Bea's Book Wagon, page 6
‘Lochlan,’ Bea repeated under her breath, God, even his name is exotic.
‘Do you live around here?’
‘I’ve only just moved here; a couple of weeks ago actually,’ she said, unable to take her eyes off him.
‘Ah that explains it, I’m sure I’d have remembered if I’d seen you around before…’
Was he flirting with her?
‘You live nearby?’ she asked.
‘Yes, near the village. I try to get out for a walk down here a couple of times a week, it’s normally pretty quiet,’ he laughed.
‘And then we came along…’ said Bea. ‘Sorry to cause you all this trouble, you’re soaked through,’ she said, her eyes flicking back to those well-defined abs.
‘It’s just a bit of water, no harm done.’
‘Even so—’
‘Honestly, I’m glad I could help,’ said Lochlan, sitting down on the bank to pull his wellies back on.
‘Can I at least get your clothes dry-cleaned to say thank you?’
‘How about a drink instead?’ he said, his dark eyes glinting. ‘Saturday night?’
‘Oh,’ said Bea, suddenly self-conscious. A drink? Did he mean a date? ‘That would be lovely.’
‘Good,’ said Lochlan, flashing her a perfect smile. Wow, those teeth really were sparkling. ‘Meet you at the Apple Tree at seven?’
‘Perfect,’ she said, beaming at him. ‘See you then.’
Then she watched him walk away, her heart pounding.
* * *
‘But, Jess, this was different, nothing like Rory or Dillon,’ said Bea. ‘It was literally the perfect meet-cute. He didn’t think twice, just jumped right in the river. When he climbed out, his T-shirt was soaking wet, just like Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice. Exactly the same. He was giving off total Darcy vibes. It’s got to be a sign—’
‘Bea, you always say this and it’s never a sign. Real life just isn’t like that; you don’t even know this guy, he could be a total—’
‘He isn’t.’
‘How do you know?’
‘I just do. He’s tall, dark and handsome. He’s an actual real-life hero and how often do you meet one of those?’
‘Well, just take it slowly this time, for God’s sake!’
‘Of course I will.’
‘But you always say that and then by date number two you’re head over heels obsessed.’
‘This time it’s different, Lochlan’s different. I’ve just got a feeling about him.’
‘I hope you’re right, Bea, but just be careful, okay?’
‘Promise.’
As Bea hung up the phone, she couldn’t stop thinking about how she had met Lochlan. It really was like something from one of the romance novels she loved so much, and if that wasn’t a sign, she didn’t know what was.
CHAPTER 8
Bea arrived at the Apple Tree on Saturday at seven on the dot. She spotted Lochlan at the bar and her shoulders relaxed a little. They hadn’t swapped numbers, and a tiny part of her thought he might not show up.
‘Hiya,’ said Lochlan, his face splitting into a grin. ‘What can I get you?’ he asked.
‘Let me get them,’ she said, quickly.
‘Don’t be daft, what do you fancy?’ he said, pulling his wallet out of his jeans pocket.
‘If you’re sure? A rum and coke, please,’ said Bea, slipping off her jacket and flicking her hair off her shoulders.
‘You turned up then,’ he said, tapping his card to pay.
‘Of course! Did you think I might stand you up?’ she asked, surprised.
‘I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t crossed my mind. I forgot to get your number.’
‘Yeah, I know,’ said Bea, ‘I thought the same.’
‘I’m glad it wasn’t just me,’ he said, clearly relieved.
‘It wasn’t,’ she smiled.
‘Shall we grab a table?’
‘Sure,’ said Bea, heading for a corner booth and sliding along the bench.
‘How’s your dog after his swim?’
‘Oh, he’s fine,’ she laughed. ‘I still can’t believe you did that…’
‘The water wasn’t deep. I’m just glad he’s okay.’
‘Thanks to you, he is,’ said Bea, smiling.
‘And I got to meet you, which was an added bonus,’ he said, flashing another perfect smile at her.
God he’s gorgeous.
‘So, what brings you to Blossom Heath? You said you’d just moved here?’
‘That’s right. I’ve moved in with my brother. He’s got a house on the Meadowgate Mead estate.’
‘And you like it there?’
