‘Unfortunately, this isn’t the worst room, Declan.’ Katherine continued into the kitchen. ‘There are no cabinets in here.’
A sink was plumbed in, but it rested on a two wooden boxes which were taking its weight. Pippa glanced at Declan, but the smile he’d held in the sitting room was still blazing on his lips. He nodded. ‘Okay. A little more challenging, but still doable.’
Pippa was being drawn along by Declan’s positivity, her job as the common sense friend going out the window.
Katherine led them through to the bathroom, which was very small, but other than needing a good scrub, was in perfect order. ‘Just a little elbow grease is needed in here.’ She led them into the final room, the bedroom. ‘And like the rest of the flat, this room just needs decorating.’
Declan beamed at Pippa and Pippa beamed back, nodding her head. ‘Yes, I like it. I’ll help you with the decorating and you can do the manual work.’
Declan turned to Katherine. ‘You did say that you allow pets didn’t you?’
Katherine nodded. ‘Oh course I do. This is a pet friendly property.’
Declan held out his hand. ‘I’ll take it, Katherine, thank you.’
Pippa clenched her hands into triumphant fists and raised them in the air. ‘Yayyy.’
***
Ten minutes later,Pippa was once again a pillion passenger on the back of Declan’s bike as they headed up the hill, taking them out of Seagull Bay up onto the main road.
The wind blew in through the vents of the helmet, and Pippa inhaled deeply. It was cold but exhilarating as it filled her lungs and she was glad she’d dressed in jeans and a sweater that morning. Her jacket was zipped up to her neck and her hands were cozy warm in the leather gloves Declan had handed her outside the café as they’d said their goodbyes to Katherine.
They were soon up in the North York Moors whizzing through the beautiful scenery. All that was missing from the picturesque scenes were the patches of purple heather that bloomed in abundance come August. Her chest tightened. Would she see them this year? Now the pub was sold and her father was retiring, there was no need for her to stay—especially now that Oliver had rekindled his relationship with Ava. Ginger would miss living by the sea, but what could she do?
Her thoughts turned to Oliver, and his reaction to her taking a ride on Declan’s bike. It had taken her by surprise. Had his concern been for her safety? Or was it because it was Declan and not him she would be sitting behind and hugging tightly onto? Who was she trying to fool? Oliver loved Ava and she loved Declan, but not in that way. He was definitely in the friend zone. Declan reminded her so much of her brother, Nile. In fact, she was finding herself hanging out with Declan more and more because she missed her brother so much, something she’d never admit out loud to Nile.
Did Oliver love Ava? Only last week Declan had commented on how he thought Oliver was into her after he’d acted weird when she’d first met Declan outside the pub. Declan must have got it wrong.
The bike slowed down and Declan pulled into a layby at the top of a hill and turned off the engine. He tapped her leg, indicating for her to dismount. Pippa did it correctly that time using the foot pegs to climb off the bike.
Declan pulled down the side stand and took off his helmet. He pointed out to the moor in front of them. ‘This is my spot. This is where I come to think, and if I can borrow the use of a car, bring my pup too for a long walk.’
Pippa removed her helmet and stepped up to his side to admire the view. ‘It’s beautiful. I bet you’ve solved many a problem up here.’
Declan nodded. ‘Yes, I have. That’s why I’ve brought you here now. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you brooding this last week.’
People turned her head to look at him to find him studying her profile. ‘What do you mean?’
Declan smiled a kind smile, but Pippa swore it masked pity. ‘I’ve seen how Ava’s constant presence in the pub is affecting you. The torch you’re carrying for Oliver hasn’t extinguished you know.’
Pippa’s mouth dropped open. ‘I-I don’t carry a torch for him.’
‘And I’m a secret billionaire.’
Pippa closed her eyes, tilted her head back and puffed out of inflated cheeks. ‘Ugh, is it that obvious?’ She looked up into his kind blue eyes. ‘What do I do Declan? He’s resumed his relationship with Ava.’
‘Has he though?’
Pippa’s brow knitted together. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Have you ever seen them hold hands, steal loving glances...or even kiss?’
Pippa looked down at the ground and thought hard. She looked back at Declan and shook her head. ‘No.’
‘Neither have I, and I’ve seen them walking through Seagull Bay together and part company without so much as a peck on the cheek. Surely, if they were in a romantic relationship, there would be some kind of physical touch. A hand placed lovingly on the small of her back... Pushing a lock of hair away from her cheek?’
Pippa’s cheeks heated as she remembered the numerous times Oliver had done those things to her—before Ava came on the scene.
