Marcus decided he needed to proceed carefully. Slowly, he bent his knees, going down onto his haunches, until he was level with Atlas. But the dog’s wide shoulders immediately stiffened.Marcus could sense his owner was equally as tense. Atlas’s eyes were darting back and forth.
Marcus looked up at Rowan, and silently scolded himself in a moment like this, for noticing how long Rowan’s eyelashes were from the lower angle. Flashing Rowan a toothy grin, he said. ‘I don’t think we should groom Atlas today. I think we should just let him exist. Let him get used to the smells leading up to the parlour, sniff the door, hear the sounds surrounding and coming from inside. You know your dog best, so read him, and leave before it becomes too much.’ Marcus watched Rowan’s reaction to what he’d suggested. He was surprised by how much he cared about how Rowan perceived him, by how much he sought Rowan’s approval in this first meeting. Rowan didn’t give much away, but one thing Marcus picked up on, was his patience. Marcus continued, wanting to explain why he’d suggested not attempting to groom Atlas today. ‘Then next time, we’ll see if we can get him to go in a bit further—get him comfortable with just being here first.’
Rowan nodded and they both watched Atlas in silence, the minutes stretching out, until Atlas timidly took a step towards the door. Marcus couldn’t contain the grin that appeared. But there was suddenly movement heard from inside, as Georgina finished with her last client, and Cherry, the Cocker Spaniel barked as Georgina made a vocal fuss of her.
Atlas instantly retreated, and Marcus noticed the blatant look of disappointment on Rowan’s face. A knot twisted in his stomach, and he judged his own small failure, but he immediately pushed it away, he knew this wasn’t defeat, and enforced his belief vocally.
He looked up and met Rowan’s dark eyes. ‘That’s actually progress.’
Rowan nodded. ‘I suppose it is. Thanks for your time. I’ll call to book a similar session. You can add your time today onto our first bill.’
‘Sure, no problem.’ Marcus flashed Rowan a charming smile.
Rowan dipped his head, before turning and walking away. Marcus watched him go. He recognised the swirl in his chest, as he watched the quiet man who undoubtedly had a strong internal presence, until he was out of sight. Rowan was a puzzle, an enigma he was curious to find out more about. And Atlas—he just wanted to help the gorgeous dog.
Closing the door, Marcus turned around to see Georgina watching him, an enormous grin on her face. ‘Hewas handsome. It’s a good job I have my Matt, otherwise I don’t think I’d be able to stop myself from fluttering my eyelashes at him the next time he comes back.’ Marcus chuckled. Georgina look solemn. ‘You were very impressive out there.’
‘You were watching?’
Georgina nodded. Cherry whined, drawing Georgina’s attention back to her. ‘Your owner will be here soon, Cherry.’ Georgina sneezed.
‘You get yourself home, G. You’ve worked hard today, I’ll wait with Cherry for owner to collect her.’
Georgina handed Marcus Cherry’s lead. ‘Okay, thanks, Marcus. I’ll see you tomorrow.’ She grabbed her belongings and gave Cherry another stroke, before fluttering her fingers in a farewell gesture at Marcus. ‘Bye.
‘Bye, G.’
TEN MINUTES LATER,the dog-grooming parlour was locked up for the evening. Marcus had intended heading for The Cheese Wedge and Pickles, but he was done in—physically and mentally—so instead, he headed home.
At the beginning of Keeper’s Lane, Marcus could see a group of people standing in a circle, halfway down the lane. One of them was a blonde-haired woman with her back to him, waving her arms dramatically as she spoke to the group.
He didn’t recognise any of the faces in the group and surmised they must be tourists or holidaymakers. Curious, he willed his tired legs to pick up speed. As he neared the group, he recognised the voice. It belonged to Veronica. He didn’t know her well, he’d seen her in Christine’s salon a couple of times, and had only ever said hello to her. All he knew was, she was around Pippa’s age.
Veronica was attempting to make her voice sound macabre. ‘They say the keeper still walks this lane when the sea mist rolls in...”
Marcus smiled to himself. He’d seen a poster on the noticeboard in Tammy’s Tearoom, advertising ghost tours around Seagull Bay. The event had intrigued him, because according to Christine, the bay was steeped in history, from smugglers stashing secret hoards in the bay, which were apparently still buried somewhere around the cove, to an infamous lighthouse keeper.
So Veronica was the person who was conducting the ghost tours. Marcus made a mental note to book himself on one. He wanted to find out more about the place he now called home—of Seagull Bay’s history, after all, he was becoming part of it.
Taking in the group as he passed, he saw couples holding hands, or with arms around each other’s shoulders, giving comfort to each other as Veronica amped up her spooky tale. His smile fell away. He really wanted to do the ghost tour, but who would he draw comfort from? Why was he always the friend cheering on everyone else’s happy ending.
Sighing inwardly, he headed home.
Chapter three
Tammy looked towards the door as Marcus entered the tearoom, the tinkle of the bell announcing another customer. It was too early for holidaymakers, just a couple of fishermen were in there, empty plates and the remnants of tea in their mugs.
Marcus dipped his head and exchanged morning well wishes with each of them as he made his way to the counter, the smell of fresh coffee and cooked breakfast wares tantalising his tastebuds. As he approached the counter, he caught Tammy and Declan stealing a kiss in the doorway leading through to the kitchen.
‘Caught you red handed,’ he chuckled.
Declan laughed. ‘You did—good and proper. Morning, mate. I’d better get back to it.’ He gave Tammy another quick peck on the cheek before disappearing into the kitchen.
Tammy’s cheeks instantly became ruddy. ‘Morning, Marcus. This is an earlier than normal visit for you? Is it because of the upcoming dog competition? I heard from Pippa you insisted on taking over this year. It’s very kind of you.’
Marcus shrugged, a smile covering the worry he was feeling, that he might have bitten off more than he could chew. ‘Pippa and her family are good to residents of the bay and I just wanted to return the favour in their time of need. And yes, this is early for me. I’m fully booked all week. I think every dog owner from the bay and surrounding areas is planning on entering the dog competition this year.’
‘Wow. You have your work cut out for you then.’ She paused. ‘You look tired, Marcus. I know, let’s get you something to boost your energy levels for the day.’ Tammy opened the door to the cake display cabinet and picked up a set of prongs. ‘It’s on the house. Carrot cake is one of your favourites, isn’t it, Marcus?’ She proceeded to take a slice without waiting for an answer, slipping the sugary delight into a small cardboard box.
