Sam nodded. ‘My grandfather and Pete were like Lennon and McCartney. Girls flocked at their feet. They wrote songs together, they performed together and, according to Betty and the magazine articles, you barely ever saw one without the other. Which makes me wonder yet again where Pete was that night, and why he wasn’t there to help my grandfather when he needed it.’

  Verity unlocked her phone and glanced at the photos of the band. ‘Which one is Pete?’ she asked.

  Sam pointed. ‘That’s my grandfather – he was the lead singer and guitarist – and that’s Pete, who was also a singer and guitarist. On the drums was Betty’s late husband Eric, and John, another local resident, was the keyboard player. John is now a retired fisherman and lives in one of the cottages by the harbour.’

  ‘And what’s his relationship like with Pete?’

  ‘Very much the same as Betty’s. They’re still friends.’

  ‘Don’t be annoyed with me when I say this…’ She paused, knowing that Sam was incredibly vulnerable and that she needed to word this very carefully. ‘Have you ever considered that Pete may just have been grieving like everyone else? It must have been a shock to him if he lost his best friend, and grief affects people in many different ways. I know that, even now, when I think of my granny, I can get very emotional.’ She reached across and placed her hand on top of his, and noticed the tears filling his eyes before he quickly blinked them away.

  ‘I get all that, I really do, but there’s just one question I want answered, and I don’t think that’s too much to ask. But apparently it’s a question no one is prepared to answer, and when Pete passes away, he’ll take it with him to the grave.’

  ‘And what is that question?’

  ‘Like I’ve said, where was Pete the night my grandfather died? What made him late for his shift?’

  ‘With the fiftieth anniversary coming up, maybe this is your chance to try again. Maybe you could attempt to put the feud behind you? Build some bridges. There’s one thing that should be uniting you both at this time and that’s the love you both have for your grandfather.’

  ‘I wish it was that easy.’

  ‘Make it that easy. Only you can do this. You never know, if you open up to Pete like you have to me, you might just get the answers you need. It must be worth thinking about, surely?’

  Sam looked at her. ‘Are you always this wise?’

  ‘I have my moments.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘For?’

  ‘Listening. I’ve never really talked about it before; only to Betty, and she must be sick of hearing about it by now.’ Sam stood up and held his arms open. Verity placed her glass down before stepping into them. He hugged her tight, a proper hug. Resting her head against his chest, she took in his scent, the fragrance of the aftershave she’d squirted in his bathroom. She briefly closed her eyes, not wanting to step out from his arms.

  Sam pulled away slowly and handed her back her glass as they walked side by side to the water’s edge.

  They watched Jimmy chase a seagull along the waterline for a while before Sam asked, ‘Have you got any plans for tonight or would you like to watch a film on Netflix?’

  ‘No plans and that’ll be lovely as long as it’s not some action-packed boys’ film.’

  He grinned. ‘I don’t mind getting in touch with my feminine side. I’ll be right back.’

  She looked at him, confused. ‘Where are you going? Are we not watching the film inside?’

  ‘Wait and see. I’ll be back!’

  ‘Never mind quoting Arnold Schwarzenegger, we agreed no action films!’

  Sam grinned as he disappeared back inside the cottage. Jimmy raced after him, giving a playful bark, leaving Verity wondering what Sam was up to. A couple of minutes later he reappeared carrying a mountain of cushions and dropped them on the sand in front of the bistro table. He laid out a large blanket then arranged the cushions in a long line. Without saying another word, he disappeared inside again. When he reappeared this time, he was juggling candles and a lighter.

  ‘Are you sure I can’t help you with anything?’

  ‘No, you relax. Two more trips and we’ll be good to go.’ His eyes sparkled as he caught Verity’s gaze. Walking around the blanket and cushions he began to space the tealight candles out evenly. On the second walk around he lit them all.

  ‘Candles, very romantic,’ she murmured.

  ‘Keeps the midges away.’ He gave her a lopsided grin.

  After returning to the cottage again, he brought out a picnic basket and placed it at one end of the blanket. ‘I’m going to get Jimmy settled in the kitchen then I’ll be back out.’

