‘The path is that way.’ He dismissed her with his hand. ‘You people think you can wander up here but this is my space. You tourists have the rest of the island. Be on your way.’
He stormed back inside and shut the door with a slam. Verity was thankful it didn’t fall from its hinges.
She knew she’d overstepped the mark but she hadn’t meant any harm, and there was a way of speaking to people. Turning and walking away she dared to look back over her shoulder. The man was standing in the window watching her. Verity couldn’t help wondering what had happened here. Cliff Top Cottage had featured many times in the stories her grandmother had shared. Henrietta had described it as cosy, with oak beams and a log fire, certainly nothing like the dilapidated cottage of today. In her stories the wild cliff top flowers grew all around, and a garden gate led to a lawned garden with a patio area to the side of the cottage for sitting in during the summer months. Racking her brain, Verity couldn’t remember who her granny had said lived there. Still, those stories were from a long time ago and it was possible the previous occupants had moved on since. Verity knew the upkeep of any property was a massive commitment and cost. The man who’d shooed her away looked as if he might be in his seventies, so perhaps age had prevented him from returning it to its former glory. Or maybe he liked how unwelcoming the property had become. It was obvious from the few seconds she’d spent in his company that he didn’t welcome visitors.
‘But what a view,’ she murmured, welcoming the light breeze as she headed back towards the harbour. This might be her only chance to wake up to this view so she made the decision there and then: she would drive the van down to Blue Water Bay and park for the night. She’d watch the sunset and enjoy every second sleeping under the stars, even if it was only for a few hours before she drove back over the causeway. Taking a breather, she sat down on a rock. She took one look at the puffins, then briefly closed her eyes and tilted her face up to the warmth of the sun.
She suddenly felt as if she were being pushed. Her eyes sprang open and she screamed, then made a strangled noise as she was met with a pair of huge eyes. A wet tongue swiped across her face and two gigantic paws pounded against her chest, causing her to lose her balance.
‘What the…’ she shouted, stumbling backwards. ‘Get off me. Get this dog under control.’
There was a sound of footsteps hurrying along the path. Verity was trying to get up off the ground and to keep the dog licks at bay. The dog managed to give her another lick before his lead was clicked into place.
‘Jimmy, get down.’ Sam attempted to reprimand him but all he could do was laugh. ‘I’m so sorry. I’ve tried to tell him he can’t go kissing every new girl in town, but in our defence, he’s just a friendly guy.’ There was a spark of humour and a glint in Sam’s eye.
Verity’s mouth fell open. She knew she was catching flies but she couldn’t help it. Here he was again, Sam Wilson, making her heart thump twice as fast as he extended his hand to pull her up. She was secretly pleased. ‘He’s your dog?’
‘He is, and, as you can see, he’s a little excitable. But don’t worry, he’s very friendly.’
‘I know he’s friendly, I’ve never received so many kisses in such a short time.’ Verity smiled as she ruffled the fur on top of the dog’s head.
‘I find that hard to believe.’ Sam caught her eye, and the blush upon her cheeks darkened slightly. ‘But we’re sorry, are you okay?’
‘Dented pride and dirty shorts, but I’ll live.’
‘Glad to hear it. We couldn’t have death by kisses on our conscience, could we, Jimmy?’
The giant chocolate curly labradoodle danced around for a moment before sitting down by Sam’s side.
‘He’s the size of a Shetland pony. Who exactly is taking who for a walk?’
Sam laughed. ‘He’s taking me. Let me introduce you properly. Jimmy, this is Verity, Verity, this is Jimmy…Jimmy Chew…because he likes to chew shoes and usually no shoes are safe. He’s seven months old and still growing into his paws.’
Verity stared. ‘Wow! Seven months. Look at the size of him.’
‘He’s like a mini human but has the most lovable nature.’
‘I can’t argue with that.’
‘He doesn’t normally take such an instant liking to just anyone, he’s got good taste. Isn’t that right, Jimmy?’
Verity noticed Sam biting his lip to suppress a smile.
‘Clearly,’ she replied, embracing the playful banter.
‘And what are you doing on this part of the island?’
‘I wanted to see the puffins before I left.’
‘They’re an incredible sight. What did you think of them?’
‘So fluffy and I love their waddle.’
‘They’re certainly special. I’m heading that way, do you want to walk with us?’ Sam pointed down the path.
Verity looked between Sam and Jimmy. ‘Okay, as long as I don’t get swept off my feet again.’
‘I can’t promise that,’ replied Sam. The air crackled between them.
