AllFreeNovel
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“I wasn’t ready to sleep,” he says, as if that’s enough of an explanation.
“Neither am I.”
He lies on the bed and props himself up on a pillow at the end.
We stare at each other, just listening.
“I didn’t think I’d be able to stay here for more than a few weeks,” I start, remembering how I felt just a few days ago. “But it’s Cornwall. It’s good for my soul.” Listening to the rain is mesmerising here. Like it’s playing its own song, the wind and the sea joining in the orchestra, playing my own lullaby.
“I hope it’s not just Cornwall that makes you want to stay?”
“Well, now you mention it.”
“Oi.” He grabs me from my spot by the window, pulls me towards the bed, and we fall down amongst the pillows and covers.
We both listen as if calmed by the sound of the rain.
“It’s beautiful. I’ve always loved Cornwall,” I confess.
“I’d want to come back if it’s with you again. Have this again every year. Just us.”
“That’s a grand gesture, Jeremy Archer.”
“And one I’d like to keep.”
“Soooo, this isn’t just a summer fling?” I voice my deepest fear.
“Nothing with you is temporary, Anna. I don’t care what anyone says.”
Chapter Ten
In the summer, Molly’s is always busy, so I book us a table. We drive the familiar road down to the village, and I can’t help but feel giddy about sharing this with Jeremy.
We park in the village, walk down to the beach, and into the diner. It’s bustling with people, some still hanging out after a day at the beach. We’re shown to a booth, and we slide in opposite one another. I’m strangely nervous about Jeremy’s opinion. He’s from a completely different world to this, but I’m sharing a part of my life with him and don’t want it to be underwhelming.
“Cool.” He picks up the menu, but I already know what I’m having: a burger with the works. It’s about time I indulged in something pure, simple, and satisfying.
“There’s no competition for food here. You’ve got to get the burger. The only real choice is your milkshake. What’s your indulgence, Mr?”
“Okay. Well, I think a place like this would venture further than your traditional chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, so what do you recommend?”
“Nope. This is a pivotal part of the relationship. No interference, just your first-choice shake.” He knows I love my chocolate fudge ice cream, and the shake is nearly as good as that here, but I don’t know what his choice will be. Getting to do this and learning another small piece of information about him makes my heart sing. Like I’m building the real picture of him, for me, and only me.
“Okay. I would have to go for the banana.”
“Seriously?” I scrunch up my nose.
“Yep.”
“With a cheeseburger and fries?” I clarify, checking if I’ve missed something. Banana is my least favourite.
“Why not?”
“Okay, it’s your order.” I sit back. The waitress comes and we both order the ‘dirty burger’ with fries and our choice of shakes. It’s busy, and we take in the hustle and bustle.
“This place is kinda quirky.”
“If by quirky you mean pretty cool, I agree,” I say confidently.
