent attempt at looking confused.

“Oh no.” Josie’s shoulders drooped as she sighed. “Someone told you to keep an eye on me? Who was it? Lizzie? Or Max? He’s weirdly protective of me. Like he feels the need to do the whole big brother thing. I keep telling him a brother-in-law is different to an actual brother but he doesn’t listen.”

Sam smiled kindly. “They were both concerned.”

“That’s embarrassing. I’m so sorry. You didn’t have to be nice to me just because they told you I’m a charity case.”

“Between keeping an eye on you and looking after Annette I’ve had a terrible day.” His eyes sparkled mischievously. “Really awful.”

She couldn’t help but smile, even through her embarrassment. “Did you just dance with me because you felt sorry for me? I feel like an idiot now.”

“You don’t need to feel like an idiot.” He looked suddenly bashful. “I definitely wasn’t dancing with you out of charity.”

“Really? You promise?”

He looked right at her. “I spent all evening giving angry looks to anyone who seemed like they might try and cut in.” He paused. “And being incredibly grateful that you split up with your boyfriend last week. I mean, I’m sympathetic and everything. But selfishly very glad. Although my feet might not agree.”

Her head tilted to one side. “You’re very sweet.”

“Don’t say that.” He frowned and walked out of the water. “Women don’t like sweet guys. It’s an anti-compliment!”

“It’s not,” she insisted. “It’s definitely a compliment.”

“I’m not sure I believe you.”

When he approached, she took his hand and pulled him closer, automatically reaching her arms around his neck. His hands settled on her hips and the heat seeped through the thin fabric of her dress. After spending most of the evening dancing in that position it felt almost instinctive. Except now they were alone on a beach with no music and she was dying to kiss him.

It was the emotions of the wedding taking hold of her. She’d only split up with Jack a couple of days ago. Now she was about to kiss a stranger on the beach. Her fingers trailed over the smooth skin of his neck and she pulled him to her, closing her eyes as their lips met. The gentle kisses felt so natural, but she was surprised by the butterflies that fluttered in her stomach before taking flight over her whole body. She felt as light as air, and it took a moment for her to realise he’d lifted her off the ground.

“I don’t think I was supposed to kiss you,” he said, when he set her back down. His words tickled her cheek.

“What were your instructions?”

“I was supposed to make sure you didn’t sit in a corner looking miserable all day.”

“In that case,” she whispered, “I’d say it was a job well done.”