  ‘Are we really staying out here? Where’s the TV?’

  ‘Wait and see.’ He wasn’t giving anything away.

  Five minutes later, Sam shut the cottage door and walked towards Verity carrying a cardboard box and a small fabric stool. ‘I’m hoping this will work.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘This is a smartphone projector. A great way to watch movies. Just place your smartphone inside the box, face it forward, and the lens at the front of the box enlarges the image up to eight times and projects the image onto any surface. It’s perfect as it requires no set-up.’

  ‘I’ve never seen one of those.’

  ‘It’s like magic. The whole thing is made from cardboard and glass, totally wireless, and uses no additional power. Sometimes in The Sea Glass Restaurant we project images of the fish swimming in the sea onto the wall. But first, let’s get ourselves comfy.’ With the most gorgeous smile, Sam sat up for a moment and reached inside the picnic basket. ‘Something to celebrate your time on Puffin Island.’ He held up a bottle and two flutes.

  ‘Champagne! Wow, you’re pulling out all the stops. I thought you’d just bought more wine.’

  ‘That can keep.’ Sam popped the cork, which launched into the air and landed on the sand right at the edge of the water. Verity giggled and got up to race after it.

  ‘What are you doing?’ he asked, watching her in amusement.

  ‘Keeping the cork. It’s going in my memory box to commemorate my time on Puffin Island,’ she replied, flopping back down on the cushions and placing it on the blanket next to her before sitting cross-legged. She felt extremely relaxed and comfortable in Sam’s company, enjoying every moment of the evening. Today had gotten off to a shaky start with him, but she liked how he’d opened up to her this evening, especially as she knew it must have been difficult, given he didn’t have full closure over his grandfather’s death. Sitting next to him now, she felt like she’d known him for years.

  Sam poured the champagne and handed her a glass. ‘Just for you.’ After filling his own he clinked his glass against hers. ‘Here’s to great company, and a fabulous film night.’

  ‘But how do we watch the film?’

  Sam reached inside the box, pressed the screen on his phone, then placed it back inside the projector and rested it on top of the fabric stool. He pointed it towards a smooth white rock that lay right in front of them. The image was projected onto the rock like a screen in the cinema.

  ‘How cool is that?’ Verity was amazed.

  ‘Pretty cool,’ he said, taking out a large bowl of popcorn and placing it at the edge of the blanket. He lay down on his stomach, and Verity mirrored his actions, their bodies touching.

  ‘You never said which film we’re watching.’

  ‘I thought I’d keep the beach theme.’

  She laughed. ‘Please tell me we’re not watching Jaws.’

  ‘Not quite.’

  Verity threw back her head and laughed as The Little Mermaid began to play.

  ‘It’s personally one of my faves,’ he said, grinning and taking a handful of popcorn out of the bowl. He popped a couple of pieces into his mouth then held some towards Verity. His hand brushed against hers, sending shivers through her entire body as he gave her an adorable smile.

  Verity was unsure exactly what was happening here. Despite his earlier protestation that he wasn’t looking for a relationship, this felt very much like a date to her – possibly the most romantic date she’d ever been on. When she’d set off from home on her journey, the last thing on her mind was getting involved in any sort of relationship, but she knew the second she’d spotted Sam queuing at the greasy spoon there was something special about him.

  The best thing to do was sit back and enjoy this night and his company without overthinking it, which was already becoming extremely difficult, because if Verity was to be honest with herself, the red-hot desire she felt for Sam was beginning to consume her. He was quickly becoming the reason she wanted to stay on Puffin Island a little longer.

  Chapter Twelve

  ‘Verity! Why are you whispering?’

  Verity was lying in bed in the spare room of Cosy Nook Cottage with the duvet pulled over her head. She’d rung Ava to wish her good luck with her move to London.

  ‘Because he might hear me.’

  ‘Who might hear you? Where are you?’

  ‘Sam Wilson, the gorgeous guy from the greasy spoon that I followed onto the ferry and after I tried to drown Hetty. He’s taken me in.’

