‘What a view!’ trilled Sue, looking out towards the burnt-orange sun, now slowly setting over the water.
‘I know.’ Jasmine smiled, certain she’d made the right decision. She longed to hear Tom’s voice again, telling her so. Ever since convincing herself that he had guided her into buying the cottage she’d listened in earnest, ready to follow his advice; but no, there hadn’t been anything, just a steady, empty silence.
All four of them drank in the scenery, listening to the sea gently lapping the shore. Jasmine caught a whiff of lavender and scanned the garden to see where it was growing but couldn’t spot any trace of the plant. Leaving the others who had now started to chat, Jasmine got up to peek over the hedge into next door’s garden. Maybe the fragrance was coming from there.
Sure enough, it was. A line of lavender was growing along the edge of the garden path leading from the back door. It had obviously been planted some time ago, to look so full and lavish with its green leaves and bright purple blooms. Jasmine closed her eyes for a few moments and breathed in its sweet aroma. She opened them abruptly at the sound of a cough. A tall, dark haired man stood before her.
‘Oh, hi.’ She blushed, a little embarrassed to be caught looking over the garden hedge.
‘Hi,’ he smiled back, putting down a toolbox. He wore a white fitted T-shirt, emphasising his tanned, muscular arms, and faded jeans which were worn at the knees. He must be some kind of workman.
‘I was just… admiring the lavender,’ Jasmine said, cringing at how lame she sounded.
‘Yeah, the garden’s in far better shape than the inside of the house,’ he laughed, finding her blush rather endearing. Then, moving closer towards the hedge, he offered a hand to shake. ‘I’m Robin.’
‘Jasmine,’ she replied with a polite nod. On impulse, she asked, ‘Are you working on this property, or do you own it?’ Suddenly realising how nosey she must appear, she quickly added, ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound so—’
‘Both,’ he interrupted with a grin, his hazel eyes twinkling. ‘I’m the owner and I’ll be renovating the cottage. It’s what I do, property development.’
‘I see,’ Jasmine replied, chewing her lip.
‘And you?’ he asked gently.
‘Sorry?’
‘I see you’ve set up headquarters,’ he teased, tipping his head towards the pitched tent in her garden.
‘Oh, right.’ She laughed. ‘Yes, I’m the owner, and me and my brother are doing up the cottage. Well, giving it our best shot anyway,’ she explained, a touch self-consciously, feeling slightly inadequate compared to this property developer.
‘Jasmine!’ her mother shouted.
‘Better get back,’ she said quickly, not wanting her mum to come and join them. If he thought she was nosey, what on earth would he make of her mum’s inevitable interrogation?
‘OK, well nice meeting you Jasmine,’ Robin replied, picking up his toolbox. Jasmine’s eyes homed in on his broad shoulders.
‘You too, bye!’ she called, then shooed her mum away as she was fast approaching.
‘Who were you talking too?’ she hissed.
‘Just the next-door neighbour,’ answered Jasmine, as nonchalantly as she could.
‘And? Who is it?’ her mum asked eagerly.
‘Shush, I’ll tell you later,’ Jasmine said in a hushed tone and led her back down the garden to the others.
Robin closed the back door behind him, then leant on it. So, that was Jasmine Boyd. And what a beauty she was. Jasmine obviously hadn’t noticed him walk up the side of the cottage to the back garden. He’d certainly noticed her though, head slightly titled, eyes closed, dark blonde hair blowing gently in the breeze. He’d admired her slender neck and shoulders covered only by the thin straps of her sun top. She looked so serene… so captivating. He could have stood there staring at her for hours. Then he let out an impatient sigh. Damn Bunty, this was exactly the reaction she wanted from him.
Chapter 7
Robin was knackered. He’d spent all yesterday in the attic of his cottage. Wanting to make good use of the space, he and Jack had decided to strengthen the floorboards and put a skylight in the roof, maximising the splendid view it would give. They also needed to install a set of stairs leading up, which meant reconfiguring the landing slightly, as at the moment, stepladders were propped up to allow Robin to climb back and forth as he carted up the wooden planks.
It had been such a warm day and he’d opened wide all the windows to let the breeze in, now and then catching snippets of conversation from Jasmine’s garden, unable to help but listen. Fair to say, he was more than curious about the girl next door.
Listening shamefully, Robin had gleaned quite a lot. He levelled it in his mind as being neighbourly, wanting to learn more about Jasmine – and after all, she herself had been caught taking a good peak at his property.
It was evident she had very caring parents, the way they both fussed over her, and pretty obvious that the brother was protective of her too. No wonder, thought Robin, given what the poor girl had gone through. It was blatantly clear how resilient she must be, summoning up the strength to renovate a new home and start again, all on her own.
He cast his mind back to how hurt and forlorn he’d been when his ex-girlfriend had royally dumped him and ripped him off. His wounds would be nothing compared to Jasmine’s.
