Page 74 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

To the right, he could see the bend in the river close to the lock. But the main view ahead was the wide stretch of river and the fields beyond.

It was a glorious September day. The hay on the other side of the river had already been gathered and rolled, ready to be collected. The leaves on the trees were already becoming slightly tinged with yellow. Autumn was now closer than ever after the long, dry summer.

But, despite the beautiful view, all he could think about was Lily. He had heard her moving about in the bathroom and wondered how grumpy and hungover she would be when she emerged from the bedroom.

It would be a far cry from holding her in his arms after her nightmare during the night. He had woken up, still lying next to her, allowing him the luxury of being able to watch her whilst she slept. He had noted every detail. The dark eyelashes fanning her cheeks. Her skin, pale and smooth. Her dark red hair spilled across the pillow and he had reached out to stroke a wayward strand that was almost touching him. But, as quickly as he had caressed the soft lock with his fingers, he drew his hand away and quickly got up.

He went back inside, mulling over how much everything could change in a single night. Which made the riddle of why he seemed determined to keep Lily so close to him even more perplexing.

‘Good morning.’

At the sound of her soft voice, he spun around.

‘Good morning,’ he replied automatically, whilst his eyes took in the sight of her. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Awful,’ Lily told him, breaking into a shy smile. She was a little pale, he thought. ‘But I’ve had a couple of ibuprofen and feel almost human again. I’ve even had a shower.’

Her damp hair was loose around her shoulders. She was wearing the same shorts as the previous day, which clung to her long legs. She was also wearing a pale blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows and the ends tied around her flat stomach.

‘I hope it’s OK that I’ve borrowed one of your shirts,’ she said, blushing as she tugged at one of the tied ends wrapped around her waist. ‘I didn’t have anything else to change into.’

‘It’s fine. I’ve got plenty.’

They both remained silent as he poured her out a mug of coffee and handed it to her. Then he sat down on the sofa opposite to where she was sitting.

She hesitated before speaking. ‘So, erm, what actually happened last night?’

He grinned. ‘It turns out that your grandad and Arthur have been brewing moonshine in the shed. That’s what you drank.’

‘Wow. I remember that it tasted awful and was very strong.’

‘And highly flammable, as it happens,’ he added.

‘What blew up? I seem to remember fire engines?’

‘The shed.’

Her eyes widened. ‘Crikey. Was anyone hurt?’

‘No.’ He hesitated. ‘I got you and your grandad away from the fire.’

She looked at him. ‘OK. Well, thank you.’

He shrugged his shoulders. ‘That’s OK. Your mother already thanked me.’

‘Wow,’ she said, her eyes wide. ‘Talking of which, have you seen my phone?’ she asked. ‘I need to ring Mum.’

‘It’s on the coffee table. But I spoke to her earlier,’ he told her. ‘She sends her love and will talk to you later. She’s heading up to the hospital where your grandad is being discharged today. He’s had a good night and is ready to come home. No lasting effects.’

She sank back into the sofa with relief. ‘Thank goodness.’

Lily closed her eyes for a moment but Jack’s words came back to her almost immediately.No lasting effects?Maybe only for her grandad.

When she opened her eyes once more, she found him still looking at her.

‘I guess you think I’m a complete idiot,’ she said, with a groan.

He shook his head. ‘It’s me who’s to blame. You would never have been in danger if it weren’t for me.’