Page 52 of The Weekend Getaway

Keira spotted Noah and his family standing outside the pub, grouped in small clusters with a few other people. Noah broke away from his conversation with an older guy when he spotted her.

“Did you manage to watch some of the race?” he asked.

“A bit of it, yeah. It was good fun.”

“Sorry for leaving you to fend for yourself.”

“I bumped into Lowen. He bought me a cuppa and kept me company for a while.”

“That was nice of him. It’s much more effort than he makes for the rest of us.” He looked over his shoulder as his family began to move inside the pub. “Do you mind if we head back to the cottage?”

“Whatever you want to do is fine with me.” Him wanting them to spend some time alone felt like a good sign. “What about food? I can cook something for dinner if you want?”

His cheek twitched and there was a flash of hesitation in his eyes, as though he hadn’t considered food at all. “Yeah, okay. If you don’t mind.”

“Should we say goodbye to everyone?”

Taking her hand, he led her to where Trystan was chatting to a wrinkly old gentleman. He told him they were leaving and asked him to tell the rest of the family they’d see them tomorrow.

“I love this place,” Keira said, looking around in wonder as they strolled along the quaint narrow streets. “Are you okay?” she asked, applying gentle pressure to Noah’s hand.

“Yeah. I forgot how tiring the rowing is. Especially now I’m a bit out of shape.”

“I think you’re in perfect shape.” She stopped walking and pulled him to face her, then wrapped her arms around his middle as she kissed him.

“Thanks,” he said, pulling away almost immediately. “What do you want for dinner?”

She fell into step beside him, more than a little hurt by his abruptness. After just about convincing herself that she was being paranoid about him being cold with her, she was now certain that there was something very wrong between them.

She only wished she knew what.

Chapter Seventeen

Walking around the small supermarket, Keira was reassured by the fact that Noah seemed keen to get away from the locals who greeted him. At least it wasn’t only her who he didn’t want to be around. Deciding on what to buy was painful, until she gave up on asking Noah and picked out things for dinner without his help.

By the time they got back to the cottage, she felt as though she was speaking to a brick wall and wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep up the one-sided conversation.

“What’s going on with you?” she asked when she turned around from the stove to find him staring into space.

He blinked a few times. “What?”

“You seem miles away. And you’re not speaking.”

“Sorry.” He swallowed hard. “I’ve got a headache. I’m really crap company, aren’t I?”

“I’m just worried I’ve done something to annoy you.”

“No.” He shook his head.

“Do you need painkillers or something?”

“I’ll be okay.” He didn’t look okay as he closed his eyes and rubbed at his temples.

“Is there anything I can do?”

“I don’t think so.” He tilted his head. “Would you be really offended if I went for a lie down?”

“No.” She’d be disappointed but hoped her attempt at a smile covered that. “Should I let you know when the food’s ready?”