Page 8 of Her Dom's Secret Past

Chapter Five

Anabelle

After my early-morning dip, I showered and had breakfast. By the time I’d tidied up, it was around ten-thirty. Glancing out, I saw John wading pass. Maybe I was wrong, but he seemed to be making heavy weather of it. As I watched, he actually seemed to crawl onto the rocks and sat heavily. It reinforced my idea that he was recuperating from something.

I gave him five minutes, then picked up my sun hat and went out. Trying to act casual, I kept my eyes focused on the ground, occasionally picking up a shell or a piece of pumice. Slowly, I made my way to the start of the rocks. I lifted my head and pretended to notice him for the first time. Smiling, I gave a little wave and made my way over to where he sat.

“Good morning.”

“Hello, Anabelle. How are you?”

“Great. You?”

He nodded. “Fine.”

Fine? Yeah, and I’m only twenty-one.

I noticed a sheen of perspiration on his forehead and he was holding his body rather gingerly. I knew he was way far from fine. He was almost a hospital case. I didn’t want to bring attention to it but at the same time I was rather concerned about him. Should I just ignore his obvious discomfort or mention it?

Maybe I should keep quiet.

“Do you live close?”

That should be a safe topic.

“I own a house in Marlow. I’m taking a break down here.”

“Oh, okay.”

Marlow, that didn’t ring a bell.

“What about you? Just having a break?”

“Yes, things have been rather hectic at work so it’s nice to unwind.”

“What sort of work do you do?”

“I own a bridal boutique, make one-off designer gowns.”

“That’s different. Been doing it long?”

“All my working life, although in the beginning I worked for someone else until I got enough experience under my belt. What about you, what type of work do you do?”

“I’ve actually recently retired, used to have a government job.”

“Ah, a pencil pusher.”

He gave me a grin and said, “Something like that.”

We were sitting close to the edge of the rock shelf and the tide was now coming in. If we stayed where we were much longer, we’d both be soaked. I pointed out the incoming waves.

“Think we may have to de-camp unless you want to get very wet and swim to shore.”

John studied the surf. The waves broke very close and the spray was damp on my skin. I thought I heard John give a little groan.

“You’re right. Time to move.”

I got to my feet and moved a few steps away, and then turned back to John. I didn’t mean to watch, but he was really struggling to get to his feet. I stepped back and held out a hand.