Page 40

His eyes widened when he saw her.

‘What can I do?’ she said.

‘You can help out here if you like.’

‘Matt! We could do with the big stepladder on this end, pronto!’

‘Sorry, I’m needed.’ Grinning, he held out the roller. ‘Do you mind taking over?’

‘Fine.’

‘Great. I’ll be back in a bit.’

‘Don’t rush. I can handle it.’

Matt seemed to have taken her at her word, because while Zennor was soon joined by another member of the club, Matt didn’t return for almost an hour. By that time, Zennor was sweaty, had aching arms and was covered in paint, but the end wall of the clubhouse was finished.

‘Sorry about that,’ he said and then nodded at the wall in approval and surprise. ‘Looks good. I think we’re packing up for today. Thanks for the help.’

‘I’m happy to do what I can. I love this club.’

She did her best to wash the emulsion off her hands and face in the toilets. There was no point changing her clothes. Everyone was in their messy gear, frazzled and overheated, so she headed for the terrace, letting the breeze cool her hot skin and drinking from her Chilly bottle.

The younger kids were playing on the beach where a gazebo had been set up over a barrel barbecue, its smoke blowing towards the sea.

Beer in hand, Matt joined her at the balcony, which was now a smart glass one that opened up great views over the beach. He was still in the vest, sweat glistening on his tanned arms and flecks of paint in his tousled hair. He was more gorgeous than ever and Zennor’s heart did several somersaults.

‘Thanks for lending a hand,’ he said warmly. He’d never looked happier than she’d seen him today, getting stuck in and helping the club.

‘It’s a pleasure. Like I said, I wanted to do my bit for the club and for your grandad.’

Matt’s eyes lit with what Zennor guessed were good memories. ‘He’d have been in the thick of it, organising everyone, although he might have said it was too nice a day be to be inside, really.’ He raised his bottle to the white water breaking on the sand. ‘Especially with surf like that.’

‘True.’ She hesitated a moment but wanted him to stay in the happy place he seemed to have reached. ‘Actually, I dropped into the theatre earlier too. Paul reminded me of when you sang in the choir with your grandad back in the day.’

‘Did he?’ Matt grinned wryly. ‘Dad had to twist my arm to do it. He said it would mean a lot to Grandad and I was bricking it for days beforehand but actually I really enjoyed it.’

Even with all the resentment, Zennor realised she wanted him to be happy …

He cut into her thoughts before she could dwell on them any longer. ‘Remember when you used to help out at the theatre? Do you miss it?’

‘I didn’t think so but today, seeing the kids, I realise I do. Do you miss performing?’

‘No. Those days are behind me.’

Zennor didn’t want to reopen a conversation about what happened at the wedding. A little nervous and at a loss for words, she couldn’t resist saying something she’d wanted to for the past few minutes. ‘Did you know you have a blob of paint on the end of your nose?’

‘Do I?’ He wrinkled his nose. ‘Suppose it kind of goes with the job.’

His goofy smile made Zennor’s stomach start a full Olympic gymnastics routine.

‘Is it really bad? I don’t have a mirror, you see, so I can’t rub it off.’ His eyes sparkled again, yet with a hint of desire besides amusement.

Zennor shivered despite the hot sun. ‘Not really bad … but quite.’ Without thinking, she’d lifted her finger and touched the tip of his nose. ‘It’s right there.’

His eyes widened. ‘You mean like here?’

He touched the tip of her own nose, so lightly and briefly that it was like a butterfly landing. Sparks shot through her.