  ‘You’re in some random guy’s house?’

  ‘It’s not just a house, it’s a gorgeous cottage with stunning views, a secret bookcase and, would you believe, its own cove.’

  ‘He might be a mass murderer. You don’t even know this guy.’

  ‘He’s not a mass murderer. He’s a normal guy with a dog, which is good as animal people are always the best. And he owns and manages The Sea Glass Restaurant, which is a floating restaurant on the harbour. I’m having a blast, we’ve been swimming in the sea close to midnight under the starlit sky. He sings, too, and performed in the pub – he was amazing – and last night, you’re not going to believe this, but⁠—’

  ‘Did you sleep with him?’

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ came Verity’s instant reply. Even though she’d wondered many times last night what it would be like to spend the night with Sam. When the movie finished, they’d packed up all the stuff from the cove and ventured back inside. Then Sam did the gentlemanly thing and showed her to her room, closing the door behind her and leaving her feeling a twinge of disappointment that there wasn’t even a goodnight kiss on offer, especially after they’d been flirting with each other all night.

  ‘That’s a little disappointing.’

  ‘Ava! I’ve only just come out of a relationship.’

  ‘He never bowled you off your feet like this Sam character though. If we’re being honest, he bored you most of the time. I can remember you asking me, Is this it? Is this what getting into a serious relationship is like? It’s just cleaning and tidying up after someone and watching what he wants on TV? You’d checked out a long time ago, you just didn’t want to admit it.’

  The more Verity thought about that, the more she knew Ava was speaking the truth. Richard had never excited her. In fact, it was just like Ava had said; she was often bored and, to be honest with herself, felt lonelier in that relationship than when she was single. Even though she barely knew Sam, he created an excitement in the pit of her stomach she’d never felt with Richard.

  ‘You’re right. Last night he organised a cinema in his private cove, with champagne, candles and the sound of the sea lapping at the shore.’

  ‘It sounds like something that only happens in the movies. Did he at least kiss you?’

  ‘No!’

  ‘What’s wrong with him? There has to be something wrong with him!’

  ‘We just had fun. He’s not looking for a relationship.’

  ‘That’s what’s wrong with him. There’s some underlying issue there. Commitment issues. What’s happened in his past for him not to want a relationship? Broken heart?’

  ‘You’re allowed to be happy on your own, you know.’

  ‘Mmm, I’m not sure who you’re trying to convince here. Sounds to me that you already like this guy, and if he’s telling you he’s happy single, you’ll end up with your heart broken – especially given that you’ll have to leave the island eventually.’

  Verity’s head was telling her exactly the same thing but last night her heart had not stopped leaping.

  ‘What if I don’t leave the island? I’m just throwing it out there.’

  ‘You’ve only been there a couple of days. Everyone loves a holiday, but after a couple of weeks they always want to get back to the comfort of their own home.’

  Verity wasn’t sure about that. ‘That might be so if your ex hasn’t moved into the street with the woman he’d been having an affair with.’

  ‘Fair point. But what I’m saying is that right now it’s a novelty…’

  ‘I’ve already made friends. Clemmie owns the tearoom and Amelia works in the bookshop and the pub.’

  ‘It sounds like you’re having a good time.’

  ‘I am, so I’m going to keep enjoying myself. Oh! Guess what I’m going to be doing? I’m counting puffins!’

  ‘You’re doing what?’

  ‘Today, I’m a Puffin Ranger. I’ve got myself a volunteer job helping with the puffin census.’

  ‘You’re living the dream, Verity Callaway!’

  Verity laughed as she said goodbye and hung up. Usually, it was Ava who was the impulsive one, but this time it was Verity who felt free and ready to embrace the unexpected by throwing herself into island life.

  Hearing a soft knock on her bedroom door, she jumped out of bed and pulled on Sam’s sweatshirt.

  Standing on the other side of the door was Sam, holding out a cup of tea. ‘Coffee for the ranger. I’ve made breakfast, if you want to join me?’

  ‘Coffee and breakfast! This bed and breakfast will be getting a five-star review on TripAdvisor from me,’ she joked, padding down the stairs after him.

