Cherry Blossoms Read Free Page B

up, Cherry said, “”I hope you’re right. Anyway, it’s the half-term holidays coming up soon. I’ll be in touch with Alan. Jay will probably go up there, so I may be able to do some extra hours.” She went to the sink and ran some cold water onto a cloth. “Here, sponge out that coffee before it stains.”
    On her way back to the upper floor guest rooms, she saw that an office door was ajar. Intrigued, she peeped in to see if it was occupied.
    “ Darius! You again. You seem to go everywhere you shouldn’t. This room is staff only. Out you go and then I’ll lock it behind you.”
    Darius followed her, a p layful grin on his lips. “How’s Jay? Still gambling?”
    “ Don’t say that. I’m in enough trouble over how I look after him. I need someone on my side, not against me.”
    “ Want to talk about it?” Darius leaned carelessly against the door frame as Cherry fished in her pocket for a master key. She looked at him – with his smiling eyes and easy manner. If only she could be as relaxed as that, he didn’t seem to have a care in the world. It would be good to unburden herself to someone, someone who wasn’t involved.
    Finding the key, she f irmly shut and locked the door. “I’d like to get things off my chest, yes. Would you mind?”
    “ Your place or mine?” he grinned.
    “ That’s just part of the trouble,” sighed Cherry. “But if I’m going to let you in on my innermost secrets, I’ll have to be sure I can trust you.”
    “ The curiosity is killing me. Tell me everything, you can count on me.”
    After Cherry had gone through her immediate problems, Darius asked, “So, why is the chalet a secret?”
    Cherry gulped as she realised she’d revealed so much to a near-stranger. However, it felt good to get things off her chest. Taking a deep breath, she added, “The owner doesn’t know I’m staying there. This is strictly between you and me. Well, Pat knows and obviously Jay knows a bit, but it’s not to be talked about freely. Understand?”
    * * *
    Cherry glimpsed Oliver’s tall figure before he was aware of her presence. Taking the opportunity to view him in repose, she was amazed at the impact he had on her. She was aware her cheeks were flaming. Her insides liquefied. She hadn’t felt like this about anyone before. It was like a schoolgirl crush, but surely she should be well past feeling like that. Even when she was at her most romantic with Jay’s father, she hadn’t felt as physically affected as now.
    “ Pat said you wanted to see me,” she stammered.
    “ Good morning, Cherry.” He interrupted her thoughts. “Come on, this is a business meeting not a coffee break.” The flinty glint in his eye made him even more attractive. “So, tell me about it.” Oliver sat, drumming his fingers on the desk. But Cherry hadn’t been listening.
    “ I . . . er . . . could you repeat the question?” She was flustered.
    “ I said I wanted to hear more about the things you’d do if the hotel were yours.”
    “ Do you? Why?” Cherry couldn’t see how her inexpert views could be of interest to Oliver. After all he was the owner and must have his own ideas.
    He stood up and fingered his tie. “When you voiced your opinion it was as though you’d already given it thought and I wondered why. Also, you spoke with such passion.” He sat down opposite her and fixed her with a penetrating gaze, waiting for her reply.
    “ I think it’s the river that makes me feel like that.” As she spoke, Cherry relaxed, wanting to share her enthusiasm with him. “The water’s so tranquil. Even though there can be strong currents and undertow, the flow of the water is peaceful. The swans float gently by. There are wonderful birds and wildflowers. You notice the seasons quite distinctly. The fishermen are part of the scenery, the river people are friendly . . .” There was a prolonged silence after she tailed off. Cherry was embarrassed. She’d said too much again. She risked a glance at