Sam cocked an eyebrow. ‘You expect me to wear these? Have you not got anything less…neon?’

  ‘No one is going to see you, and those are good socks. Better than the wet ones you’re wearing.’

  Playfully Sam shook his head and by the time Verity had mopped up the water and joined him outside, his trainers were on a box next to the firepit and his socks draped on a nearby bush. His legs were stretched out and the fluffy pink socks stretched up his calves.

  ‘They suit you.’ She smiled.

  ‘They’re pretty good socks, to be fair.’

  Verity poured the wine and handed Sam a glass. Sitting watching the sea lapping against the rocks in the distance, Verity chanced a glance at him. ‘You shook Pete’s hand. It was good to see you both being amicable.’

  ‘He took care of Jimmy, you both did. I would never have got him over to Sea’s End in time. If it wasn’t for the two of you he might not have made it.’

  ‘But he did.’

  Sam paused and took a sideward glance towards Verity. ‘I’ve been thinking about what you said.’

  ‘What is it I said?’

  ‘About talking to Pete before the vigil. When you said, surely if something had happened back then, it would have come out by now.’

  Verity didn’t interrupt. The islanders had tried to put an end to this feud for years with no breakthrough. Could it actually be possible that Sam was beginning to move on?

  ‘I know you’re right. Pete will have stories about my grandfather I don’t know, and by not moving on, all those stories and memories will be lost.’

  ‘What did I do or say that was different compared to Betty or others on the island?’

  ‘I suppose you put me in my place, told me exactly how I am. I like how you said it’s sometimes better to talk to someone who is not directly involved in the situation. So thank you.’ Without warning, Sam took Verity’s hand and rested it on his knee. ‘I saw a very caring side to Pete this evening. He was patient, professional, wasn’t fazed that it was my dog and didn’t treat me as an enemy, which I wouldn’t have blamed him for after the way I’ve treated him over the years.’

  ‘Are you going to have a chat with him before the vigil?’

  Sam nodded. ‘I’m going to go and speak to him tomorrow. I think this is a good time to bury the hatchet.’

  Verity smiled. This was good news for everyone. ‘I’m glad you’ve made that decision and I do think, if something did go on that night, fifty years is long enough for a secret like that to be buried. Talking of secrets, I’ve seen Betty. Isn’t she just wonderful! She agrees the postcard is from your grandfather. My granny and your grandpa Joe had a summer romance.’

  ‘What are the chances of that? Did Betty divulge what their secret was?’

  ‘I think it was more about my granny’s secret. She arrived here after my grandfather’s marriage proposal. I think she was rather scared about her future and decided to take some time to figure out some things while she was here. Then she met Joe and, though she obviously cared for him, in the end she was more scared about her family disowning her if she didn’t go back. I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that they knew each other and we’ve come across each other by chance.’

  ‘Life has a funny way of working.’

  ‘It really does.’ Slowly pulling her hand away from Sam’s, she held up her glass. ‘To past friendships, and current ones, too.’

  Sam touched his glass to hers before taking a sip. ‘And what are your plans? When will you be leaving?’

  Cooper’s advert popped into her mind. ‘I’m actually not sure. I’ve enjoyed my time here, despite having been pecked alive by puffins. Tell me what it’s like living here. Have you ever been tempted to move?’

  ‘Absolutely not. Why would I?’ He gestured towards the sea view in front of them.

  ‘You’re lucky. It’s very different from where I live.’

  ‘In what way?’

  ‘I live in a built-up area where everything’s squashed together, there’s constant traffic, litter in the parks, and no one speaks when you pass them in the street. In fact, they would do anything not to make eye contact. It’s such a different vibe here. I feel comfortable, and I even have friends already, as Clemmie and Amelia immediately welcomed me with open arms. Everyone knows everyone. This is a proper community and you’re like one big family. Here people actually do care. You can feel a part of something.’

