The Cosy Canal Boat Dream. Christie Barlow

long to be delivered and Guy scooted to the door and returned clutching a bulging white carrier bag that smelt delicious.

      ‘Well, this is the moment of truth,’ Guy grinned, plating up the food.

      ‘What do you mean?’

      ‘Let’s see if this is as good as the Chinese back home.’

      He gave a low whistle, ‘Actually, not bad,’ he nodded with approval while taking another mouthful.

      ‘I told you it was good!’

      Just at that moment, a buzzing noise forced them both to glance towards the sideboard, where Guy’s phone was vibrating. He placed his knife and fork on the plate and wandered across to answer it.

      For a brief moment, he stared at the screen. Nell wasn’t actually sure if he was going to answer the call, but after a couple more rings he cleared his throat and swiped the screen.

      ‘Yes,’ he said rather abruptly, which took Nell a little by surprise. She noticed he shifted uneasily from one foot to another before snorting quietly under his breath listening to the caller and looking agitated. Nell studied his profile. She couldn’t deny, with his dark hair and hazel eyes he was looking very handsome standing there in his grey lounge pants and tight-fitting white t-shirt.

      He caught Nell’s eye, then looked away.

      ‘I’m not getting into a conversation about this now, I have company.’

      Nell had no idea who the other person was on the other end of the line but Guy couldn’t seem to get rid of them fast enough.

      ‘Enjoy your trip.’ His voice was flat and he ended the call sharply, then crouched back down opposite Nell to finish his food.

      ‘You okay? That sounded a little fraught.’

      For the first time this evening Guy was silent. Nell continued to eat her food and waited for him to speak.

      ‘Just work issues,’ he mumbled.

      Nell shot him a quizzical look. ‘Any work issues in particular?’

      ‘Nothing I want to worry you about.’

      ‘Do you need to go back home?’

      ‘Maybe,’ he said.

      Nell pressed her lips together and felt her insides suddenly tremble. She wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t like the thought of Guy returning to Ireland any time soon. She was already used to him hanging around Little Rock Marina; it felt as if he’d always been here, part of the furniture.

      They both sat silently for a moment while they finished their food. Sam was still stretched out fast asleep.

      ‘Do you like living in Ireland. It’s a place I’ve never visited,’ asked Nell bracingly. A surge of emotion ran through her body.

      ‘That’s where my home and job is.’

      ‘You never answered the question,’ she said tentatively, ‘You seem to lose that spark in your eyes when you talk about work. Are you happy in your job?’

      His shoulders slumped and he shrugged, ‘It pays the bills.’

      ‘If you’re not enjoying something, just change it.’

      ‘Ever thought of becoming a counsellor, an agony aunt?’ he said, laughing. ‘If you’re not enjoying something, just change it.’ He mimicked Nell’s words.

      Gazing up at him, he was grinning at her, ‘Are you making fun of me?’ She swiped his leg playfully, ‘I was only saying!’

      ‘Sometimes you just get stuck in a rut.’

      Nell scrunched her face up, ‘I know that feeling. For the last couple of years, I’ve felt like I’ve been stuck in the same routine and existed on a day-to-day basis but I’ve finally come out the other side. Only you can change it.’

      ‘I know, I know, maybe I’ve had no reason to change it before.’

      Nell could feel his eyes clamped on her. She sipped her wine to hide her smile. Was he flirting with her? She was sure he was flirting with her. Nell was conscious of her heart pounding.

      ‘What’s stopping you from staying?’

      ‘A home, a job.’

      Nell could see Guy’s point. ‘If you’re enjoying it here, surely Ed would have enough work for you at the boatyard and, look at this place, he’s not going to kick you out of here in a hurry.’

      ‘He’s already agreed to rent this place out, in principle, to a young couple who are moving into the area.’

      ‘Oh,’ Nell replied.

      ‘Anyway, let’s change the subject. The last thing I want to be doing is talking about my boring job.’

      ‘So what shall we talk about?’

      ‘You know that boat? There’s something strange about it,’ said Guy, standing up and piling the plates on top of each other.

      ‘Which boat?’ Nell quizzed.

      ‘The one that Sam was stuck on. What was it called again?’

      Nell racked her brains for a second, ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ she recalled.

      ‘When I took Sam for a walk after work he was standing on the edge of the jetty and barking towards it.’

      ‘He’d probably spotted a bird or something?’

      ‘Maybe, but I had to yank him away.’ Guy stood up, ‘I’ll clear these plates away.’ He gathered them up and then hovered in the doorway, ‘This is what I actually miss,’ he said locking eyes with Nell.

      Nell tilted her head, ‘Miss?’

      ‘Proper adult conversation,’ he said, before turning around and disappearing towards the kitchen.

      Nell acknowledged what he was saying. For the past couple of years, she’d missed her late-night chats with Ollie, grabbing a take-away whenever the mood suited and drinking a bottle of wine together.

      ‘Sat here with you, it just feels natural. I feel relaxed for the first time in a long time,’ Guy admitted, walking back into the room and settling back down. ‘More wine?’ he asked holding up the bottle.

      ‘That’ll be lovely.’

      ‘If you want, why don’t we book an appointment to view the Old Picture House? At least then I can have a look around and give you some idea of how much you may need to spend? I used to quote for the majority of Granddad’s jobs.’

      ‘Would you do that for me?’

      ‘Of course. Like I said, I’ll be your right-hand man,’ he smiled.

      Nell felt a bubble of happiness rise inside.

      ‘Let’s book an appointment for next week.’

      ‘Leave it with me,’ Guy said, opening the door to the dresser and handing her a pile of DVDs. ‘Fancy watching one of these?’

      She glanced at the films, ‘You like chic flicks?’

      He laughed, ‘I found them in here this morning but I’m prepared to give one a go if it means …’

      Nell met his gaze, ‘If it means …?’

      ‘You’ll stay a bit longer,’ he said slowly.

      Nell chewed on her lip for a second, ‘Notting Hill it is, then. Guy Cornish, prepare yourself. You’re going to love this.’

      ‘What have I let myself in for?’ he grinned, inserting the DVD into the machine. When Guy turned round Nell had plumped up the cushions and made herself comfy on the rug. He settled next to her. Gently his fingers reached for hers. Her eyes sparkled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she nestled into