SHORT STORY

HELLO! has invited acclaimed writers to entertain readers in these testing times. This week, for Valentine’s Day, Mills & Boon Modern author Maya Blake shares a romantic tale of grief and healing

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The first day was the most daunting. It helped that she’d arrived last night to settle herself in the cottage annexe before first contact this morning. Still, nerves attacked her as she stood before the door of the imposing but charming ivy-covered 16th-century manor named Hug Cottage.

You won’t receive a warm reception. Holly snorted under her breath. In her profession, she’d run the gamut from scathing scepticism to outright laughter. And yet her success rate was 100%. Swallowing her nerves, she rapped firmly with the brass knocker.

The tread of heavy boots on hardwood floors made her stomach tighten. Then somersault as the door swung open to reveal a very tall, very irate, very gorgeous looking man.

Dark, wavy hair worn long tumbled into ocean-blue eyes, but his sharp nose and almost cruel mouth negated that boyish long hair. Together with his broad shoulders and impressive, well-toned body, he was all man. For a few vital seconds, the power of his presence dried up her words.

“What do you want?” he barked. Holly wrestled her focus back and stretched out her hand. “You must be Gabriel Caprioli. I’m Holly Trenton. I’m staying at the annexe for the next few weeks.”

Dark eyebrows furrowed as if the concept of exchanging greetings were alien to him. “Yes. And?”

Here comes the fun part. “Your sister, Adriana, hired me to… meet with you.”