Adira couldn’t keep her face straight, suddenly loving the frankness of Cassie. It made such a refreshing change to be with people who were honest and direct, instead of the closed, calculating environment she was used to. Giggling into her drink, she chose her words carefully, knowing every word she spoke would be repeated.
Looking straight at Cassie, she replied, ‘He seems a very nice man.’
‘And?’ she pressed, raising an eyebrow.
‘Let’s just leave it at that, shall we?’ Adira smiled neutrally, making them both chuckle. Something told her it would be fun to spend a little time here, working with Cassie. What was the harm? She wasn’t in any rush. Adira had her certificate in massage therapy in a folder, along with her insurance policies, driving licence and emergency contacts. What a lovely environment to work in, she thought as her gaze shifted round the Inn again. Then suddenly she caught sight of dark, wavy hair above a newspaper. She froze. Surely, it wasn’t?
Down came the paper to reveal those brown eyes piercing into her. Jasper. Had he heard her conversation with Cassie? They stared each other out for a moment before he finished his coffee, stood up and walked towards her.
Adira’s heart started to beat frantically. She swallowed, forcing herself to stay calm.
‘Hi, Adira.’ Again, he was giving nothing away.
‘Hello, Jasper,’ she replied, desperate to sound equally casual. She turned her head sharply to see Cassie at the far end of the bar now, busy serving.
‘So, it looks like you’ll be staying a little longer then?’ He tilted his head slightly, still looking into her eyes.
‘Err… yes, that’s if Fletcher doesn’t mind.’ Shit. He’d heard every word.
‘I’m sure he’ll be delighted.’
What was that supposed to mean?
A spark of anger ignited her. ‘He’ll hopefully appreciate the presence, once you return to Dubai.’ She saw his jaw tighten; there, that struck a nerve.
‘Hi, Jasper!’ called Cassie from the end of the bar. Obviously, she hadn’t been aware of him sitting close by either.
‘Cassie,’ he nodded with a smile. Then, turning to Adira, he evenly said goodbye and strode out of the pub. A few heads turned, watching this tall, handsome man in black jeans and fitted black T-shirt which emphasised his broad shoulders and muscular arms. Adira refused to let herself be one of them.
Chapter 10
Fletcher was staring into the mirror in the hall when Jasper returned to The Laurels.
‘My eye looks fine now, see.’
Jasper closed the front door and peered into his face. Sure enough, the redness had completely gone.
‘How does it feel?’ he asked.
‘Much better, not sore anymore. I’ve a lot to thank that lass for.’
Jasper’s concerns were beginning to grow again. ‘Yes, she’s getting quite a following already in the village,’ he replied drily, making Fletcher chuckle.
‘Lilly wants something for the arthritis, maybe Adira can help.’
Jasper closed his eyes. He imagined some sort of pop-up mobile hospital in their field, with villagers lining up outside the camper van, waiting to be seen by Adira. ‘Fletcher, you must remember, we don’t really know Adira—’
‘I know she’s mended me eye and forehead,’ he butted in, ‘and… I like her.’ Then, turning to look Jasper full in the face, he asked, ‘What’s not to like about her?’
Jasper stalled. Good question. What had she done wrong?
‘She parked illegally on your land,’ he offered, sounding rather lame.
‘By mistake! And besides, I told her not to dash off. What harm is she doing?’
Again, Jasper hesitated. Perhaps he did need to calm down. He recalled how aloof he’d acted in the Inn and regretted it. Cassie seemed to have got on well with her and she was a good judge of character, meeting lots of people in her profession.
Fletcher assessed his nephew, sensing his unease. How like Rufus he was. It saddened him to see the worry etched on his young face. ‘You know, Jasper, I think you need to chill out a little.’
