‘And what is Bea’s ambition in life?’
Thinking about Nolan’s question, Bea’s heart sank. She had no idea. Life had become comfortingly familiar, surrounded by what she knew, but now a tiny niggle was beginning to fester inside her. Why had she settled for the life she had? The whole world was full of opportunities and she was beginning to recognise that everything in her life since becoming Carl’s partner had revolved around what he wanted and he thought she should do. His ways, combined with her parents’ traditional views, had stifled her own aspirations. Carl George had indeed done her a favour by cheating on her again. It was the kick up the backside she needed. It was about time she made her own way in the world.
‘I actually don’t know what to say,’ she admitted. ‘I’ve no clue what my ambitions are. I always thought I’d be married in the next couple of years and have children and that’s exactly what my parents wanted for me too.’
‘That’s a good ambition to have – but make time for you. You can always be a wife and a mother but do something for you, that makes you happy.’
Bea listened to Nolan’s words carefully. He had a point.
‘Like what?’
‘You have to follow your heart,’ encouraged Nolan. ‘That’s half the fun of being free to do what you want.’
Bea laughed.
‘You have a beautiful laugh, and there should be more of that in the world.’ Nolan’s smile was warm, his eyes fixed on her.
‘Thank you.’ Sitting next to him, Bea felt strangely relaxed. Maybe this was her time to shine, to find a purpose in life.
‘I’ve always been a realist,’ she admitted. ‘I work to pay my bills and if I can afford a night out that’s a bonus, but for these next two weeks I’m going to have a think about what I want to do with my life. Maybe Mystic Martha will give me some insight in the morning.’
‘Who is Mystic Martha?’ Nolan raised an eyebrow.
‘Mystic Martha is known for the best psychic readings in the Scottish Highlands. She’s based up at Foxglove Farm and it’s only a fiver for a reading.’
Nolan laughed. ‘For a fiver she is going to tell you all about your future?’
‘Hey, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.’
Nolan held his hands up. ‘If you want to waste your money, who am I to argue.’
‘Why don’t you come with me?’
‘I’ll leave that one to you and look forward to hearing all about it tomorrow afternoon.’
‘I may have the whole of my future mapped out by the time I see you next.’ Bea swigged the last of her beer and stood up. ‘I best get this kayak back but I’m already looking forward to tomorrow.’
‘I’m looking forward to it too. I’ll have my best joke book ready.’
‘Really?’
‘Absolutely not. I’m just naturally funny.’
Bea shook her head in jest, thanked Nolan for the beer, squeezed her feet back into her trainers and reached for her life jacket and helmet.
‘Here, let me help you on with it,’ offered Nolan, holding out the life jacket so Bea could slip her arms into it. She turned to face him, her heart pounding. Nolan leaned in extra close and with a short tug zipped up the life vest, then grabbed the buckles and pulled the first one tight. Bea inhaled. She noticed a small scar just above his right eyebrow and that, when he was concentrating, he bit his lip lightly, which she found incredibly sexy. He was standing so close that she tried to avert her gaze but was unsuccessful. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. The scent of his aftershave wasn’t helping in the slightest, either, but was again stirring up feelings inside her. ‘There you go. All done. And you best let me know where you’re staying so I can drop your painting off.’
‘I think you’ll have no problem in finding me.’ She gave him a mischievous smile. ‘What time shall I meet you tomorrow?’
‘Say 1pm? End of the jetty?’
‘It’s a date!’ she replied. Nolan cocked an eyebrow. ‘I didn’t mean adatedate. I just meant a date,’ she quickly added, noting her enthusiasm was a little over the top.
‘I know exactly what you meant.’ He grinned. ‘Bring a swimsuit and a towel. I’ll take care of the rest. Tomorrow the weather forecast is glorious – though with a chance of a summer shower in the early evening – so hopefully the water will be calm.’
Bea climbed carefully back down the ladder and gratefully manoeuvred herself back into the kayak without rocking the boat. She unhooked the rope and Nolan passed her the paddle.
As she began to manoeuvre her way back towards the riverbank, Bea knew she had a huge smile on her face. Grabbing two weeks away from everything she knew was going to do her the world of good. Carl was already becoming a distant memory. She felt excitement zipping through her veins. The water might be calm, but right now there was nothing calm about the way her heart was beating.
