She waded in further until she could lean forward and allow the waves to take her. No matter how many times she fell into the sea’s embrace, it was always like being welcomed home. Turning in a circle, she watched as Jake did the same, spluttering at the temperature as he splashed over to her.
‘Keep breathing,’ she told him as they swam closer together, ‘you’re doing great. Are you all right?’
‘It’s bracing!’ Jake sucked in a breath and allowed himself to settle as one with the water. ‘It might not end up being my new hobby, but I can see why you do it.’
They swam a few more strokes, Effie getting into her stride, but she was aware of Jake spluttering valiantly along beside her.
‘I’m really sorry, Eff, but I think I’m done,’ he admitted.
Effie paused, treading water. ‘That’s fine, Jake, you’ve done brilliantly for a first-timer. I’ll join you in a bit, use my dry robe.’
‘Will do.’ Jake gave a quick nod before turning for the shore.
Effie watched him until he was safely in the shallows where he emerged like a stunning merman from the waves. With a sigh, she turned back and swam a little further out. With every stroke she tried to erase her attraction to Jake. Falling for a man who had confessed he wasn’t sure if he was sticking around and that him and his ex were on a break wasn’t dangerous, it was downright foolish. Out in the water, the physical distance between them helped to settle her heart and mind. Finishing her swim, Effie resurfaced and joined Jake on the beach, picking up his towel to dry herself off.
‘Eff, I feel alive,’ he said in wonder, holding his arms out and wiggling his fingers, ‘everything is buzzing.’
‘I’m so proud of you for giving it a go.’ She smiled as Jake got up from the sand and tried to offer her the robe back. ‘No, I think you need it more than me. Are you ready for the next bit?’
‘The hot chocolate?’
Effie nodded.
Jake leaned forward and whispered in her ear, sending a delicious shiver down her spine, ‘Confession, that’s the only reason I came.’
Once they’d dried off, they made their way across to Lola’s café. Freya, who was manning the counter, raised her eyebrows as they entered.
‘You’re both far braver than me,’ she said. ‘What can I get you?’
‘Hot chocolate please.’ Effie beamed and glanced at Jake.
‘Well, same for me, I’m here for the full experience.’ He grinned. ‘You’ve got to try it, Freya, it’s life affirming.’
‘I’ll take your word for it,’ Freya said as she turned to make the drinks. ‘Glad to catch you, Jake,’ she said over her shoulder, ‘I’ve got a proposition for you. No, not like that.’ She laughed as she set the hot chocolates down. ‘More of the artistic kind. Whipped cream?’ She held the can up.
Effie shook her head.
‘Ah, go on,’ Jake said, ‘why not? What’s this proposition?’
Freya passed Effie her marshmallow-laden hot chocolate before squirting a generous mound of cream onto Jake’s. ‘I’ve finally got permission to use the outbuilding behind the café as a gallery on a temporary basis over the summer. I have no idea how long it’ll run for, or if it’ll be a success, but I wanted somewhere to display my own paintings, keep all the money for myself. Even Angelo is working on a piece for display. I’m looking for local artists to show their work.’
‘That sounds amazing!’ Effie enthused as she scooped a slightly melted marshmallow off her drink.
‘It does,’ said Jake, ‘well done. Do you want to use my decorating skills?’
Freya laughed. ‘No, I can wield a paintbrush just fine, but I was wondering if you wanted to display some of your photos? Might help you get your business off the ground. What do you think?’
Jake turned to Effie, then back to Freya. ‘Erm, well, that’s quite something. I’d say I’d love to, but can I have a think about it?’
‘Yeah, of course, no pressure,’ Freya insisted. ‘I’ve got a couple of weeks before I open. So, let me know in a few days? Then I can get the programme together.’
Jake nodded. ‘Definitely, see you soon, Freya,’ he said as he followed Effie towards the door. Once they were outside, Jake exhaled. ‘What do you think I should do?’ he asked as they perched on the harbour wall.
‘Jake! It’s a fantastic opportunity, of course you should say yes!’
Jake scooped off the whipped cream and spooned it into his mouth whilst staring thoughtfully at the horizon.
‘You are going to say yes, aren’t you?’