‘Yeah. It’s got a cosy feel to it, even though it’s new; not like some of those other new builds you see. You know, kind of soulless?’ She noticed Lochlan’s smile widening. ‘What?’
‘It’s just that… well, I worked on that development.’
‘Gosh! Did you? Well, it’s lovely.’
‘Thanks. I’m pretty proud of it.’
‘So, you’re a builder then?’ she asked.
‘No, I’m a property developer,’ he said, taking a sip of his pint.
‘Wow. And what does that mean exactly?’
‘I look for parcels of land – old properties, sites that can be built on, redeveloped, that kind of thing – negotiate the deals, and help plan the developments. It’s pretty lucrative.’
‘I bet!’ said Bea, impressed.
‘What about you? What do you do?’ Lochlan asked.
‘Well,’ Bea hesitated, she wasn’t sure how Bea’s Book Wagon compared to Lochlan’s impressive resume. ‘I’m at a crossroads at the moment. I’ve just left my job to set up my own business.’
‘Doing what?’ he asked.
‘I’m converting an old horsebox, turning it into a mobile bookshop, well, trying to, at least. It’s early days,’ she said.
‘How brilliant!’ he said, enthusiastically. ‘So, you’re a bookseller then?’
‘Hoping to be, yes,’ she said, sipping her drink. ‘I’m going to be working at the Cosy Cat for a bit, too, just while I get the business up and running.’
‘I love that place!’ said Lochlan, ‘They do the best macchiatos.’
‘I haven’t started yet,’ said Bea quickly, ‘Monday’s my first day.’
‘I’ll try to pop by.’
‘Thanks,’ said Bea, ‘I’ve never worked as a barista before, I’m just hoping I don’t screw up.’
‘You’ll be fine.’
‘I hope so,’ said Bea, feeling a bubble of nerves in her stomach at the prospect of her first day. ‘So, what else do you get up to, when you’re not saving dogs or building houses?’
‘Ha! All the usual stuff, I guess: playing footie, eating out, catching up with my mates, dating.’
‘Dating?’ Bea wasn’t sure this counted as date. Perhaps Lochlan was just being friendly? She swallowed hard before asking, ‘So… is this a date?’
‘Erm, I hope so?’ he said, fixing his dark eyes on her.
God those eyes were intense.
‘In fact,’ he said, clearing his throat, ‘I was hoping you might agree to a second? How about Thursday? There’s somewhere I’d like to take you.’
‘Uh-huh,’ Bea nodded. All she could do right now was stare into his beautiful, big eyes.
‘Pass me your phone,’ said Lochlan, reaching out his hand. ‘Let me give you my number.’
* * *
‘You came back!’ said Bea, beaming as Arthur made his way towards the enquiry desk at the library on Sunday.
‘Had to, my dear. I whizzed through the book you found me in no time. I’m here for another one,’ he said.
‘I’m pleased you enjoyed it,’ she beamed, placing The Killing Floor on the returns pile.
‘I loved it,’ said Arthur, his eyes sparkling. ‘That Lee Child fellow is a very talented writer.’
‘He really is,’ Bea agreed.
‘Much better than the television series, I think, but then again, I always prefer the book.’
‘Oh, me too. It’s always a bit of a let-down when they adapt something I love into a movie; it’s never as good. I’ll go grab you the next one in the series,’ she said, hurrying off to the crime section.
When Bea returned to the desk, Arthur was flicking through the library’s What’s On pamphlet.
‘See anything you fancy?’ she asked.
‘I was thinking about joining a book club. I don’t suppose you run one here?’
‘We don’t, I’m afraid,’ said Bea, shaking her head, ‘but I’ll ask around. I’m sure there must be one locally.’
‘I’ve got so much time on my hands these days,’ said Arthur, his voice cracking a little. ‘When you get to my age, the hours just seem to stretch out in front of you, and most of my friends… well, they’re no longer with us.’
‘Oh, Arthur, I’m so sorry to hear that,’ said Bea, kindly. ‘You’re welcome here any time, you know. If you just want to sit and read or have a browse. I’m here at the weekends and I’ll always stick the kettle on for you.’
‘Thank you, my dear. That’s very kind.’
‘I’ve brought you the next two books in the Reacher series, that should keep you busy for a while,’ said Bea, scanning them out, ‘and number three is an absolute corker, you’re going to love it!’
