the day together.” He came back as Jude moved forwards until they met in the middle. Both of his hands were rammed into his pockets, Jude noticed, his smile easy but superficial, now that he looked closer. Rob inclined his head in the direction of the Anchor. “You can go back while Lou stays at Marc’s. Let him coddle her for the morning.” At that, his expression did warm, so genuine in comparison. “He’ll take good care of her. And I… I had plans for this morning anyway.”
This time, Rob tilted his head towards the village car park, and he pulled a set of keys from his pocket, staring at them like they were fascinating until Jude said, “I do want to.” His head shot up then, eyes deep pools Jude could have fallen into. He found his voice came out rougher. “Spend the day with you, I mean.”
Rob didn’t answer but he smiled, and Jude felt a whole lot better, following Rob as he led the way once more into the car park. Two vehicles were parked there, one likely belonging to the tourists who’d interrupted them, the other a vintage sports car, well-kept and gleaming.
“What’s this? A present from Daddy? Didn’t have you down as a boy racer,” Jude said, taking in sleek lines and chrome. He noticed that Rob glowed again, watching as Jude inspected something special to him.
“Dad didn’t buy her for me. He wasn’t exactly pleased when I found her,” Rob said. “And I wouldn’t ever race her.” He was reverent, his touch to the roof a caress, his turn of the key in the door lock, careful. “You’d put all the other cars to shame, wouldn’t you, darling?” He got in and reached over to unlatch the passenger side door, not one bit embarrassed about cooing over a car.
Jude lowered himself, having trouble folding his long legs until Rob reached down between them. “The seat release is a bit tricky,” he said as the seat finally gave in and slid back. “I know it’s not the most practical vehicle for business.” Rob started the engine. It caught with a roar, despite the car’s advanced age. He reversed out of the space and started uphill, taking care around the twists of cobbled streets that grew ever steeper. “Got to admit, there were a few times last winter when I wished for a four-wheel-drive instead of an old lady like Betsy.”
“Betsy?”
“That’s right.” Rob made another confession. “Could have done with something bigger, to be honest, especially when I got carried away at auctions.”
“Not much boot space?”
“Virtually none,” Rob said, sounding strangely happy about that. “Just like Dad warned when I bought her.” He patted the leather-covered steering wheel as if still pleased at the inconvenience. “We managed. Besides, Marc helped us out with his car, if we needed.”
Jude was flooded with sudden questions, like how come Marc was back in Porthperrin if his family had left, and how come Lou had chosen to go to his place rather than to Susan and Carl’s. He opened his mouth to ask, only stopping when Rob patted the steering wheel again, murmuring. “You’re perfect for me, darling,” he said like the car could hear him. The light struck Rob one more time as they crested the top of the hill, touching the tips of his dark hair fiery.
“Gorgeous,” Jude said without thinking as they left Porthperrin.
“She is, isn’t she?” Rob agreed as if Jude was still talking about his car, but his real smile was back along with a flush, as if he’d caught Jude’s real meaning.
13
After leaving the village, Rob didn’t drive too far before pulling over and stopping the engine.
“What are you doing?”
“What does it look like?” Rob unfastened his seatbelt and opened his door. Jude followed slowly.
“We’re barely half a mile out of the village. I think Lou would prefer it if we gave her a bit more space than this.”
“We will.” Rob leaned in and grabbed a bag from the bench-seat. He slung it over his shoulder. “But first, I’ve got a couple of things to check out.” He jogged across the lane before looking back over his shoulder. “Are you coming, or not?” He then slipped through a gap in the hedge without waiting for Jude’s answer.
Jude crossed the lane to find Rob waiting where trees formed a shady tunnel. “Hmm.” Rob tapped a finger over his pursed lips. “Nearly ready, but not quite.” He reached up to snag a dinner-plate sized cluster of