Chapter 14
Jack checked his watch yet again. Where was she? He so hoped to see Dr O’Hara again on the beach. It was Saturday morning, similar time to last week when she’d been jogging behind him. He decided to run down to the wooded area, where he suspected she must have come from.
Jack hadn’t overdone his run so far, not wanting to appear too hot and sweaty. He’d also chosen to wear his most flattering tight hoodie and hugging tracksuit bottoms. To his elation, he could just about make out a figure coming through the pine trees. Squinting further, he saw a head of red hair. It was her! She was here! Nice and easy, Jack, he told himself, suddenly feeling a tad apprehensive, surprising even himself. Normally he wouldn’t show any hesitation when approaching a woman, naturally having an air of confidence and charisma.
As coolly as he could, he ran up the beach towards her, planning ever so casually to stop for breath and wave up, hoping to instigate conversation. He took strong, firm strides as though demonstrating his powerful prowess. The figure in the distance was getting closer and closer. He took in her slim body in black leggings and a loose white T-shirt. She wore dark sunglasses blocking out the bright morning sunshine. She too was running at a steady pace. As Jack got nearer he began to slow down, timing it with exact precision to meet her. Then, just as he approached her, he lost his footing and fell flat on the sand with a thud. Bloody hell, he cursed, of all the times to trip and fall. However, it did give him an advantage he quickly realised, when Tara hurried to his rescue.
‘Are you OK?’ she asked with concern, leaning over him. She’d taken off her sunglasses and Jack was gazing up at thosestunning green eyes. He was fine actually, but never one to miss an opportunity, Jack decided to play it up a little to ensure her attention.
‘I… think so.’ He hesitated and winced when moving his left leg.
Immediately Tara knelt beside him. ‘Here, let me see.’ She felt his ankle then moved her hand over his calf muscle. ‘Does it hurt?’ she asked.
‘Err…’ Jack didn’t want to admit it didn’t in case she removed her hand and left him.
‘Here, try standing,’ said Tara. She held her hands out to help him up. Jack took them and stood with ease.
‘I think I’m OK,’ he said with a smile. Didn’t she remember him, now his face was closer to hers? Obviously not. There was no trace of recognition from her. Then she looked at his hand, having felt the rough edge of his stitched scar.
Jack, seeing her glance at his wound, swiftly explained, ‘You were the doctor in A&E who stitched my hand.’
‘Oh yes, I remember.’ She returned his smile, making Jack’s insides melt. ‘How’s it been?’
‘Hmm?’ He was transfixed by her.
‘The hand, how is it?’ She tipped her head towards his stitches.
‘Oh, fine, thanks. I’m back at work now.’
‘Ah, I see. It’s the warehouse by the quay in Lancaster you’re renovating, isn’t it?’
She remembered! ‘Yes, that’s right.’ There was a slight pause.
‘Well… If you’re OK, I’ll…’ Tara was about to turn and start running again.
‘Would you mind walking back home with me?’ Jack hastily asked. ‘Just in case I trip again?’ He nodded towards his pretend injured leg.
‘Of course. Where do you live?’ asked Tara.
‘Not far, just up there in the cove,’ answered Jack rather smugly, anticipating her reaction.
‘That beach house?’ she replied in delight.
Jack nodded proudly. ‘Yes. That’s mine.’
‘Oh, it’s amazing! I noticed it the other day and was admiring it.’
I know, thought Jack with glee.
‘Come on, I’ll show you round if you want,’ he grinned.
‘Would you?’ Her eyes widened with joy, giving Jack a warm glow inside.
‘Yeah, of course. It’s the least I can do. This is the second time you’ve come to my rescue,’ he teased. How he loved it when a plan came together.
They chatted easily as they walked back up the beach to the cove. When they reached his house, Tara noticed how easily he ran up the wooden steps to the front door and smiled wryly to herself. His leg seemed to have mended very quickly, she noted.
Normally, she wouldn’t have entertained the idea of entering a stranger’s home alone, but it was plainly clear Jack genuinely wanted to show off his place. And why wouldn’t he? Tara was totally in awe of it. Her eyes took in the hot tub on the decking outside and the seating area. It was absolutely ideal, a real sociable area. Her gaze then slid to Jack. Yes, he looked the outgoing kind. She imagined him throwing parties here, full of handsome men like him and glamorous girls, all laughing together. Tara doubted he’d be short of girlfriends and wondered if he had one. Could there be someone inside, waiting for him to return from his run? It was feasible, after all, that he was only being polite to her, returning a favour according to him.