‘Excellent! Thank you,’ said Arthur, putting the books in his shopping bag and turning to leave.
‘Arthur?’ Bea called after him. ‘Fancy a cuppa before you go?’
‘Now? Aren’t you busy?’
‘Busy?’ said Bea, looking around her, ‘you’re the only other person here.’
‘In that case, my dear, I take milk and two sugars,’ he replied, his face breaking into a smile.
* * *
‘Wow, Nate, this looks amazing! I didn’t expect you to have made a start without me,’ said Bea, surveying the brand-new floor he’d installed in the horsebox. ‘I was going to start prepping this afternoon.’
‘I had some free time, so thought I may as well crack on. How was the library?’
‘Great. It was quiet, but there’s this lovely old man called Arthur who came in today. I made him some tea and we had a bit of a natter. I think he’s a bit lonely, to be honest.’
‘Well, I’m sure you lifted his spirits. That was good of you, Bea, to take the time. But that’s you all over…’
‘What is?’
‘You’re kind. It’s probably my favourite thing about you.’
‘Stop, you’re going to make me blush!’ said Bea, her cheeks turning rosy anyway.
‘Okay,’ said Nathan, suppressing his laughter. ‘Anyway, I can stick around, give you a hand?’
‘Only if you’ve got time?’
‘I have,’ he said, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt to reveal his tattoos.
Bea’s eyes rested on his forearms for a moment. Clearing her throat, she asked, ‘Shall I start washing everything first? Then we can both sand away the rust and grime and prep the surfaces for painting.’
‘Oh, so glamourous,’ sniggered Nathan.
‘I’ve bought buckets and rubber gloves, they’re by the door.’
‘And I brought these,’ said Nathan, throwing her a pair of ugly, brown overalls.
‘Really?’ said Bea, frowning. ‘I’m not sure brown’s my colour?’
‘Unless you want that sweatshirt ruined?’
‘I absolutely don’t,’ said Bea, shaking her head.
‘Overalls it is, then.’
‘Who knew you were so bossy?’ said Bea, almost toppling over as she stepped into her overalls.
‘Woah!’ said Nathan, grabbing her arm to steady her.
‘Thanks,’ she said, gripping him tightly. She could feel his biceps through his shirt.
Wow, he was… strong.
For reasons she didn’t want to acknowledge, she didn’t want to let go. ‘Right,’ she said, finally turning away. ‘Let’s make a start then, shall we?’
CHAPTER 9
‘Mum! What are you doing here?’ asked Bea, halfway through her first shift at the Cosy Cat.
‘How’s it going?’ asked Carol.
‘Good, I think. I’m still getting the hang of the coffee machine, it’s so complicated.’
‘She’s doing great,’ said Tori, wiping her hands on her apron.
‘Mum, this is Tori,’ said Bea, ‘Tori, this is my mum, Carol.’
‘Good to meet you,’ said Carol, shaking Tori’s hand. ‘Thanks for giving Bea the job, I know she really appreciates it.’
‘Oh, it’s no problem. She’s very capable, and if it helps her out while she’s doing up the horsebox, I’m happy to help,’ said Tori. ‘I’m excited to see the book wagon when it’s finished.’
‘You and me both,’ said Carol, beaming. ‘I wasn’t sure about it when she first told me. Quitting her job like that, I was…’
‘Horrified?’ said Bea, arching an eyebrow.
‘I was just… surprised, that’s all,’ said Carol. ‘But now I’ve had time to get used to the idea, I can see the potential.’
‘Me too,’ said Tori, enthusiastically. ‘And anything I can do to help, I will.’
‘Tori’s got a business degree, she’s been helping with my business plan,’ Bea explained.
‘That’s kind of you,’ said Carol.
‘Grab a table, Mum, and I’ll come and take your order?’ suggested Bea.
‘I can’t stop, I’m off to see Maggie. Can I get two skinny lattes to go?’ said Carol.
‘Absolutely,’ said Bea, ‘coming right up,’ she said, filling the portafilter with coffee beans.
‘Hey, you!’ said a familiar voice. Bea turned to see Lochlan standing at the counter. He was wearing a navy suit with a crisp white shirt.
