‘My father. There was always a camera lying around when I was a kid. It was a hobby for him but I think he would have liked to make a career out of it.’
‘Aww I suspect you were a cute kid … and how things change,’ she joked. ‘And I bet he’s proudly followed every step of your career.’
Guy suddenly went quiet and Libby got a tiny glimpse into his personal life. ‘Things are actually a little difficult between us,’ he said abruptly. ‘Be careful on this stretch, it’s very icy.’
Just at that second, Libby wobbled and Guy slipped his hand firmly into hers. He didn’t say any more about his father, leaving her wondering what was so difficult between them. They walked over the icy stretch then Guy let go of her hand. ‘Here we are. Flynn told me about this place.’
In front of them stood a one-storey observatory nestled into the branches of a giant tree. It was surrounded by other tall trees, their branches bowing under the weight of the snow. Libby was glad to see a purpose-built staircase instead of a rope ladder and carefully followed Guy up the steps. He brushed the settled snow off the railing as he went, ensuring she had a firm handhold, a gesture that warmed her further.
‘Are you sure this is safe?’ she asked, holding on to the rail, her boots feeling unsteady on the ice.
‘Of course, it’s purpose-built so if the trees sway, this place sways too.’ Guy must have noticed the look of horror on Libby’s face. ‘Don’t worry, you’re in safe hands.’
‘And there are no spiders up there?’ The only fear Libby had in life was spiders and this place looked like it could house hundreds of them.
‘If there are, I don’t mind being chief spider catcher for the afternoon. I’m not very fond of them myself but I’ve seen some pretty damn big ones in some of the countries I’ve visited and the UK ones don’t tend to scare me anymore.’
Libby shuddered at the very thought.
When they reached the top of the steps Guy unlocked the padlock with a combination code that Flynn had supplied. Libby stepped inside and looked all around. ‘It’s like a proper den.’ It was simple yet cosy. Positioned in front of a huge window were a couple of red tartan chairs, separated by a small table, with blankets resting on their arms, and a telescope and a pair of binoculars nearby. On the floor were a number of large fake fur rugs.
Libby stood at the window and gasped. The last time she’d seen anything as magnificent as this view was after her recent interview in New York. She’d ridden to the 102nd floor of the One World Observatory, a three-storey destination on top of the western hemisphere’s tallest building, and enjoyed the sweeping views across the city. Even though the two places were worlds apart this view was equally breathtaking. ‘We live in an amazing country. What a view.’
‘It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?’ Guy looked at her as he draped a blanket around her shoulders.
The view was indeed spectacular. The mountainous terrain had been showered with snow, and on the hill in the distance Heartcross Castle towered above trees and fields that went on for what seemed like miles. Guy opened one of his bags and took out an old fashioned camera. Libby was surprised to see it was old-school. She was expecting top-of-the-range equipment.
‘You use old-fashioned film,’ she observed, watching him flick open the back of the camera.
‘I do, and I also have the latest technology.’ He waggled his phone. ‘But sometimes it’s the more primitive technology that captures the best footage in its entirety. Simple yet breathtaking.’ Once again, he was looking at Libby in an intense way that created a flutter of giddiness in the pit of her stomach.
‘I have the equipment to transfer the stills to my phone and laptop and create a slideshow. That camera I’ve had since I was a teenager.’
‘I’m impressed. You’ve been into photography and film-making for a long time then?’
‘I’ve always been obsessed,’ he replied. ‘I wasn’t your typical teenager. I spent my weekends walking hills and mountains, watching and waiting for a perfect shot of wildlife. I loved the branches of the trees, the flow of the streams tumbling over the rocks—all of nature. There is nothing more rewarding than developing the film and discovering that you’ve captured the perfect photo. I never dreamed it would turn into a proper job. I’ve been so lucky. Some of the places I’ve travelled to have been out of this world.’
‘Is Heartcross on that list?’ she asked.
‘Without a doubt.’ He gave a wolfish grin, pointed the camera at her and clicked. ‘You have a perfect smile.’
‘Why, thank you.’
‘Here, let me show you how to use it.’
Guy stood behind her at the window, his arms resting on her shoulders as he held the camera out in front of her. She breathed in, savouring his delicious aroma, and noticed her heart had begun pounding a little faster.
‘First thing is to take the cap off, otherwise there will be no photos.’
Libby stayed focused on what was in front of her; she didn’t dare look behind her, knowing that Guy’s face was centimetres from hers.
‘Here, like this. Focus through this window, then pull this lever back.’
Click.
‘Now you have a go.’
With his hands hovering over hers for a brief moment Libby took the camera from him. Feeling an instant pull towards him, she summoned up enough courage to meet his gaze. He stared at her for a moment and then his eyes dropped towards her lips for a split second before he looked away. Her heartbeat quickened, her mouth dry. There it was again, that electrical feeling fizzing away in her body. Focusing forward, she smiled, knowing the attraction between them was mutual, but then frowned. These feelings were unexpected and ones that she hadn’t experienced for a very long time, and the last thing she needed right now was any complications before leaving for New York. She would need to keep her emotions in check.
