The Pollyanna Plan by Talli Roland

Author:Talli Roland [Roland, Talli]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Published: 2014-03-10T14:00:00+00:00

Emma glanced around the narrow space, keen to take it all in. When Will had said he lived on a boat, she’d pictured something like the grease-scented ferry her father had once taken her on to the Isle of Wight. This wasn’t exactly luxurious—in fact, it was downright basic—but oh, the potential! Already her mind was spinning with ideas. You could do it up in soft shades of grey, maybe with a patterned carpet to add some depth. Long stripy sofas lining the wall on one side, built-in bookcases and shelving on the other.

‘Emma?’ She met Will’s inquisitive gaze, conscious he was waiting for her to say something.

‘Sorry!’ She laughed. ‘My creative mind is going into overdrive. It’s such a great space.’ Even with the worn sofa, beat-up wooden flooring, tiny galley kitchen, and the double bed shoved into the bow, it was still a fabulous home. Emma could just imagine curling up on the couch as the boat glided through England’s canals. What a fantastic way to live.

But how could Will afford this, Emma wondered, running her eyes over the interior again? It must be costing a fortune to refurbish. He’d have to pay for mooring on the canal, too, and in this desirable part of London, she couldn’t imagine that came cheaply.

‘It is, isn’t it?’ Will switched on a few more lights, and Emma’s eyes bulged as she caught sight of a stack of canvases shoved next to the sofa. She stepped closer to one, admiring the intricate swirls and patterns.

‘These are wonderful.’ She squinted at the signature in the corner, but she couldn’t make it out. ‘Who are they by?’

Will dropped his head. ‘Me, actually.’

Emma spun in surprise, jerking back when she realised his face was only inches away. God, this boat was close quarters—not that she minded. All evening, it felt like layer after layer of Will was being revealed, and they were more alike than she’d realised. The knowledge drew her to him even more.

‘You did these?’ She flipped through the paintings, loving the bold colours and sweeping lines, then turned to meet his gaze again. ‘They’re wonderful.’

A faint blush tinted Will’s cheeks, and Emma longed to reach up and stroke his dark stubble. Will cleared his throat and stepped back from her, like a skittish animal sensing attack.

‘Should we get started on making the meal?’ he asked, moving towards the safety of the kitchen. ‘Did you bring the wine? I’ll pour us a couple glasses.’

‘Yes.’ Emma’s face reddened now as she produced the half-full bottle, complete with an added layer of cork floating on top.

Will laughed. ‘Well that’s certainly been through the wars, hasn’t it? Not to worry. I’ll just crack open a fresh bottle.’

‘I brought this.…’ Her voice faded when she noticed Will opening a cupboard door, revealing row after row of wine bottles nestled inside.

‘Here,’ he said, placing one on the counter. Emma was no wine connoisseur, but she could tell from the label it was another expensive bottle. What was with this man? Skilfully, Will removed the cork and poured two glasses full of crimson liquid.

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