One Summer in Cornwall by Karen King (best books to read for success .TXT) 📕

he said with a polite smile. He picked up his drink and turned around – and nearly bumped into Hattie who was on her way to the bar.

‘Ooops, sorry!’ he apologised as she took a quick step back. God, that jumpsuit looks even more divine close up, and that cute stars-and-moon tattoo at the top of her arm looks really sexy.

‘No worries. The buffet looks fantastic, by the way. I’ve been tempted by the spring rolls and salad, and the carrot cake already.’ She glanced over his shoulder at the guest who was now walking away from the bar with a couple of drinks in his hand. ‘I think you could run a pretty good restaurant, too, but I don’t blame you for preferring to be an artist. Mandy told me that you did that incredible painting of the ship in the storm on the wall in the reception. You’re very talented.’

‘Thank you.’ He shrugged. ‘Most people think I’m an idiot for preferring to try and make it as an artist. Not that I’m expecting to make a living with my art, I just prefer to spend my spare time doing that rather than cooking. Having a job gives me a regular wage coming in, and in my free time I want to paint and surf, not spend even more time in the kitchen.’

‘I know what you mean, that’s why I worked in an insurance office and did photography in my spare time. I didn’t want to be self-employed, I wanted the security of an income, but now, well, I guess I’ll give being self-employed a go while I’m down here doing up Fisherman’s Rest.’ She smiled at him. ‘I’d better grab myself a drink while there’s space at the bar. See you a bit later.’

He was tempted to offer to get her a drink, but Hattie struck him as an independent woman who bought her own drinks. And made her own decisions.

‘And I’d better go and mingle.’ He raised his glass. ‘Have fun.’

Hattie was enjoying herself. Ellie and Reece had made her very welcome, as had their friends. Lucas, the best man and Reece’s best friend, was a scream, charming and amusing. The bridesmaids, Kate, a former flatmate of Ellie’s, and Abiya, an old school friend, were good fun.

Abiya had told her that she had just got engaged. ‘My parents want me to have a big Indian wedding, like my brother Deepa, but Milo and I want a simpler, quieter affair.’ She grimaced. ‘So, they are not very pleased with me at the moment.’

Hattie felt sorry for Abiya, caught between what she wanted and trying to please her parents. ‘That’s a shame, will they come round?’ she asked.

Abiya nodded. ‘Once my mother realises that no amount of pouting and emotional blackmail will change our minds.’ She held her glass delicately, colourful bangles dangling from her wrists as she looked around. ‘I think Ellie and Reece have the right idea, getting married in this gorgeous hotel. We want to do something like this. Have the wedding and reception all in the same place. It’s so much easier.’

Hattie raised her glass ‘A girl after my own heart.’

‘What are you two gossiping about?’ Ellie asked as she joined them, still wearing her wedding dress.

‘Weddings.’ Abiya flashed her a smile and nodded at her dress. ‘You’re not changing, then?’

‘Definitely not. This is the one and only day I’ll wear this dress so I’m making the most of it.’ Ellie turned to Hattie. ‘Thank you again for coming to our rescue by taking the photographs, Hattie. I can’t wait to see them.’

‘They’ll be ready for when you come back from your honeymoon. Then you can choose which ones you want for your album.’

‘That’s perfect, thank you.’

Hattie chatted with them both for a while, then excused herself and went off to get some more of the buffet. Marcus was in front of her, his plate already piled up.

‘Someone’s hungry!’ Hattie remarked.

‘I’m starving! I haven’t had time to eat all day, I’ve been too busy cooking. I haven’t been home at all, I even got showered and changed here.’ He picked up a spring roll and added that to his plate, before asking, ‘How’s Buddy?’

‘He’s getting used to me. He actually said “hello”when I got home earlier. I’m trying to teach him to say “Hello, Hattie” but he just turns his back on me!’ She picked up a triangular salmon sandwich and put it on her plate. ‘I think it cheered him up seeing you this morning. Pop round and see him tomorrow if you want.’ Marcus must miss Buddy, she realised. ‘I think he’s missing Mali and Lou. The cottage was so lively with them there.’

‘I bet you’ll miss them too, they seem a fun pair.’

Hattie grinned. ‘They are, and yes I will miss them, although I have plenty to do, what with getting the cottage ready to put on the market and my photography work.’ She saw his face cloud over and wished that she hadn’t mentioned the cottage sale, it was obvious that Marcus still disapproved.

‘And what will you do when it’s sold?’ he asked.

She shrugged her shoulders. ‘Who knows? I might go back to Bristol, but my dad is in France, and my mum is in Portugal, I’m jobless and single. I could go anywhere.’ She added a couple more salmon sandwiches, a vol-au-vent and some mixed salad to her plate and went to join Lucas who was waving at her to join his group.

They sat eating, chatting and drinking, then Lucas persuaded her to dance with him and they moved to the dance floor.

Lucas was good looking, and a great mover – far more energetic than her. She could see that he was a party person and liked to be the centre of attention, but he was fun too. She enjoyed his company, and when the music slowed down, happily slid into his arms for a smoochy dance.

‘Do you ever come to London?’ he whispered in her ear. ‘I’d love to