‘And that’s completely understandable,’ Lydia said, giving her a hug. ‘But you’re clever enough to listen to advice and act on it.’
They sat in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.
‘Gabriel showed me the pictures he’d taken of your paintings,’ Lydia said. ‘They’re exceptionally good, you know.’
Daisy couldn’t help smiling gratefully. ‘Thank you. I wasn’t sure I should have let him take the pictures,’ she said. ‘But he was so insistent and I do know that I have to step out of my comfort zone if I want to eventually have the confidence to exhibit them somewhere.’
‘You were right to let him take the pictures,’ she said. ‘Others should be allowed to appreciate your work. It would be a dreadful waste for them to be kept languishing in your room at the back of the hotel.’
They heard the low roar of Gabriel’s Triumph Stag. Daisy’s heart contracted.
‘He’s back quickly,’ Lydia said, unable to hide her amusement. ‘I suppose he didn’t want to waste any of the time he could spend alone here with you.’
Daisy could feel the heat rising through her cheeks.
Lydia smiled. ‘I shouldn’t tease. I enjoy the fact that two young people who I care so much about seem to be falling in love with each other. It brings out the romantic in me.’
In love? She didn’t doubt for a second that her feelings towards Gabriel were exactly that, but could she dare to believe that he could feel as strongly towards her? She didn’t have time to mull over the idea because seconds later Gabriel called out to them both and joined them back at the table.
Lydia smiled. ‘I think you gave your mother a lot to think about tonight, Gabriel,’ she said.
Gabriel frowned. ‘Do you think I should check if she’s OK?’ he asked.
He looked at Daisy while his grandmother mulled over this suggestion.
‘No, darling,’ Lydia said. ‘I thinkIshould call your mother. I need to have a quick word with her anyway. Why don’t you to enjoy the rest of this beautiful evening and I’ll catch up with you both in the morning?’ Without waiting for them to reply, she stood up, blew them both a kiss and headed back inside.
Neither of them spoke until Lydia had disappeared, then Gabriel smiled at Daisy and said, ‘Did you get the impression she was trying to be subtle just then?’
Daisy giggled. ‘Just a little.’ She wasn’t sure what to say next. The thought of an entire evening ahead alone with Gabriel caused her stomach to flip over. Stay calm, she told herself.
He looked a little uncertain. ‘What would you rather do?’ he asked, leaning towards her slightly over the table, his eyes narrowed. ‘We could go for a walk again. The tide is fairly high, but it should be quiet at this time ofnight.’
‘Sounds lovely,’ she said, picturing their stroll.
‘Or I could show you round the tower?’
She could see he was trying to keep from smiling, but didn’t quite manage to achieve a serious expression.
She pretended to consider her options. ‘The beach,’ she said eventually, standing up. ‘It’s a glorious evening and we should make the most of this hot weather.’
She noticed his expression slip very slightly for a split-second, only for him to smile and stand to take her hand. ‘Great idea,’ he said.
Daisy enjoyed him being disappointed in her choice, but didn’t want to appear too keen. They might have spent glorious nights together when they were in Asia, but they were on his home turf now and she didn’t want his grandmother to discover that she’d gone with him to the tower as soon as she’d turned her back.
She breathed in the warm salty air, enjoying the scent of tea roses and jasmine that she’d become to associate with this beautiful place. ‘I love it here so much,’ she said, not meaning to voice her thoughts aloud.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and looked down at her, smiling. ‘I’m so pleased you’re happy here,’ he said. ‘I want you to stay here, with me.’
He led her down the steps onto the beach where the sand was warm and the lowering sun coloured the sky in the brightest oranges and golds Daisy thought she’d ever seen.
‘With you? I…’
He looked out across the gently rolling waves. ‘I probably shouldn’t have said anything.’
She was glad he had.
They came to the end of the small beach and turned a slight corner past a large rock. Daisy spotted an opening and without giving herself time to think, pulled him with her into the dark recess. He opened his mouth to speak,but she reached up and pulled his head down so his lips met hers in a kiss.