  ‘A change from the norm does us good sometimes. Humans are creatures of habit and even though they could change their lives, they don’t. They just dream. I know that first-hand. They don’t change anything because they fear failure and wonder. What if it doesn’t work out? In my book, failure makes you grow, and that’s a good thing.’

  ‘How do you make that out?’

  ‘It teaches us lessons, like how to do it different next time. Opening the restaurant, I started out thinking I was the boss so what I said should go, but I soon realised it’s the whole team that makes the business successful. They have skills I don’t have and vice versa and so I need to lean on them. I could not have made that restaurant as successful as it is today without them. I saw a similar bond tonight. You and Pete were a team in there.’

  ‘We were,’ replied Verity, thinking about what Sam had just said. ‘It’s funny really, this time last year I thought my future was one thing, but now it’s something else entirely.’

  ‘And what have you learned from that?’

  ‘That I’m in charge of my own happiness. Sitting here, I think it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Because I’m growing. I was stuck in a relationship because society dictates you should be part of a couple, otherwise…what the hell is wrong with you? People stay when they aren’t happy because they fear the unknown or they think they can’t manage on their own financially. But the alternative is to stay and be unhappy, to waste your life and watch it tick by. I’d never have been allowed…’

  ‘Never allowed?’

  ‘Yep, I’d never have been allowed to go on holiday with my friend, or convert a van into a home. I’d never have been allowed to have a drink on Sunday afternoon or spend the day shopping with my girlfriend. Spending money on a new pair of shoes or a coat would have caused arguments.’

  ‘And your thoughts now?’

  ‘I’m free. I know the best thing to happen to me was his affair. I’m not trapped anymore. I’m in charge of my own financial affairs, I can travel the world, drink wine overlooking the sea… And you know what makes me smile? The thought of someone else waking up next to my ex thinking they’ve won the lottery. Whereas it’s me who’s won my life back. I actually feel happy and excited about the future, and I can’t remember the last time I felt that way. What makes me a little disappointed with myself, he might have had an affair but why the hell did I stay in that relationship for so long?’

  Sam smiled at her. ‘I can hear the passion in your voice.’

  ‘I’m beginning to realise that I’ve only stayed where I live for so long because the house I’m living in once belonged to my grandparents. But now, if I were to leave it behind, I could use it as a stepping stone into the rest of my life.’

  ‘Your grandparents will still be with you wherever you land.’

  Verity was mulling everything over. ‘It is time for changes. I’m sorry I upset you this morning. It wasn’t anything to do with me and you were right, I shouldn’t judge a situation when I’m not in it myself.’

  ‘I appreciate the apology and I’m sorry too.’ He reached across and took her hand. ‘I’m not used to someone telling me exactly how it is.’

  ‘I can be a little bossy sometimes. Maybe I need to work on that.’

  ‘A little bossy?’

  Verity playfully swiped him before standing up and wandering back to the van. She soon returned holding a blanket. ‘It’s getting a little chilly.’ Moving her chair closer to his, she laid the blanket across both of them. She felt a tiny thrill when Sam unexpectedly slipped his hand under the blanket and rested it on her knee. He stretched out, his legs brushing against hers, and she felt a flush of warmth. Verity had never been swept off her feet before, but this was beginning to feel like the start of something significant.

  They stared at each other in a contemplative silence, both smiling, until he leaned forward and hooked a stray strand of hair behind her ear like it was the most natural thing in the world. She knew the connection between them was strong in this moment and she took the chance to ask a question that had been bugging her.

  ‘Just remind me again why you’re choosing the single life? I saw everyone falling all over you in the pub. You could have your pick of any of those girls.’

  ‘I just don’t think you need to be in a relationship to be happy. I live in each moment, just like now, and enjoy things for what they are. Are you feeling happy now?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘That’s my point. The beginning of the night wasn’t the best but sitting here with you, I’m happy. What more do I need than that?’

  Ava had said the same thing to her in the past. Just enjoy the time you spend with someone without wondering what it will turn into or whether you’ll see them again. But Verity had never experienced such a carefree life before. Every time she found someone attractive, she knew where she stood right from the beginning and the other person always wanted what she did. To her, just going with the flow had always been like wasting time.

