Page 12

Tyler’s broad shoulders sank in relief. ‘Luck doesn’t come into it. You earned your success by hard graft but that makes me feel better.’ He slapped Matt on the back and sniffed the air appreciatively. ‘Now, let’s go and see what the burgers are like on that barbie. The last lot were only fit for the gulls but one of the chefs from White Rocks is on duty this time so they should be good.’

Matt agreed. White Rocks was a boutique hotel down the coast and its restaurant had a glowing reputation. Tyler led the way across the terrace to the barbecue set up at the bottom of the ramp that led on to the sand.

The kids were winding up the training and heading into the locker rooms to change out of their wetsuits. Paint was peeling off the door, which was wedged open with a large stone from the beach. Steam emerged from a cracked window which was taped up with gaffer tape.

‘Well, hello, stranger.’

Matt jerked around.

The accent was as rich and seductive as clotted cream. Dawn Ladock, goat farmer and current Surf Club president, regarded him as if he’d just done something hilarious or stupid or both. Maybe he had, in coming back to St Ives at all and confronting so many old memories.

‘Matt. I’m so glad you’re here for the announcement of our plans. Will you be training too?’

He laughed. ‘I’m not fit enough these days.’

‘I don’t know. You look pretty fit to me. More meat on you these days … all muscle too.’ She squeezed his bicep like a giant teat.

‘Appearances can be deceptive,’ he said, hiding a wince.

They’d had several discreet conversations over the past few months and they’d both agreed not to publicise the full extent of his connection with the refurb. To all intents and purposes, Matt had dropped into the club for a drink and a catch-up.

‘I wish you’d let us announce that you’re paying for it all.’

‘Not all. The club had already raised half of it.’

‘And costs keep going up so I don’t know if we’d ever have caught up. The committee were worried it would be in this state for years. With you taking care of the refurb of the club’s function room and the changing areas, we can focus our resources on training our young people. I think your grandad would have approved.’

‘He was always about helping to educate people on how to keep safe and save lives,’ Matt said.

The sharp blast of a whistle from the beach transported Matt back to his youth and his grandad marshalling the training sessions and yelling encouragement.

‘He was a remarkable man,’ Dawn said softly as if sensing Matt’s memories. ‘He should have had an MBE in my opinion. Not that he looked for accolades.’

‘He’d rather see the club keep going any day,’ Matt said. ‘And I’m grateful to you and the committee for not saying I’ve made a financial contribution.’

‘At the moment all anyone outside the committee knows is that it’s an anonymous benefactor.’

He nodded. ‘Thanks.’

It gave Matt a warm glow to think he was using some of Harry’s legacy to help the club. While he’d never claim to be like his grandfather in his devotion to the club and community, they had one thing in common: Matt wasn’t looking for gratitude from anyone, and he didn’t want to be seen to be interfering or taking over, no matter how well-meaning the motivation. That had not gone well for him at Zennor’s wedding – and her reaction to him buying her office had reminded him of how little she welcomed his ‘help’.

Dawn patted his arm. ‘Thank you, anyway. It means everything to us. I must go and I just saw Zennor arrive. Hmm. That’s another old member we haven’t seen much of lately. Our refurb news must have got around. Speak later.’

A few metres away, chatting to Roo and her husband, was Zennor. At the sight of her dark brown curls cascading on to bare shoulders, Matt’s heart skipped too many beats for comfort. The workplace dungarees had been replaced with a scarlet sundress that skimmed her curves and showed off her tan – she looked the epitome of the Cornish surfer girl he’d fallen for as a teenager, and Matt was powerless not to melt in the glow.

CHAPTER SIX

A hint of exotic fragrance brought back heady memories Matt could never share with another soul: like being naked on a beach with Zennor, kissing the dusting of sand on the curve of her hip, and longing to stay in that moment forever and never grow a day older.

They’d both grown many days older, so all he could do was smile politely for the sake of appearances and say, ‘Hello. I didn’t expect to see you here.’

‘I didn’t expect to be here if I’m honest.’

It was a tone carefully cleansed of all emotion, unlike their previous meeting at the office. However, that gorgeous scent was another thing … it always reminded him of heat and exotic nights.

‘But – you are here,’ he dared.

She shrugged. ‘I decided that I’ve stayed away too long.’