‘I don’t think you’re boring, Mark,’ Ellie said in a low voice. ‘I’m sorry about your stammer, but it really doesn’t matter to me, I promise.’
‘I know.’ He beamed at her. ‘Thing is, when it’s just you and me, it’s not hard to talk. I feel like I can chat away to you. I dunno why, but I do.’
‘I’ve always felt that too. I’ve noticed that if other people are around, you’re kind of quiet. I thought you were shy.’
‘I’m not shy,’ he murmured, taking her hand and leading her to the double bed in the back of the motorhome. ‘Ellie. Stay with me. Stay with me. Here. In Magpie Cove. I want you to stay. Please.’
He laid her softly on the bed, kissing her. His fingers found the buttons on her dress and undid them slowly, one at a time. She whispered his name, reaching for him, wanting him.
Once more, Ellie felt self-conscious of her scar and her missing breast, but Mark kissed her chest and touched her so tenderly that she melted under his careful, loving hands. ‘Trust me,’ he whispered. ‘You know you can trust me.’ And she did.
Their bodies fitted perfectly together: everything about Mark Gardner was right and good and somehowtrue.
Afterwards, as they lay on top of the sheets, Ellie reached for Mark’s hand and held it tight.
‘What if I stayed?’ she turned to him, propping herself on her elbow.
‘In Magpie Cove? I’d be happy if you did.’ Mark sat up in bed. ‘But… you’ve got your job in London. What would you do here?’
‘I could sell my flat, or rent it out.’ Ellie watched his face for signs he was lying; that, like Rowland, he only wanted one part of her. But Mark’s expression was full of hope. ‘I’ve been in touch with a women’s charity that needs some legal expertise. I can work remotely for most of the time. Travel for some meetings.’ She paused. ‘There’s one problem, though.’ Ellie made herself look serious.
‘What?’
‘I’d need somewhere for Marilyn. Like, maybe a local mechanic who has a large garage space. Can you think of anyone who fits that description?’ She grinned, tickling Mark’s ribs.
‘Hmmm. Maybe. I’ll ask around.’ He grabbed her hand and held it, tickling her instead.
‘Mark! Stop it. I’ve got to go and meet this journalist for the local paper in a minute.’ Ellie giggled, fending off the tickle attack.
‘Sleeping with a celebrity, am I?’ he asked, holding her close to him and kissing her forehead. ‘Blimey. Lucky me.’
‘You’re bloody lucky, let me tell you.’ Ellie kissed him, full on the lips, and then sighed. ‘Okay. I really have to get up now.’
She sat up and reached for her dress, buttoning it carefully.
‘You’re really going to stay?’ Mark watched her. ‘Where will you live?
‘Maybe. Yes. I’ll find somewhere.’ Ellie gazed out of the window at the beach house. ‘You know, I think Mara’s going to put the beach house up for sale soon. When it’s been repaired and renovated.’
‘Good investment for someone selling a flat in London…’ Mark commented, following her gaze. ‘And that person could stay with a local mechanic in the meantime if she wanted.’
‘I think she would like that.’ Ellie smiled, reaching for a brush and tidying her hair. ‘There. Do I look presentable?’
‘You’re perfect.’ Mark gazed at her. ‘Never known anyone look as perfect as you, Ellie McTavish.’
