Page 76 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

He shook his head. ‘Why do you say that?’

‘You’re not one for photographs or keepsakes.’

He shrugged his shoulders. ‘Never had anything to keep before I bought this place.’

‘Do your parents ever come and visit?’

There was a short pause. ‘No.’

‘You haven’t asked them, have you?’ she said, softly.

He stood up quickly. ‘So, what else can I get you? Coffee? Water?’

She noted the change of subject as her stomach growled once more.

‘Actually,’ she began, before her voice trailed off in embarrassment.

‘What?’

‘I’m starving,’ she finally declared, giving him another shy smile.

‘Well, that’s a good sign,’ he said, breaking into a grin. ‘What you need for a hangover is some proper English food,’ he told her, and was grateful to see her eyes gleam at the thought.

‘I really should get back to the Hall,’ she said, reluctantly.

‘Rubbish. You can’t face all that on an empty stomach. Luckily, I know just the right place for us to go.’

30

After a short drive, Lily realised that they were in a small village that she sort of recognised but didn’t know very well.

They turned into the car park alongside a quaint country pub and Jack switched off the engine.

She looked up at the pub. ‘This is nice, but they seem pretty busy,’ she said.

‘They’ll have a table for me,’ he told her.

‘Why’s that?’ she asked as they both got out of the car.

‘Because I own the place,’ he replied to her amazement, before opening the door to let her in before him.

It was a traditional pub of oak beams and fireplaces that would be lit in the winter. On a warm September day, it was packed with people enjoying their lunches.

‘Jacky boy!’ came a nearby cry.

A huge man with a bald head charged across the busy room, ducking his head to avoid the dark oak beams on the low ceiling.

‘Danny!’ said Jack, his face breaking into a wide smile.

Lily was shocked to see the two men hug each other affectionately. Jack so rarely showed emotion that she was instantly certain that this was a person to trust.

‘It’s good to see you, mate,’ said Danny, taking a step backwards to smile at Lily. ‘Hello, love.’

He had a broad cockney accent and green eyes that appeared to hold a permanent twinkle in them.

Jack did the introductions. ‘Lily, this is the landlord and an old mate. Danny, this is Lily. I’ve brought her to sample your excellent cooking.’

‘Glad to hear it,’ said Danny, giving Lily’s hand an enthusiastic shake. ‘Follow me.’