She appreciated his support. She hadn’t felt alone since she’d bumped into Ed at the airport.
“Is Lara sleeping in her room?” Ed asked.
“Yeah, she’s just gone to bed.”
Where would she sleep then?
“There’s a room in the shearers’ quarters, as well as your usual room,” Darcy told Ed.
“We’ll sort it out.” Ed poured two mugs of tea. “Want one, Darce?”
He shook his head. “Faith and I have drinks in the lounge. You’re welcome to join us.”
“Maybe in a minute,” Ed said. He set a mug on the table in front of Tess.
When Darcy was gone, she thanked him.
“You can sleep in the house,” Ed said. “I’ll take one of the rooms outside.”
He’d already done so much for her, and she didn’t want to kick him out of his own home. But she also wasn’t thrilled about the idea of sleeping in the shearers’ quarters, even though she’d be surrounded by military men. She hesitated. “The room has two beds, doesn’t it?”
He nodded.
Her cheeks heated. “I don’t mind sharing. It’s your room, after all.”
He studied her. “It wouldn’t make you uncomfortable?”
“I feel safer with you around,” she admitted.
He smiled. “Then I’ll share.”
So simple. She sipped her tea and settled into the chair.
“It’s a clear night,” Ed said. “I was thinking of getting out the telescope. Do you want to come with me?”
“Where?”
“There’s a spot behind the house where some sand dunes hide the light. It’s a great place to star gaze.”
She frowned. “Don’t snakes come out at night?”
“Some do, but they’ll steer clear.” He grinned. “The stars are so bright here.”
She couldn’t believe he wasn’t exhausted after their day on the boat, but his enthusiasm wrapped around her. “All right.”
“Why don’t you shower and change?” he suggested. “I’ll get the equipment ready.”
Tess stood. “I won’t be long.”
“No rush,” he said.
He was wrong. There was a rush, because she didn’t want to miss a minute of her time with him. She hurried to get ready for her next adventure.
***
Tess left the kitchen and Ed blew out a breath. He was getting far too attached. He found himself wanting to agree with whatever Tess wanted to make her happy. Watching her learn to play pool, that intense focus on her face, and the way she bit her lip as she concentrated, had made him smile.
Then, on the trip home, he’d covered her hand with his, but he wanted more. He wouldn’t believe she was a spy for Tan. Her reactions were too authentic. But he’d have to ask her about her call with her parents to remove that niggling doubt.
