Jasper didn’t wait for her to reply. ‘I worry about him, Adira.’
She looked up into his troubled, beautiful brown eyes.
‘Oh Jasper…’ was all she could say.
‘I’m dreading going back to Dubai… I don’t want to leave him.’
‘Then don’t.’
He gave a sharp laugh. ‘It’s not that easy. I’ve signed a two-year contract.’
‘Is there no flexibility?’ she asked.
He half-smiled. ‘We can’t all be like you, just take off in Sheila.’ He was attempting humour, to lighten the mood, which she understood.
‘Fletcher seems a tough, old soul,’ she replied encouragingly. ‘He’s managed so far.’
Jasper shook his head. ‘No, Adira, he needs someone here. He’s eighty-five, riddled with pain and stubborn as a mule. This place is too much for him now, he’s as good as told me.’ Another short silence followed.
‘I take it you’ll be inheriting The Laurels, as Fletcher’s next of kin?’
His eyes narrowed. ‘Yes. Why do you ask?’
‘Well, putting it bluntly, if Fletcher died tomorrow, what would you do about your career in Dubai?’ Asking difficult questions was part and parcel of her job as a barrister, it didn’t faze her.
Jasper considered it.
‘I suppose I’d have to try to negotiate some form of resignation, due to personal circumstances.’
‘Well then, couldn’t the current situation be regarded in the same light?’
Jasper looked at her. She spoke complete sense. In just a few short sentences, she had totally summed up the predicament. He grasped what a good barrister she must make. Beauty and brains – a lethal combination in his book. The sudden urge to lean forward and kiss her empowered him. He took a gulp of wine.
The fire crackled and an owl hooted in the nearby trees, breaking the spell. All was still.
‘I’m sure you’ll work it out,’ she quietly spoke, then sipped at her glass.
Jasper looked into the flickering flames for a short while.
‘Here, let’s have a refill.’ He poured them both another glass. Eager to change the topic, he told her she had Fletcher’s absolute consent to stay as long as she liked in his field, which was an understatement. When Jasper had mentioned it to him, his uncle was delighted to learn of Adira working at the Inn. This made her smile with real affection.
‘He’s quite a character, isn’t he?’ she laughed.
‘He certainly is. Made a wonderful uncle growing up here.’
‘I’ll bet.’
They looked at each other again. Jasper swallowed. They both took long drinks.
‘I’ve had a visit from Lilly,’ Adira continued.
‘Hmm, I heard as much, and a note from Lisa.’
‘Are there no secrets in this place?’ she asked in good humour.
‘Nope.’ He shook his head. They both reached for the wine bottle and their hands touched, sending electric waves through Adira. Her eyes flew to his face. He gulped. ‘I better get back. Fletcher will wonder what’s happened to me.’
She didn’t respond, still quite shaken by the effect of his touch.
