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‘I can think of a better way,’ Zennor had told him.

Her eyes had locked with his. His lips were parted, his eyes suffused with lust – and hesitancy.

She’d reached out to him and that was all he’d needed. A fire ignited inside her, reflected in the heat of desire that flared in his eyes. She saw herself reflected in his pupils.

‘Zennor …’ he’d murmured, entwining her cold fingers with his warm ones. They’d run, soles sinking in the soft sand, to the very back of the beach. They were hidden from any eyes that hadn’t arrived as they had – by braving the sea like two creatures born in it and belonging to it.

Then reality had intruded and they’d made the mistake of talking about the future. She’d been so excited about going off to uni and sharing her plans with Matt.

‘The department organises foreign tours in the vacations. They’ve done shows in Spain and Italy – and in Uzbekistan. I don’t even know where that is but it sounds exciting.’

‘No use asking me. Geography wasn’t my strong point.’

‘That’s not true. You passed and you’re really good at maths and craft.’

‘Yeah. I’m good with my hands. It sounds – amazing. All the travel, new horizons …’ Matt had said.

She’d sensed an edge to his words. ‘We can keep in touch. I’ll text you.’

‘Sure. You’ll be too busy living it up in Madrid or Tashkent or wherever.’

Zennor gave him a little push. ‘Tashkent. So you do know where Uzbekistan is!’

‘Lucky guess,’ Matt had said, pulling her into his arms. ‘I’m just a humble surfer boy.’

‘Who’s not even that keen on surfing.’

‘No …’ He’d glanced away into the distance before returning his gaze to hers. She’d shivered; his expression was filled with longing and pain. It was the same look of despair, Zennor realised now, that she’d seen at the wedding after his outburst. ‘Look, Zennor, you don’t have to text. You don’t have to keep in touch. You’re starting a new life and—’

She tried to speak but he’d put his finger on her lips. ‘Please, let me say this. It’s important. You and me. It’s been – well, I don’t have to tell you, but relationships conducted at a distance … they never work. And it’s not fair on you. I don’t want you to be thinking of me, of coming home, of making time in your new life. I want you to fly.’

‘I can fly and still see you!’ she’d protested, almost in tears.

‘Yeah. You think so but – it’s going to be difficult.’

‘I don’t care,’ Zennor had declared, determination flooding her veins.

And yet. She had left and she had texted and called him, even though she’d been swept along by her course, by new friends and new experiences exactly as he’d predicted. Matt had texted back a couple of times and Zennor was all set to meet him on a visit home when she got a message telling her he’d gone to Australia. It said she should live her life without him because it was best for them both and she’d be much better off without him holding her back.

She’d tried to call but he hadn’t answered.

Her heart had been broken at the easy way he’d given up on them. Even so, his words had come true. When he’d returned to Cornwall just before her wedding, why hadn’t he told her how strongly he’d still felt, instead of waiting until the wedding?

And why had he chosen to come back now?

Still wondering about the reasons, Zennor lowered herself down the rocks and slipped into the Atlantic’s chilly embrace.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Matt hummed to himself, the only thing close to singing that he did these days. He knew he was safe because Kernow Entz was closed on a Saturday, which was precisely why he’d chosen the opportunity to check out the building more closely.

He didn’t mind working any day or time, and for Zennor’s sake – and his own – the less time spent in her presence, the better. However, once the work started, there would definitely be daily disruption to their working lives, although he hoped some could be done over weekends and evenings to speed the process up.

The Wharf was full of tourists enjoying the afternoon sun, so the offices were a quiet haven in comparison. Matt was just finishing a closer inspection of the tatty staff kitchen when his mobile rang.

It was Roo and she sounded panicked.

‘Matt. Thank God I’ve got you. Are you still at the office?’