“I thought you’d be here earlier,” the middle-aged woman behind the counter said when he deposited the box on the floor close to her.
“You thought wrong,” he said curtly.
From the tone of their exchange Keira gathered they didn’t have a particularly friendly relationship and watched them with interest. The woman appeared to be the owner, and the conversation was brief as she talked about sales.
Keira tilted her head when she realised the guy must be the supplier of the pottery … which made her think of Noah’s brother, Lowen. It was only as he was about to leave that Keira got a proper look at him and automatically raised her hand to wave.
There was an awkward pause before recognition flooded his features.
“Sorry.” He shook his head as he moved closer. “You’re Noah’s girlfriend … Keira?”
“Yes.” She wasn’t quite sure that was an accurate description of her relationship with Noah but didn’t like to dispute it. Instead, she glanced at the items on display in the shop. “Is this all your pottery?”
He nodded. “I was just making a delivery with some new pieces.”
“Wow. You make it all yourself? That’s incredible.”
“I have a workshop and studio over on Bryher, one of the smaller islands. The pottery’s popular with tourists. Business is starting to get busy again now. Winter’s always quiet sales-wise.”
“I’m honestly so impressed. You have such a talent. I was already thinking I was going to treat myself to one of the mugs. I definitely will now.”
Lowen glanced towards the woman at the counter, then bent closer to Keira and lowered his voice. “Don’t buy one. The markup Pippa puts on them is ridiculous. Hang on a sec.” Striding back to the counter, he ripped the tape from top of the cardboard box.
“What are you doing?” the blonde-haired woman asked sharply.
“Taking a mug,” he said, pulling one out of the box. “I’ll take it off the invoice.”
She shook her head and moved to serve a customer who’d been lingering over her cake display.
“Here,” Lowen said, handing the mug to Keira.
“You didn’t need to do that. I’d have happily bought one. I can pay you for it anyway.”
“No, don’t be daft,” he said as she got her purse out.
“At least let me buy you a coffee.” She indicated the seat opposite her and he looked thoughtful before pulling it out.
“I’m not sure she’ll even serve me a coffee,” he said conspiratorially. “But we can give it a try.”
Keira couldn’t help but smile at the way he looked at the shop owner, as though he might be about to get into trouble. “I get the impression she’s not your biggest fan. Which seems weird considering she sells your pottery.”
His smile looked suddenly forced, and he switched his attention to trying to catch the eye of the shop owner, then asked her for a cappuccino.
“So long as you realise you have to pay for it,” she grumbled.
“I thought that was how cafes worked but thanks for clarifying.” His tone was as huffy as hers. “What’s so funny?” he asked, turning back to Keira.
“Nothing.” She tried to contain her smile but clearly wasn’t effective. “You sounded like a pair of squabbling children.”
His features softened as he chuckled. “I assume you and Noah decided to stay longer? Has he abandoned you for the race?”
“Yes. They invited me along but I decided I’d rather spectate. I thought I’d explore a bit beforehand.”
“How do you like the island so far?”
“I love it. It’s beautiful. We went swimming with seals earlier. I’ve never known anything like it.”
“It’s pretty special,” he said, then paused when his coffee arrived without a word from the owner. He muttered his thanks to her retreating form. “How long have you and Noah been together?”