Slowly, Guy moved from behind her and extracted a tripod from the second bag. ‘If your hand begins to shake, put the camera on the tripod.’ He slid a chair across the wooden floor nearer to the window and Libby did the same.
‘I’m hoping to catch the herd of deer that live in this area. I think it will add some nice texture to the wedding film I’m here to create.’
Libby couldn’t help but notice the lack of enthusiasm in his voice at the mention of the wedding and decided to probe a little. ‘I’m sensing you aren’t a fan of weddings.’
He looked towards her. ‘It’s not my favourite topic of conversation at the minute so let’s not spoil the afternoon.’
Libby knew there was more to his story but didn’t want to press him further. She dared a sideward glance towards him and recognised that haunted look on his face. It was one she’d seen many times in her own reflection—one of hurt and pain.
However, Libby had a piece of news that she hoped would put the smile right back on his face.
‘What if this job turned out to be more enjoyable than you thought?’ She bit her lip to suppress her smile.
‘How could that possibly happen?’
Libby held his gaze, wanting to observe the exact second he processed the next bit of information, and held out her hand.
Guy looked at her in amusement.
‘Let me introduce myself properly. Libby Carter, pleased to meet you.’
Guy narrowed his eyes as he reached out to grasp her proffered hand. ‘Carter? Are you related to Flynn Carter?’
‘Yep, I’m his sister and temporary wedding planner,’ she confided, shaking his hand.
Guy’s eyes widened, a look of amazement on his face as his smile broadened. ‘You’re joking.’
‘Absolutely no joke.’
Guy exhaled then raked his hand through his hair. ‘You mean we’re going to spend the next five weeks together?’
‘We are.’
Guy was still smiling but also shaking his head in disbelief. ‘You may be right. It may just be a little more enjoyable than I thought.’
‘Only a little?’ she teased, pleased by his reaction.
‘Maybe a lot,’ he replied, his eyes glowing with an inner light that instantly made Libby sure that the next few weeks were going to be a whole load of fun.
‘That’s good to hear. Now, it’s a little on the chilly side in here, isn’t it?’ Libby shivered.
‘Warm drink?’ asked Guy.
Libby looked around and couldn’t see any electrical outlets or kitchenette. ‘How are you going to magic up a warm drink?’
From the side pocket of his bag he pulled a flask with two plastic cups. ‘And I’ve got two slices of chocolate flapjack from Bonnie’s Teashop.’
‘Now you’re talking!’ Libby was impressed. ‘Nutella crêpes and now chocolate flapjacks—I’ll need to watch my waistline.’
‘I don’t think you have anything to worry about,’ he replied, causing Libby to blush a little as she remembered the bikini and bobble hat.
After Guy poured two cups of tea and handed Libby a slice of flapjack they stared out of the window, just taking in the view. A robin redbreast jumped onto a branch right in front of them and Guy videoed it from his phone as it hopped up and down before taking flight.
‘So, tell me about Libby,’ said Guy, taking a sip of his drink. ‘You said you’re the “temporary” wedding planner?’
‘Flynn’s wedding planner resigned at short notice and I couldn’t leave him in the lurch. My usual job—when I’m not rescuing my family from staff shortages—is fashion designer.’
‘That sounds very impressive.’
