‘Did you sleep with him?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ came Verity’s instant reply. Even though she’d wondered many times last night what it would be like to spend the night with Sam. When the movie finished, they’d packed up all the stuff from the cove and ventured back inside. Then Sam did the gentlemanly thing and showed her to her room, closing the door behind her and leaving her feeling a twinge of disappointment that there wasn’t even a goodnight kiss on offer, especially after they’d been flirting with each other all night.
‘That’s a little disappointing.’
‘Ava! I’ve only just come out of a relationship.’
‘He never bowled you off your feet like this Sam character though. If we’re being honest, he bored you most of the time. I can remember you asking me, Is this it? Is this what getting into a serious relationship is like? It’s just cleaning and tidying up after someone and watching what he wants on TV? You’d checked out a long time ago, you just didn’t want to admit it.’
The more Verity thought about that, the more she knew Ava was speaking the truth. Richard had never excited her. In fact, it was just like Ava had said; she was often bored and, to be honest with herself, felt lonelier in that relationship than when she was single. Even though she barely knew Sam, he created an excitement in the pit of her stomach she’d never felt with Richard.
‘You’re right. Last night he organised a cinema in his private cove, with champagne, candles and the sound of the sea lapping at the shore.’
‘It sounds like something that only happens in the movies. Did he at least kiss you?’
‘No!’
‘What’s wrong with him? There has to be something wrong with him!’
‘We just had fun. He’s not looking for a relationship.’
‘That’s what’s wrong with him. There’s some underlying issue there. Commitment issues. What’s happened in his past for him not to want a relationship? Broken heart?’
‘You’re allowed to be happy on your own, you know.’
‘Mmm, I’m not sure who you’re trying to convince here. Sounds to me that you already like this guy, and if he’s telling you he’s happy single, you’ll end up with your heart broken – especially given that you’ll have to leave the island eventually.’
Verity’s head was telling her exactly the same thing but last night her heart had not stopped leaping.
‘What if I don’t leave the island? I’m just throwing it out there.’
‘You’ve only been there a couple of days. Everyone loves a holiday, but after a couple of weeks they always want to get back to the comfort of their own home.’
Verity wasn’t sure about that. ‘That might be so if your ex hasn’t moved into the street with the woman he’d been having an affair with.’
‘Fair point. But what I’m saying is that right now it’s a novelty…’
‘I’ve already made friends. Clemmie owns the tearoom and Amelia works in the bookshop and the pub.’
‘It sounds like you’re having a good time.’
‘I am, so I’m going to keep enjoying myself. Oh! Guess what I’m going to be doing? I’m counting puffins!’
‘You’re doing what?’
‘Today, I’m a Puffin Ranger. I’ve got myself a volunteer job helping with the puffin census.’
‘You’re living the dream, Verity Callaway!’
Verity laughed as she said goodbye and hung up. Usually, it was Ava who was the impulsive one, but this time it was Verity who felt free and ready to embrace the unexpected by throwing herself into island life.
Hearing a soft knock on her bedroom door, she jumped out of bed and pulled on Sam’s sweatshirt.
Standing on the other side of the door was Sam, holding out a cup of tea. ‘Coffee for the ranger. I’ve made breakfast, if you want to join me?’
‘Coffee and breakfast! This bed and breakfast will be getting a five-star review on TripAdvisor from me,’ she joked, padding down the stairs after him.
Stepping into the kitchen, Verity was immediately welcomed by Jimmy who circled around her, his tail wagging. ‘Good morning, Jimmy!’ She patted the top of his head and sat down at the table, which was draped with a pristine white tablecloth, and set for two places. Sam put toast in a rack in the middle of the table, followed by two plates of a full English breakfast.
