Fair Isle and Fortune

You’ve certainly bewitched me.

It was nice to know one of the sexiest men I’d ever met found me amusing.

Old enough to know when you’re trying to get a rise out of me.

I didn’t think we were talking about food anymore, and my stomach fluttered. Rafe got to me in a deep and elemental way. One day I was going to figure out what on earth I was supposed to do about this strong attraction. But not today.

I stiffened when he said the word couple, but Rafe said that sounded fine and dug out his wallet.

I was becoming accustomed to Rafe always knowing everything before I did. Well, not everything. I still managed to surprise him from time to time.

I was tempted to tell him that I cared for him, too. But then he’d kiss me again. And my life would become more complicated than I was able to handle.

Why is it that the simplest lines can mean more than a hundred bouquets or long, flowery speeches?

I care for you, he said simply.

Had I thought about that kiss since it happened? Of course I had. I’m female, human, and it was a great kiss.

The English village is like a microcosm of the whole world. On the outside you see the tumble of pretty cottages with their climbing roses and Union Jack bunting, but inside there’s as much darkness, rage and hate as you’ll find anywhere.