Second Chances at Samphire Bay (Samphire Bay Village #1)

Chapter 27

Robin was packing his rucksack with sausages, burgers, bread buns and a ready-made salad, plus a few cans of lager that had been chilled. He picked up his trusty portable folding grill and set off for Jasmine’s.

His plan was to have a romantic barbeque on the beach. He’d timed it just right for six p.m., as the sun would be setting about two hours later, which by then he hoped, they’d be suitably relaxed to enjoy a magnificent sky.

As Robin drove to Jasmine’s, his thoughts turned to the barbeques he’d had as a teenager on Samphire Bay. They’d been riotous at times. He laughed to himself at some of the antics he and his mates had got up to, usually ending in them stripping off their clothes to skinny dip. A far cry from his intentions tonight. His mood went from jaunty recollection to serious deliberation. There was a lot hinging on this evening. Jasmine had come to mean so much to him.

Robin wanted clarity; he felt he’d made his position clear, saying his taste in women had improved when staring straight into her eyes. Did he need to be any more obvious? He had to know exactly where he stood. It was cards on the table time. His expectations were high, why else would Jasmine appear unsettled over Ellie? He dearly hoped Jack was right about Jasmine being jealous, that was some form of indication, surely? He remembered Jack’s words, ‘Give it time Rob, you’ll know when to make a move.’ Well, the time had come, decided Robin with determination, gripping the steering wheel.

Jasmine was in a quandary over what to wear. Casual had been what Robin told her. Hmm, where were they going? she pondered. At least she’d been occupied with her attire, which kept her mind off The Talk. Not that Jasmine didn’t want to talk, but she was, if being truthful, a little daunted by the future. She’d had her life previously mapped out – a lifetime with Tom – but that had changed.

Now, her life was all about learning to readjust, to—

Go with the flow, Jas! There it was again! Tom’s voice. She stopped, startled.

‘Tom?’ she said out loud. But there was no answer, just an empty silence. How she had wanted, been desperate, to hear his voice again, ever since the first time when viewing the cottage. Maybe she’d only hear it at pivotal moments? Was her life going to take another turn after tonight? Funnily enough the daunting sensation slowly eased away, letting her breath come more easily. Jasmine reached for the white cheesecloth blouse hanging in her wardrobe and denim cut offs. She tousled her hair so it hung carefree on her shoulders. There was no need for make-up, just a touch of rose-pink lipstick did the trick. There, couldn’t get more casual than that.

There was a knock at the back door, which had Jasmine scarpering down the stairs. Opening it and seeing Robin holding a rucksack and folding barbeque told her everything about what to expect that evening.

She beamed. ‘Hello, you.’

‘Hi, thought we’d have a barbeque on the beach,’ said Robin.

‘Great!’ she exclaimed, loving the idea. ‘Should I bring anything?’

‘Nope, got it all sorted,’ he replied with a proud grin.

‘What about a bottle of wine?’

‘Even got the booze, come on, let’s go.’ He tipped his head towards the bay.

They chatted, walking along the coastal path, enjoying the gentle breeze in the air. The temperature had dropped slightly and the evening light was gradually fading as autumn loomed, but the sunsets were still amazing.

They reached the dunes and Robin unpacked his rucksack, firstly laying out a large picnic rug. He then unfolded the barbeque and set it up with the charcoal. Jasmine was impressed.

‘You look like you’ve done this before,’ she smiled, observing his speed and efficiency.

‘Many times,’ he laughed, digging in his bag for the cans of lager and passing one to her. They both opened them and clinked the tins together.

‘Cheers, and thanks for doing all this, Robin.’ She threw her head back and took a gulp of lager. It tasted cool and refreshing.

All the time Robin stared, unable to take his eyes off her. She looked beautiful and in such a natural way. He loved her effortless style, so carefree, and once again, he compared her to the stark contrast of Ellie, who had hated the sand messing up her clothes and hair. More and more he was perplexed at how he had ever come to be in a relationship with the likes of her. Jack had been right about his ex all along. He only hoped Jack was also right about Jasmine. He took a long drink and savoured the refreshing taste.

‘I really appreciate all the help you’ve given me over the past few months,’ said Jasmine, leaning back on her arm.

‘Renovating’s what I do,’ he replied. ‘It’s no big deal.’

‘But it was a huge deal to me,’ Jasmine insisted as he came to sit down next to her. ‘You dropped everything to work on my house.’

Robin looked out to sea.

‘And all your support when Tom’s killers were caught, you’ve been a rock,’ she went on.

He paused before replying. ‘You must know why.’ His voice was husky. He turned facing her, and their eyes locked. ‘I’ve fallen for you, Jasmine. Hook, line and sinker.’ He’d said it. He’d finally come out and declared his feelings. Jasmine’s eyes filled and, drawing nearer to him, her lips softly touched his. His heart almost burst. Instinctively his hands went to reach the sides of her face, pulling her closer. The kiss became more urgent, seeking and exploring each other. Robin wrapped his arms round Jasmine, wanting to feel her warm body. Jasmine entwined herself into him, loving the strength and comfort it gave her. She relished the power and safety of being held by Robin. An immense wave of assurance swept over her. They were interrupted by piercing squawks from nearby seagulls.

Slowly pulling apart, Robin grinned.

‘They can smell the food,’ he laughed, moving to the barbeque to add the meat, now the coals had heated up.

‘It is making me hungry,’ replied Jasmine as she watched him place the sausages and burgers on the grill. She helped by getting the plastic plates and putting out the salad and bread buns.

Once the cooking had finished, they sat eating contentedly.

‘This is fantastic,’ gushed Jasmine, tucking into her burger.

‘Food always tastes better when it’s cooked outside.’

After thoroughly enjoying their meal, it was followed with a few more cans of lager. They talked about their families. Robin was keen to introduce Jasmine to his parents, which to his relief didn’t faze her.

‘You’re already a hit with my mum,’ she remarked dryly.

‘Really?’ He chuckled but was pleased to hear it.

‘Oh yes, she fairly sings your praises, and Sam too for that matter.’

‘Well, that’s good to know.’ He bent down and kissed her cheek.

As if on cue, when they lay huddled together on the blanket in peaceful bliss, the radiant burnt-orange sun gradually started to dip beneath the shoreline, casting amber, pink and red flares across the cloudless sky. All was still and quiet, apart from the sound of the sea lapping against the sand. Robin leant over Jasmine, the last of the sun’s rays reflected in those gorgeous brown eyes of hers. She smiled up at him and brushed his cheek with the side of her hand. They would remember this moment forever.