‘Very,’ he said. ‘We all grew up together here on the island so they feel like my annoying little sisters. But Amelia pulls a good pint and Clemmie takes after her grandmother and is a fantastic baker.’ Sam pointed to a couple paddling in the shallow waters at the far end of the bay. They held hands, pulling each other along and laughing before they shared a kiss under the moonlight. ‘The best time of the day to swim at the bay is after the sun goes down.’
‘Very romantic, but probably unsafe and I bet that water is freezing.’ Verity gave a tiny shiver at the very thought.
‘Bracing is what it is. Have you ever swum in the sea under the moonlight?’
‘Isn’t that something that just happens in books or the movies?’
‘There’s nothing more invigorating than swimming late at night. You should try it.’ He gestured towards the water.
‘Are you suggesting I should try it now?’ Verity sounded alarmed. ‘I can’t get in the sea at this time of night, I’ll freeze to death. I’d never make it to Amsterdam.’
Sam laughed. ‘Midnight swimming is one to tick off the bucket list.’
‘Thankfully I haven’t got a list in my bucket, only sea glass, and even if I did, I’m not sure swimming in the sea at this time of night would make the cut.’
‘Don’t knock it until you try it.’ There was a mischievous glint in his eye.
‘Are you serious? Are you actually suggesting we get into the water for a swim?’
‘Embrace it. Do something spontaneous. Take a risk. Create memories on your last night on Puffin Island.’
‘My only night on Puffin Island.’
‘One night on Puffin Island, I rest my case.’
‘You’re incorrigible.’
Verity had to admit, he’d got her thinking. Never in a million years would she do anything spontaneous. Everything in her life had always been planned, even down to the Friday night food shop. Routine was her guiding light, and she realised now it had led her into a rut. Richard had never suggested embracing life the way Sam was now.
‘All I can think about is how cold the water will be. I’m shivering just thinking about it.’
‘Mind over matter. Cold water improves your mood.’
‘And does your mood need improving?’ She stared at him. ‘I’m not sure mine does.’
‘There’s always room for improvement.’ He tipped her a wink and Verity gave him a playful swipe.
‘And what if someone sees us?’
Sam stood up, his eyes glistening as they locked on hers. He took Verity’s empty cup and tossed it in a nearby bin, then stretched out his hand.
‘You worry too much.’
Verity hesitated for a second. A bright shining star in the sky once again caught her eye. Something was telling her that she’d stumbled upon this island, and adventure, at a time when she needed it most in her life. There was room for lots of new memories. After all, the ones from the last few years hadn’t been that memorable. No more sensible Verity – it was time to embrace life and take chances.
Throwing caution to the wind, Verity took his hand. Excitement fizzed inside her as they walked with wide smiles across the sand and along the short jetty towards The Sea Glass Restaurant. Her heart was racing at a pace she hadn’t experienced in a long while.
‘Do you normally invite strangers for late-night swims?’ Verity was intrigued. The girls in the pub had suggested that Sam kept himself to himself, romantically, and to her this was extremely romantic, something you’d do in the first flush of love.
‘No,’ came his reply.
Walking away from the lights of the bay she dared a sideward glance at him, only to find he was looking back at her with the most kissable smile she’d ever laid eyes on. Her hormones were on fire, that smile had such intensity.
‘I swim off here most evenings in the summer. Don’t worry, no one can see us from the shore.’
‘It’s pitch-black. I can’t see a thing?—’
‘Except for the moonlight,’ he interrupted. ‘And the stars.’
