‘I just might,’ he said quietly, making Cassie’s insides melt. Good God, he was handsome.
The three of them had chatted all night. Rory had briefly talked about the Goldgate activists. Whilst Adira had listened, asking all the right questions, Cassie had sat in awe. His passion was evident, as was his intellect. He spoke animatedly, every now and then pushing back his hair from his face. He reminded Cassie of a swarthy Poldark figure, all masculine, fighting for the good, and she could well imagine him in court, eloquently making his case. What had made the biggest impact on her opinion of him though, was learning he was acting free of charge. Undoubtedly Adira had been right, Rory was the polar opposite to the likes of Justin. Cassie couldn’t help but stare at him, when suddenly she became conscious of Adira gently kicking her foot under the table, giving her a knowing smile. Adira knew full well she’d been lusting after him and wasn’t going to let it pass.
After driving back to the inn, later in the afternoon, she’d called in at The Laurels. Adira answered the front door with a Cheshire cat smile, making Cassie laugh.
‘I’ve been a complete fool,’ she quickly claimed before giving Adira chance to scold her.
‘Correct. Come in.’
Adira made them both a coffee and they sat at the breakfast bar. ‘Cassie, I meant what I said. Rory really is nothing like Justin.’
‘I know,’ she exhaled, ‘but he does live in London and I really don’t want another long-distance relationship.’
‘It’s only a couple of hours’ train ride, Cass.’
‘Yeah, but it’s not just that, it’s getting the time to travel. With my job it’s hard and it would just be snatched odd days.’ Adira listened, seeing her friend’s point, even though she thought they made a good couple. Adira knew from experience that Rory’s career wouldn’t allow him much free time to travel either. Cassie continued, ‘I do love my job, but sometimes I feel married to it, living and working at the inn. It can be so binding.’
Adira nodded, understanding her predicament. ‘Don’t you think it’s worth having this conversation with him?’ she gently asked.
‘What’s the point?’ Cassie sounded so defeated.
‘Oh come on, Cass, you couldn’t take your eyes of him,’ Adira chuckled. ‘There’s got to be a way round it.’ If she knew Rory, then there definitely would be. She’d seen him fight for what he wanted. He was persistent, relentless and fearless in his actions. Once he set his heart on something, he wouldn’t let go, of that Adira was certain. And she was pretty certain Rory wanted Cassie.
Chapter 9
Rory lay soaking in the bath again. He’d earned it, rising early to look at the emails stacking up on his laptop, answering a few calls and then going for a five-mile run late morning. He’d taken a drive round the area, loving the country roads where he could put his foot down, hugging the bends and accelerating on the open stretches; a far cry from sitting in the London traffic. It had been cold but dry, so he’d driven with his roof down letting the wind exhilarate him. Breathing in the fresh, clean air, he realised just how much he missed being up north. It was his second day in Lilacwell and already he felt an affinity to the place. He fully appreciated why Adira had chosen to stay here.
Having parked on the village church car park, he’d walked down into the little high street, visiting a coffee shop, and later roamed through the various artisan shops. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d done something so relaxing, just slowing down and taking time to value his surroundings. Small things like hearing birdsong as he woke, the trickle of a stream, owls hooting at night, the chug of a tractor, the cry of a cockerel, all country sounds that resonated with him. He’d always resented the roar of traffic, tooting horns and sirens that constantly echoed around London. The thought of a future living there filled him with dread. The money was good, but that wasn’t enough, he was beginning to learn. Having time out like today had taught him that. Rory wasn’t materialistic, he’d simply been drawn onto the treadmill of city life. It was only when he’d stepped off for a moment that he could see what he actually wanted, what would make him happy. Without realising it, he had been operating on autopilot – work, sleep, then work again. As he’d driven back through the leafy lanes, admiring the rolling hills, verdant forests and waterfalls, he’d longed to stay. A tinge of sadness stung him at the thought of leaving.
Adira had rung him to say she’d been impressed with what she had read, which had given him some much-needed confidence. It was good to have a second opinion and he valued Adira’s. She’d also mischievously hinted that Cassie was free that evening.
‘Is she really?’ he’d replied in good humour.
‘Hmm, I think you two should talk,’ she replied, her voice taking a serious tone.
‘Yes. We should.’ He sounded rather determined, which is exactly what Adira had expected. There, she’d done her bit, the rest was down to them.
That evening when he came down for dinner, he couldn’t see Cassie, so ordered a pint and went straight to his table. Within a few minutes she was walking past.
She stopped and smiled. ‘Hi, good day?’
‘Yes, thanks,’ he replied looking directly at her, somewhat accusingly.
‘Everything all right?’ She frowned.
‘No.’
‘Oh.’ Cassie’s face fell. ‘Anything I can help with?’
‘Yes. You can sit down and tell me why you lied about having a boyfriend.’ His eyes were piercing into her. She swallowed, thinking how good he must be cross-examining in court. Cassie sat down.
‘Rory, I’m sorry—’
‘I don’t want an apology, just an explanation.’ He took a drink, all the time his eyes never leaving her face.
‘Yes, OK.’ Cassie’s voice quivered slightly. ‘I’ve previously had a long-distance relationship and… it didn’t work. I hated all the travelling—’
‘Did he not come here?’ interrupted Rory softly. He hated seeing her so vulnerable and hearing the shake in her voice.
