‘Say no more,’ he said with a glint in his eye.

Ella playfully hit him with the cushion. ‘I am not boring.’

‘You don’t say,’ he joked, repeating her very words. He tapped his foot against Ella’s and sent a wave of shivers down her spine. Sitting next to Roman, they were only centimetres apart, and she folded her arms and fixed her eyes on the screen. Feeling comfortable in his company, they watched the film, sharing jokes and laughing, but after a while Ella realised that Roman had closed his eyes and fallen asleep.

She took the opportunity to study his face; he was more than handsome. She thought about how he’d uprooted himself, moved miles and sacrificed his own career to move Megan away from a situation to try and help her, which showed he had a huge heart. To be a single father and bring up his daughter by himself was commendable. Roman must be exhausted with everything that was going on in his life. Knowing she liked Roman, she watched him for a moment longer. The black cloud that had been hanging over Ella since Alex disappeared had begun to lift. She was feeling happy at home and at work, and all that was missing was that special something.

Even though Roman ticked all the boxes, Ella questioned whether she was ready to trust again. She just knew she could never be hurt again. Switching down the volume on the TV, she dimmed the lights and gently covered him up with a throw.

She let him sleep as she carried on watching the film.

Chapter Fourteen

A storm was looming over Heartcross, but the majority of villagers were heading towards The Lakehouse to sample Gianni’s taster menu for the big event. This was a dress rehearsal for Gianni as well as for the waiters, and all the members of staff selected to work on the night of the event had to sign a confidentiality agreement. No one was allowed to repeat any conversations that were overheard or ask for selfies, and the staff had to remain professional at all times.

Ella had joked that it was as crazy as signing the Official Secrets Act. Hamish had kindly offered to give Callie and Ella a lift to The Boathouse to catch the water taxi, as huge dollops of rain had already started to fall over Heartcross and the winds were wild. Weather warnings were broadcasting all over the news, but that hadn’t dampened anyone’s spirits, and everyone was looking forward to the night ahead.

On the way to the boat they picked up Felicity and Isla who were excited about Dolores’ big event. In preparation they’d taken the day off work together and had travelled into the city, looking for the perfect dress for the ‘Trip Down Memory Lane’.