Summer at West Sands Guest House: A perfect feel good, uplifting romantic comedy. Maggie Conway

Oh, yes I’m fine.’ She managed a little laugh but couldn’t stop a furious blush flooding her cheeks. They regarded one another for a moment and Molly’s heart dipped as she recognised the driver who’d made the emergency stop for her and Anna last night. She cringed inwardly, dropping her gaze. She decided ignorance was the best plan and just hoped he wouldn’t recognise her.

      ‘Are you sure you’re okay? Do you need someone to look at your head?’ he asked looking at her with concern.

      ‘No, honestly. I didn’t feel a thing,’ she lied, beginning to feel uncomfortable under his scrutiny.

      ‘Have you been to a golf range before?’

      Molly frowned. ‘Lots of times actually,’ she replied defensively, not liking the feeling he was assessing her in some way.

      ‘Try to take care then, we don’t want anyone hurting themselves.’

      Molly bristled that his concern was now bordering on admonishment and wished he’d just go away. Perhaps sensing her irritation, he managed to impart a perfunctory smile. Something about his manner was distinctly reserved, almost as if he wasn’t sure he wanted to be there. Or worse, didn’t want her to be there. She hoped he wasn’t one of the sexist ignoramuses who thought women shouldn’t play golf because if he was she might just swing the club in his direction. Molly was just wondering exactly who he was when he introduced himself.

      ‘I’m Tom Kennedy, one of the golf professionals here.’

      So that explained his concern. He was probably making sure she wasn’t going to make some sort of injury claim. And knowing he was a professional sportsman certainly explained his physique and healthy, outdoorsy look. He held out a hand for her to shake, her hand feeling tiny in his large, firm grip.

      ‘I’m Molly Adams.’

      ‘As long as you’re all right, then,’ he said gruffly.

      Even in her slightly inebriated state last night, some part of Molly’s brain had registered the handsome driver as he passed. Sober and up close her assessment was the same. In fact, he was very handsome, she observed now, her eyes taking in his piercing blue eyes, short dark hair and square jaw. He was tall with powerful-looking shoulders and Molly felt a ripple of attraction run through her. Clearly the alcohol was still fizzing its way through her system.

      Seemingly reassured she wasn’t about to pass out he took a step back and leaned against the partition board, his large frame filling the small space. Molly’s eyes drifted to his tanned forearms and swallowed hard.

      ‘Are you here on holiday in St Andrews?’

      She nodded. ‘My brother and his family have taken a guest house for the summer so I’m staying with them for a few weeks.’

      ‘Do you play much golf?’ he asked.

      Molly got the sense he was trying to appear friendly but it wasn’t coming easily to him. If he was one of the new owners he might want to brush up on his people skills.

      ‘I was captain for my local club’s girls’ team and I’ve played some great courses actually.’

      She saw his eyebrow arch in surprise. Great, next she’d be saying she was best friends with Tiger Woods. ‘I mean I’ve never played seriously or anything and I haven’t played for ages so obviously I’m out of practice,’ she back-tracked desperately, suddenly finding her feet fascinating to look at. Reluctantly she dragged her gaze up, detecting the tiniest flicker of amusement in his eyes.

      ‘Are you planning on any more golf while you’re here?’

      ‘Hopefully. Just some practice at the range. See if I can drag my brother out for a game.’ Molly wondered if he was really interested or just going through the motions.

      ‘It’s a good course here at Drumloch and it’s only nine holes which is ideal if you haven’t played for a while.’

      ‘Um, sure, thanks. That’s good to know.’

      He shifted his weight from one leg to another and Molly detected an almost indiscernible discomfort as he did so. She sensed a suppressed energy from him, something she couldn’t put her finger on and despite herself she felt her curiosity piqued by the man with the intense eyes standing in front of her. She gave herself a shake, deciding it was definitely time for her to go.

      ‘I should be leaving,’ she said, beginning to gather her things.

      ‘You really are okay? You’re not hurt?’ he checked again.

      ‘Definitely not hurt, thanks.’

      He looked at her while running a hand across the back of his neck, appearing slightly awkward. ‘Hope to see you again then.’

      Molly smiled though doubted he meant that. She turned and walked away, noticing her hangover had totally disappeared.

       Chapter Four

      A few days later Molly and Anna were on their way to a house viewing but got distracted passing a pretty café called The Coffee Hut, with blue and white striped awnings hanging over the window.

      ‘We’ve got time, haven’t we?’ Molly looked at Anna, her stomach already rumbling in anticipation. After a quick glance at her watch, Anna agreed it was a splendid idea. Inside was warm and cosy, scents of coffee and baking mingling in the air and they stood at the counter for a few minutes trying to choose from all the delicious baking on display. Anna finally settled on a homemade scone with raspberry jam while Molly opted for the lemon shortbread.

      They settled at one of the tables by the window, taking in their surroundings. The café was busy with customers, some chatting and some hunched over laptops. Apart from one exposed brick wall the others were painted different colours and covered in artwork.

      The past couple of days had slipped by pleasantly. It was only after a few restorative nights’ sleep at the guest house that Molly appreciated just how badly she’d been sleeping at home. After Colin left she had considered sleeping in the spare room but had obstinately remained in the marital king-size bed. She had piled pillows where her husband used to lie and on nights when sleep wouldn’t come they proved to be very useful for pummelling.

      Luke and Lily were looking rosy-cheeked and healthy. They had been swimming and had enjoyed a day at the aquarium. The spiders, seals and meerkats had gone down very well, especially with Luke. Molly knew what an important time it was for Stuart, Anna and the children; there was a lot for them all to adjust to and so she’d tried to help out as much as possible. She had also wanted to give them time as a family and so had taken herself off now and again. In theory she was supposed to be addressing her thoughts to the future but her thinking only got so far before she became overwhelmed and apart from a few tentative job searches she had to admit she hadn’t done much.

      A waitress set down their order, which looked delicious, and Molly took a bite of the moist, crumbly shortbread, rolling her eyes in appreciation while Anna poured tea from a white ceramic teapot into pretty matching cups.