When Connie dropped me back outside the cottage it was just before eight o’clock. There was a couple chatting at the bus stop and early morning dog walkers were pounding the pavements. Even at such an early hour, the sun had already burst into the clear blue sky, promising a glorious day ahead.
I waved to Connie as the car pulled away from the kerb and I turned towards the cottage. All I wanted to do was climb into my bed. I was exhausted. The curtains to the cottage were still drawn; no doubt Grace was still fast asleep. I exhaled and pushed open the garden gate. Feeling a hand in the small of my back, I jumped out of my skin and spun round.
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.’
Sam was standing behind me, clutching a pint of milk. ‘I didn’t go shopping in my pyjamas,’ he said, trying to make a light-hearted joke.
‘That’s good to hear,’ I answered wearily.
‘Are you okay? You look terrible … Sorry, I didn’t mean …’
‘It’s been a hell of night,’ I replied, completely exhausted and on the verge of tears, knowing how bedraggled I must look, staring down at my baggy olive jumper that didn’t look flattering in the least.
‘I thought we’d had a great night?’ His concerned eyes stared deeply into mine.
‘We did … of course we did. It’s not that. I’ve just got back from the hospital.’ I tried for a smile, but my insides knotted with emotion and I did my best to hold on to my tears.
‘Hey,’ he touched my arm tentatively, ‘what’s up?’ His tone was soft and sympathetic as he studied me closely. ‘You okay?’
I shook my head, ‘Not really, my grandfather’s had a mini-stroke.’
‘Do you want to come inside? I’ll make coffee?’ he held up the pint of milk.
‘That would be great,’ I said, giving him a warm, tired smile even though I was completely shattered and was looking forward to snuggling back under the duvet that I’d left hours ago. Another hour wouldn’t matter if it meant spending time with Sam.
He held open the garden gate and we walked down the path together.
I’d never been inside Sam’s cottage before, and when we stepped inside I noticed that it had the same layout as Grace’s. Stripped wooden beams ran the length of the hallway and it felt extremely quaint and cosy. There were coat-hooks on the wall to the right of the wooden staircase and there was a small oak table to the left with a lamp.
‘Come on, let’s get the kettle on.’
I followed Sam into the kitchen. There was no clutter, no dirty dishes, even the tea towel was neatly folded over the oven door.
‘Tea or coffee?’ he asked, reaching towards the top cupboard for the mugs.
‘Tea, please and one sugar,’ I quickly added.
‘Make yourself comfy in the living room,’ he gestured towards the door. ‘Put your feet up.’
The characteristics of the living room were completely cottagey. Again, the wooden beams ran across the length of the ceiling, a chair was positioned beside the log burner and a chesterfield and a coffee table were directly in front of the fire. There was a bookcase at the far end of the room stuffed to the rafters, books on every topic you could ever imagine. And there was an antique dresser that was packed full of framed photos and a docking station. I settled on the settee and heard the kettle click before Sam appeared, placing a tray of tea and biscuits down on the coffee table.
‘Chocolate digestives, I’m impressed.’
‘Emergency supply, and I kind of thought they may cheer you up,’ he smiled, holding the plate towards me while passing me a mug of tea before settling in the space next to me.
‘Is your grandfather going to make a full recovery?’ he asked tentatively.
‘Let’s hope so.’
He nodded but I could tell something was on his mind. ‘What is it?’
He blew out a breath, ‘Don’t think I’ve changed my mind, but maybe my involvement in Village Day isn’t good timing, especially with your grandfather’s health … I’m only thinking of you.’ He lightly bumped his shoulder against me and placed his hand over mine. ‘I don’t want to make anything more complicated for you, especially now.’
‘You aren’t making anything complicated for me, far from it.’
‘Your grandfather is ill, your mum is 3,000 miles away and you’ve got a lot on your mind.’
Of course, I could see Sam’s point, but I realised I needed his support now more than ever. ‘Don’t you go adding to my problems,’ I half-heartedly joked, hoping Sam wouldn’t back out on me.
He gave a soft laugh. ‘Okay … but if you change your mind …’
‘I won’t.’
He gave me a lopsided grin that sent my heart into a spin. ‘You are a force to be reckoned with, Alice Parker, and you intrigue me with that funny little accent of yours,’ his eyes danced playfully. ‘And I can’t pretend you aren’t on my mind. In fact, you were the first thing I thought about this morning when I woke up.’ He entwined his fingers around mine.
‘That’s good to hear. You’re on my mind too,’ I murmured bashfully.
Sat there with Sam, it felt natural. I knew I had a lot going on in my life, but I felt relaxed in his company.
‘Now you’d best get back and get some sleep.’
‘Are you trying to get rid of me?’
‘Far from it.’ He gave me a sheepish grin, his eyes firmly locked with mine. He watched my lips, I couldn’t breathe.
He moved closer towards me, our lips millimetres apart. Looking up from under my fringe, I felt dizzy with anticipation. Just like last night, I willed him to kiss me. He lowered his lips towards mine, neither of us faltered. Sending a shower of sparks through my body, I didn’t want the kiss to end.
A few seconds later, Sam pulled me in close, resting my head against his chest. I stifled a yawn, feeling content, happy and tired all of a sudden.
‘Your eyes are drooping,’ he murmured. ‘Feel free to fall asleep on me.’ His tone was soft and inviting.
Feeling a bubble of happiness rise as I snuggled into him, I heard the thump of his heart. And there it was again, that tingle, and a flurry of goosebumps every time I was in Sam’s company.
And I couldn’t think of any place I’d rather be at that very moment in time.