  But given that her previous relationships had never worked out, although each one had been mapped out in the hope that they would be happy ever after, maybe it was time to adopt a different approach and live in the moment.

  ‘And what is this?’

  Sam looked at her. His gaze warmed her body all over, and anticipation of his answer ignited her hormones. She saw him swallow as lust pulsed through her veins. Their fingers were entwined. Sam studied her face, the gleam in his eyes telling her he liked her as much as she liked him.

  He gave her a sultry smile and at last replied. ‘Two people enjoying each other’s company.’

  His eyes didn’t leave hers. The intensity between them was increasing and Verity’s gaze dropped to his lips.

  ‘What if the right girl came along and changed everything?’

  Sam didn’t answer so Verity did what she had wanted to do since the moment she first saw him outside the greasy spoon – she kissed him. She was torn: she wasn’t sure that a one-night stand would be enough, but she wanted this moment with Sam all the same. She pulled away from the kiss slowly, but Sam cupped his hands around her face and pulled her back in.

  His kiss was tender, leaving her wanting so much more, and Verity suddenly realised that if this was going with the flow then it didn’t feel too bad. Her whole body was electrified by his touch.

  ‘I wasn’t expecting that,’ she murmured.

  ‘Yes, you were,’ he whispered.

  Risking another future broken heart, Verity stood up, taking both of his hands in hers and pulling him towards her. The moon shining on them was the perfect romantic backdrop and she was ready to take control.

  ‘I don’t want to overstep the mark,’ murmured Sam as Verity began slowly kissing him again.

  ‘I’m an adult, I know what I’m doing,’ she replied, her body alive to the thrill of never having done anything like this before. With her hands clasped around his neck, he put his hands around her waist, then slowly slid to her bare skin. His lips skimmed hers and then he deepened the kiss. Verity let out a small sigh as his tongue teased her, setting off every nerve ending in her body. Still kissing, they side-stepped to the van. Sliding the door open with her foot, she backed towards the bed.

  ‘It’s quite cosy in here.’

  ‘Isn’t it? Can I…say something?’

  Sam stopped kissing her for a second and looked at her with adoration.

  ‘I’ve never had sex with a man who is wearing fluffy pink socks.’

  ‘Well, prepare yourself, because I’m keeping them on. It’s cold in here!’ He grinned foolishly at her.

  She threw back her head and laughed as Sam lifted her off her feet, laid her down on the bed and lowered himself onto the mattress. Turning him on his back, Verity straddled him, all her worries about a future broken heart evaporating as her hands slid under his shirt. She gave a tiny groan as her hands traced the contours of his body. She began to unbutton his shirt slowly, already imagining the feel of his chest against her naked skin. Sam quickly whipped off the shirt as she lowered her lips to his chest and began kissing his body. Soon her hands were raking through his hair as he flipped her onto her back.

  She gave another tiny gasp as Sam ran his fingers under her top then skimmed the waistband of her jeans, pulling her in close. She squirmed with pleasure as he raised her top, kissing her breasts through the soft fabric of her bra. With one swift move he unclasped it and lowered his mouth to her nipple. She shivered, her back arching as his kisses moved down her body, one hand still stroking her breast. He gently tugged at her jeans and without hesitation she wriggled out of them, leaving Sam skimming the top of her pants before she pressed herself against him, willing him to peel the knickers from her body.

  In this moment Verity wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anyone, and despite the inevitability of heartbreak, she embraced the chance of having raw passionate sex with this man, something she’d never experienced in her life before.

  Right on cue, Sam took her breath away.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Going with the flow didn’t quite have the same feeling when Verity woke up the next morning to find Sam wasn’t lying next to her. When she’d fallen asleep in his arms, she’d had a huge smile on her face – but not anymore. His clothes were gone and the pink fluffy socks were hanging on the back of the chair. Last night she was full of excitement and this morning she felt empty, like the two empty wine glasses on the small outdoor table – the only trace he’d been there. Why hadn’t he woken her and when did he sneak out?