He looked jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
‘Oh, Lochlan, hi!’ Bea stuttered. Why did she suddenly feel all fingers and thumbs?
‘How’s your first day going?’ he asked.
‘Aren’t you going to introduce us, sweetheart?’ said Carol, pointedly.
‘Oh, yeah,’ Bea mumbled. ‘This is Lochlan. Lochlan, this is my mum, Carol.’
‘Lovely to meet you, Carol,’ said Lochlan.
‘You too,’ Carol replied. ‘So, how do you know Bea?’
‘We met on the footpath by the river. She was in a spot of trouble with her dog,’ said Lochlan, leaning against the counter.
‘What trouble?’ said Carol, turning to Bea. ‘What happened?’
‘Oh, it was nothing,’ said Bea. ‘He just got tangled in his lead, Lochlan helped me sort it out,’ she continued, flashing him a look.
‘Er, yes, that’s right,’ he said, catching on. ‘We laughed about it at the pub afterwards,’ added Lochlan.
Bea threw him a look to say please stop talking.
‘You went for a drink?’ asked Carol, excitedly.
‘Oh, yeah,’ said Lochlan, grinning. He immediately realized from the look on Bea’s face that he’d said the wrong thing. ‘We bumped into each other at the pub and got chatting,’ he backtracked.
Lochlan mouthed ‘Sorry’ to Bea over Carol’s shoulder.
‘Anyway, here are those lattes, Mum,’ said Bea, passing them across the counter. ‘You don’t want to keep Maggie waiting.’
‘No, I suppose not,’ said Carol. ‘Lovely to meet you, Lochlan.’
‘You too,’ said Lochlan.
‘Bye, Mum. Thanks for popping in,’ said Bea, watching her walk out the door. ‘Thank God for that,’ she said, slumping on the counter as soon as Carol was out of sight.
‘Sorry, I dropped you in it, didn’t I?’ said Lochlan, wincing.
‘Don’t worry about it. I’d not told her what happened with Wordsworth, that’s all.’
‘And the pub thing? Embarrassed to be seen with me, eh?’ he teased.
‘God, no!’ said Bea, mortified. ‘I’d just literally never hear the end of it, you know?’
‘I get it. My mum’s the same.’
‘You mean you don’t want to introduce me to her already?’ said Bea, in mock horror.
‘No!’ he replied, looking stricken. ‘It’s not that—’
‘Relax, I’m only joking,’ Bea laughed. ‘Anyway, what can I get you?’ she asked, flashing him her best smile.
‘Flat white to go, please.’
‘Coming up,’ she said, grabbing another takeaway cup from the stack on the counter.
‘Are you still good for Thursday?’
‘Yes, I’m looking forward to it. Where is it we’re going, again?’
‘It’s a surprise, but I think you’re going to love it,’ he said, pulling out his wallet. ‘I’ll pick you up at eight, if that works?’
‘Great. I’ll ping you my address.’
‘See you Thursday, then,’ he said, his hand lingering on hers as she passed him his coffee.
‘Can’t wait,’ she murmured, watching him leave.
* * *
‘Have you thought about a colour scheme yet?’ Jess asked, as they sat on the sofa at Archie’s place.
‘What do you think about baby blue for the outside? And then the lettering in pale pink along the side?’
‘Pastels are lovely, but they do get dirty quickly. Maybe go for slightly darker shades?’ suggested Jess, unfurling her legs from under her.
‘Good idea! I’m ordering the paint online, it’s a fair bit cheaper than in store. And I’m painting the panelling inside in white to help it feel more spacious. I could add a bit more colour with rugs and cushions, though.’
‘How are you doing for money?’
‘I’ve got a few hundred left in my account, and Nathan reckons that should be enough to get everything else done. He’s sorted the wood for me – he had loads left over from other jobs on the farm – and that’s saved me hundreds.’
‘Result!’
‘Yeah, I know. He’s been such a help; I wouldn’t have been able to get it done without him.’
‘Do you two fancy a takeaway tonight? My treat,’ said Archie, planting himself on the sofa next to Jess.
‘Er… yes!’ said Bea.
‘Like you even have to ask,’ said Jess.
‘Pizza?’ suggested Archie, scrolling through the options on his phone
