âI asked her to help me look for Dixie, but apparently she was too busy.â
Another glare was tossed my way. What was this guyâs problem?
âAnd he came barrelling out of the pub without looking where he was going and crashed into me. It was a⦠unique way to welcome me to the village, Iâll give you that.â I gave him my sweetest smile. Needless to say, it wasnât returned.
âWell, charming as this has been, I need to go and give Dixie a bath.â
He moved towards the staircase but Rose stepped in front of him, her arms folded across her broad chest. âNoah William Hartley, I will not have you being so rude to people and forgetting your manners! Now, introduce yourself properly to our new guest.â
I saw a blush creep into Noahâs cheeks; from the looks of things, he was used to being chastised. He sighed loudly and flashed a quick smile in my direction.
âNoah Hartley,â he said, sticking a hand out. âPleased to meet you.â
I was surprised to hear that it didnât sound forced or sarcastic. Heâd probably have got a clip round the ear from Rose if it had.
âEmily Reed,â I replied. âIâm from Walter Marshall Hotels.â
All at once, the atmosphere darkened and Noah quickly snatched his hand back before I could shake it. His brows knitted together and he glared at me.
âSo, youâre here to take Roseâs place away from her, are you? Well, you can get in your car and go back to wherever you came from because Sunflower Cottage isnât for sale!â
Roseâs jaw dropped and she shot him a look that could probably have turned the average person to stone. For such a kindly woman, I guessed she could be fierce when the situation demanded it.
âHer car actually broke down by the side of the road,â she said, her icy voice jarring with the houseâs warm and loving atmosphere. âSo, if youâd like her to leave, I suggest you get it towed to the garage. Why donât you get on with that after youâve given Dixie a bath?â
Judging by the look on her face, Noah would have been a fool not to do as she said. Although sheâd phrased it as a question, it was evident he didnât have a lot of choice in the matter.
âOh, youâre the local mechanic then,â I said, raising my eyebrows in surprise. âYou donât look like one!â
He rounded on me, his face still set in the same surly expression. âOh yeah? What do I look like then?â
I badly wanted to reply âa torn-faced disasterâ but knew that wasnât a wise idea. Heâd probably cut my brake cables or something if I did.
Noah looked like he was about to say something else, but luckily Rose beat him to it. âGo on then, Noah, Dixieâs filthy!â
His mouth opened and closed a few times, as though he had so much he wanted to say that his brain didnât know where to begin. Eventually, he settled for a grunt of frustration and stormed off upstairs.
âSorry about him.â Rose craned her neck to make sure he was out of earshot before she spoke. âHeâs a lovely lad really, just forgets himself sometimes. He loves this place, bless him. Itâs been the closest thing to home for him sinceâ¦â
She trailed off and shook her head, as though trying to dislodge some unwanted thoughts. âAnyway, youâll be in room seven. Let me show you up! Itâs just up these stairs. Donât worry about your suitcase; Iâll get Noah to bring it up before he goes to get your car.â
I followed her up the wooden staircase to a door with a large gold number seven attached to it.
âThis will be your room. The sheets will be changed every day and breakfast is served from seven until nine-thirty.â Her voice carried the same warmth that permeated the entire B&B. âWhen youâre ready, Iâll be down in the kitchen. Thereâs some fresh
Alaska Angelini, A. A. Dark