  Sitting up in bed, she grabbed her dressing gown before swinging her legs to the floor, then pulled back the van door…and jumped out of her skin when she found Pete standing there.

  ‘Woah! You frightened the life out of me.’

  Pete tapped his watch. ‘I won’t be recommending you to Cooper if you can’t even turn up for voluntary work on time.’

  Verity wondered if he was joking and felt a sense of rising panic. ‘What time is it?’ She quickly grabbed her phone. ‘I’m so sorry, Pete, I’ve overslept.’ With the wine and the kissing and the…Sam…she’d forgotten to set her alarm.

  ‘I’ll wait five minutes…over there.’ He pointed to the cottage, where Verity noticed the other rangers were already waiting.

  Quickly closing the door, she brushed her teeth in bottled water from the fridge and pulled her brush through her hair. Stumbling, she pulled on clean clothes, slipped her feet into her trainers and lifted up her T-shirt to spray deodorant. It might have been just her imagination but she was sure she could smell sex all around her in the cramped space of her van. Hurrying towards the cottage and Pete, she noticed the other rangers making their way to their own sections of the cliff.

  ‘I slept like a log,’ she said, taking a clipboard from Pete.

  ‘Would that be down to the coastal air or the company?’

  Damn, he must have seen Sam sneak out. She took her chance to try and fill in some blanks. ‘Do you know what time he left?’

  ‘Just after six a.m., when I left the cottage to go and check on Jimmy.’

  ‘And how is Jimmy?’ She felt awful; she hadn’t given Jimmy a second thought from the moment she’d woken up.

  ‘Feeling sorry for himself but he’s eating and drinking, which is a very good sign. Sam is coming to collect him at lunchtime.’

  They walked in an awkward silence, Verity feeling a little embarrassed that Pete knew Sam had spent the night.

  ‘I don’t usually behave in that way,’ she finally blurted.

  Pete looked sideward at her. ‘Don’t feel the need to explain yourself to me. It’s none of my business. My business is you turning up for work on time.’

  ‘I’m sorry about that.’

  Pete nodded, but Verity’s mood had slumped. She knew last night had been completely her choice, she’d even felt empowered that she could make that choice, but now she was feeling regret, and it wasn’t good for her emotional health. Never having been in this situation before, she had no clue what to say or how to act when she next saw Sam.

  ‘Would you be free around two p.m.?’ asked Pete.

  ‘I’ll need to check my busy schedule.’ She smiled. ‘Yes, I’m free.’

  ‘I need to go over to the solicitors at Sea’s End to sign the contract for the sale of the surgery.’

  ‘Did you want me to come with you?’ she asked, a bit confused.

  He handed her a bunch of keys. ‘No, Sam is coming to collect Jimmy and I need someone here to let him in. I’ve already administered the medication this morning so Jimmy just needs to be handed over, the cage cleaned down, and the surgery locked again.’ Pete must have sensed Verity’s hesitation. ‘Or I can rearrange the solicitors? I just didn’t schedule in a dog chasing a seagull over the cliff edge when I agreed to the appointment.’

  ‘And why not? That would have been my very first thought.’ She smiled, taking the keys from him. ‘Of course I can do that for you.’ She was intrigued to find out how Sam would act towards her and whether he would acknowledge what had happened last night. It was better to see him in the privacy of the surgery than to run into him in the street.

  As they began to count the puffins, Verity realised she was quieter than yesterday. She couldn’t get Sam off her mind. Even though he’d been honest with her and told her that he wasn’t looking for a relationship, she couldn’t help feeling down because he’d left without saying goodbye. She should be revelling in the fact that she had been wrapped in the arms of a gorgeous man and enjoyed great sex, but instead she was disappointed, because when she’d played the scenario out in her head, they’d woken up together and he’d told her what a great night he’d had, before asking to see her again. Instead, she’d woken alone and had no idea where they stood with one another.