She was taken aback by his comments and she wasn’t sure whether he was being serious or not. But the thought of living in Betancourt Bay was rather appealing.
‘So I’ve heard,’ she said. ‘I’m supposed to be having some guided tours and they might help me decide. As for coming back here. I’d be thrilled. I actually enjoyed myself tonight.’
‘And we’ve sold lots of books. I don’t have one book left. The window display is empty and we’ve taken so many orders it’s unbelievable. Do you feel up to signing some tonight?’
‘Of course. Just give me a table and a pen.’
‘I’ll let you drink your wine first. Suzie will sort everyone into an orderly queue. But say when you’ve had enough.’
Jemma had never signed so many books in one evening, that she could recall. She had cramp in her hand and was completely worn out by the time the last book was signed. But everyone had been so lovely, and this was for Greg, so she didn’t mind.
Until she remembered that she was seeing Molly the following day. She had hoped to spend some of this evening, alone with Greg. Now it was almost ten and all she wanted to do was go to bed.
Alone.
She really must be exhausted.
‘I’ll take you home,’ he said, as if he had read her mind.
‘Thank you. I think I’ll sleep like a log tonight.’
When he pulled up outside Oak View Cottage and held the door open for her to get out, he smiled as he looked her in the eye. ‘Thank you again for tonight. You’ve been wonderful. I hope you sleep well. Have a fantastic day with Molly. I’m busy tomorrow night, but I’ll try to call you. If not, I’ll see you on Thursday, perhaps?’
‘Yes. I’m free on Thursday. That would be lovely. You sleep well too.’
He walked her to the front door and waited as she found her key. She smiled up at him and he hesitated as if he might kiss her. Instead he bowed his head in an oddly old-fashioned way, like one of the heroes in her books. Had he done that intentionally.
‘Good night then,’ he said.
She opened the front door, and with one last smile, he turned and walked away.
