‘It was, but being with Fletcher was better,’ he replied, taking a road which led into the town centre.
Adira turned to look at him. ‘Why’s that?’
‘Fletcher had time for me, took a real interest. Dad was always preoccupied and Mum, well, as lovely as she is, I think having a daughter would have somehow suited her better, rather than a boisterous tearaway like me.’
‘Boisterous tearaway?’ she laughed, imagining him to be anything but.
Jasper shook his head. ‘I wasn’t always this grown up and sensible, you know,’ he half-smiled wryly.
Was he being serious? It was hard to tell. Then she remembered the scar on his shoulder – could that have come from a fight of some sort? Not for the first time, he left Adira feeling very intrigued.
On entering Clitheroe, Adira was impressed by the market town, particularly the ruins of a medieval castle standing high on a hill, overlooking the many shops. Jasper parked along the high street, near to a small Italian restaurant.
‘I’ve booked a table, it’s supposed to be good here.’ He held the door open and led her into The Italian Garden. It was quaint, with small tables covered in red and white gingham tablecloths and lit candles. Italian music gently played in the background. They were seated outside on the balcony at the back, overlooking a courtyard garden filled with terracotta pots overflowing with rich, vibrant flowers and surrounded by a stone wall wrapped with trailing clematis.
‘How sweet,’ remarked Adira.
‘Glad you like it.’ Jasper opened the wine menu and, after asking Adira what she’d prefer, ordered them a bottle when the waiter returned. Within minutes, they were sipping cool Sauvignon Blanc and choosing their main course.
‘Thanks for this, Jasper. It’s wonderful to have a meal out for a change.’ Adira couldn’t remember the last time she had eaten out in company. Having the sneaky glass of lunchtime wine at Mario’s hardly counted. For a moment, she pictured Goldgate Square with its sweet little wine bar, deli and artisan shops. She didn’t miss it. In fact, it seemed like a lifetime ago now.
‘Penny for them?’ Jasper was looking at her, head tilted to one side.
‘Oh, just thinking about my old life, you know, before I bought Sheila.’
‘Do you think you’ll go back to it?’
‘No,’ she answered instantly, surprising herself at the speed of her response. ‘Well, not to London anyway.’
‘You’ve been bitten by the country bug then?’ he grinned, taking a sip of his wine.
‘I think I have.’ Then, after a pause, added, ‘But not you?’
He suddenly looked serious and Adira hoped she hadn’t ruined the mood. A few seconds passed, then he answered.
‘I’ve some serious decisions to make.’
He didn’t elaborate and she had the intuition not to press any further, instead leading the conversation towards a lighter tone, talking about his work on the estate and hers at The Bath House.
‘Most of the bookings only start from next week, so Cassie had chance to hire another therapist.’ She gave a smirk. ‘I think it was her idea of fun to have you first in to christen the massage bed.’
‘Well, I’d certainly recommend your massages,’ he winked. It was pleasant seeing this playful side of Jasper. He suddenly reminded her of Fletcher and she could picture exactly how the two would have been like peas in a pod during Jasper’s summers at The Laurels.
‘That’s good to know,’ she laughed. ‘Anytime.’
There was a pregnant pause as they both locked eyes. They swiftly read each other and for the first time neither had any doubt about the other’s attraction. The pull between them was too strong.
Instinctively, they leant forward and their lips met. It was tender, the most natural kiss, yet loaded. Adira’s heart thumped in her chest. Jasper’s hand covered hers on the table, warm, strong and comforting. They were interrupted by the waiter and both giggled in embarrassment, feeling like teenagers.
After a delicious meal of rich, creamy lasagne and spicy Bolognese, followed by tiramisu and coffee, they travelled home and continued to chat comfortably, trading work stories of pompous clients and even more pompous colleagues, as well as comparing notes on their experiences of London where Jasper had lived before moving out to Dubai. Once Jasper had pulled up by the camper van, Adira faced him. She had no hesitation inviting him in for a drink, not wanting the evening to end. Jasper was only too happy to follow her into the camper van’s snug interior. He completely dwarfed the van, looking somewhat comical.
‘I don’t think the travelling life would suit you,’ she giggled as his head almost hit the roof.
‘No, I’ll sit down before I knock myself out,’ he grinned.
As Adira made coffee, he sat back and admired the view. Those trousers really did show off her slim hips and pert bottom.
She turned, putting the two mugs on the table, and sat next to him. There was only just enough room for the two of them and his arm naturally stretched out across the top cushion alongside her back. She loved the comfortable feel of it. Again, that hint of bergamot she’d grown to love drifted past her. Their eyes locked once more. Without another word, Jasper pulled her into him and bent his head to kiss her. Adira’s lips met his, sparking an energy within her. She wrapped her arms round his waist and moved closer.