  Stepping into the kitchen, Verity was immediately welcomed by Jimmy who circled around her, his tail wagging. ‘Good morning, Jimmy!’ She patted the top of his head and sat down at the table, which was draped with a pristine white tablecloth, and set for two places. Sam put toast in a rack in the middle of the table, followed by two plates of a full English breakfast.

  ‘Gosh, I need to stay here more often. This will keep me going until this evening. Thank you, this looks amazing.’

  ‘I’ve heard counting puffins is difficult work so this might help you get through the day. You’ll need to leave soon?’

  ‘I’ll grab a quick shower after this and then head up to the cliffs.’ Verity glanced towards the window. ‘Not a cloud in the sky. It’ll be a beautiful day.’

  Sam nodded towards the kitchen counter. ‘I’ve left you some sun cream. You’ll need it as you won’t feel the burn up on the cliffs with the breeze from the sea. You should also cover up your shoulders, and there’s a cap there, too, if you need to borrow one.’

  ‘Aww, you do look after me, don’t you?’ His kindness gave her a warm, fuzzy feeling and she smiled as she tucked into her breakfast. Within ten minutes Verity had devoured the lot and whilst Sam loaded the dishwasher she grabbed a quick shower. As soon as she was ready, she found Sam with his coat on, waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. ‘I’ve got a delivery at the restaurant so I need to get going but this is for you.’ He handed her a flask and a carrier bag.

  Verity peeped inside the bag. ‘You’ve made me lunch?’

  ‘It’s just a sandwich, crisps and fruit to keep you going.’

  ‘You, Sam Wilson, are a keeper! You’ve thought of everything.’ Without thinking she leaned across and kissed him on his cheek, then lingered for a second looking at his lips. ‘One day you’ll make someone a good husband.’

  As soon as she said the words, she noticed his smile slip slightly.

  ‘Sorry, did I say something wrong? I was just joking. No one has ever done anything like this for me before…’ It was true – in all the time she had lived with Richard he’d never made her lunch or worried she’d get sunburnt.

  ‘No, honestly. It’s okay. You have a good day and I’ll see you later. I can’t wait to hear all about it. You still have your key?’ She nodded and watched him leave the cottage and disappear at the end of the drive with Jimmy at his heels.

  Verity realised her words had instantly and completely changed Sam’s mood. He’d opened up about his family and his grandfather’s death but he’d never opened up about his past love, Alice. Verity was left wondering what exactly had gone on there.

  Chapter Thirteen

  A short while later, Verity walked down the lane. In the tearoom garden Clemmie was setting out the tables ready for the day ahead.

  ‘You’re going to be busy with such a glorious day forecast,’ trilled Verity, leaning on the wooden gate and getting Clemmie’s attention.

  Clemmie spun around. ‘Aren’t we just. Afternoon tea is already fully booked! Thankfully, Grandmother is back and helping today. Which reminds me, I was going to catch you today⁠—’

  ‘She remembers my granny, doesn’t she?’ asked Verity, hopefully.

  ‘She does and she can’t wait to meet you. Come round after we close.’

  ‘We know who sent the postcard.’

  Clemmie stopped what she was doing and walked over towards her. ‘You do?’

  ‘It was Joe Wilson. The W is for Wilson. We⁠—’

  ‘You keep saying “we”. Who is this “we”?’

  ‘Sam and I…’

  ‘So, you’ve forgiven him for calling you an idiot?’ teased Clemmie.

  Verity rolled her eyes. ‘I found a signed book my granny gave to Joe – in Sam’s cottage.’

  ‘And what about the secret?’

  ‘That I’m not sure of yet, but maybe your grandmother can shed some light on it for us. I’ll be back later to find out. In other good news, I can pick up the van today.’

  ‘That’s fantastic news! Did you stay at Sam’s last night?’ Clemmie wanted all the gossip.

  ‘Don’t look at me like that. My travelling van is back up on her wheels today so I’ll have a roof over my head again…though I have to say, there’s nothing wrong with Sam’s roof.’