Matt stared at her. Why was the normally sensible Georgie talking nonsense?
“And it was my bragging about Mum and Dad coming out on the boat that told Stonefish their movements. If I hadn’t opened my big mouth, maybe they’d still be alive.”
“You’re talking shit.” Annoyance made him less patient. “You don’t really believe you’re responsible for anyone’s death. Charlie’s death was a tragic accident and Stonefish would have got to your parents eventually.”
“It feels like my fault.”
“It’s not. But that doesn’t mean the situation doesn’t suck.”
She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I know.”
He wasn’t sure he’d convinced her, but they sat like that, side-by-side, Matt’s arm around her until the night grew cold. Georgie shifted, sitting more upright, and rubbed her arms. “It’s getting late. We’d better get some sleep if we’re going treasure hunting tomorrow.”
Matt missed her warmth against his side, but stood and offered her a hand up. “Yeah. You OK now?”
She nodded and moved back to her room. “Night, Matt. Thanks.”
He didn’t want her to leave, but couldn’t think of an excuse to make her stay. “Any time.” He waited until her door clicked shut behind her and then entered his own room.
His words seemed to resonate in his mind. He would do anything for Georgie, be there whenever she needed him. They had a bond he had with no one else, not even Darcy or Charlie. If only he could take away her pain and sorrow.
Tomorrow, after he met with Colin, he could go into town and get her a box of those little cakes she liked from the Saturday evening markets.
They always made her happy.
It wasn’t until he lay down that he realised he hadn’t asked her about the job she’d applied for.
***
“Georgie! Georgie! Are you awake?” Lara’s shouts from outside woke Georgie and she groaned.
“If she’s not, she will be now,” Matt called from the room next to hers.
Lara giggled. “Sorry!” Rapid knocking followed her words.
Georgie grimaced. It was light outside, but it was the pastel glow of early morning. This was the one downside of staying over at the Ridge. She threw the rugs back. “Gimme a minute.” She stretched and checked the time. Six o’clock. Far too early on her day off. Opening the door, she asked, “What’s up?”
“We’re going treasure hunting, but Dad said I had to wait until everyone was awake.” Lara grinned, her brown ponytail swinging behind her as she jigged on the spot.
Georgie’s breath caught as she remembered last night. “Make me a coffee and I’ll be there soon.”
Lara squeezed her. “You’re the best.” She skipped to Matt’s room and called, “Do you want coffee too, Uncle Matt?”
“Sure, La La. Thanks.”
Georgie’s body warmed. For years she’d tried to become immune to Matt’s voice, but it was impossible. Even when he was teasing her, it made her feel secure. Georgie shook her head, more resigned than upset. She had no sense when it came to him. She was like a bug attracted to a bug zapper, always drawing close even though she knew she would be hurt.
But how could she resist, especially in moments like last night when she’d needed his comfort?
Quickly she dressed and brushed her blue hair back as well as she could. Going short was easier most of the time, except in the morning when it stuck up in every direction. Only water tamed it.
She ducked out of her room, hoping to get to the shared bathroom before Matt, but she crashed into him as he stepped out.
“Oof,” Georgie grunted. Pressed against his hard chest, she clenched her hands to stop herself from running them all over him to feel how firm and muscular he was.
“In a rush?” Matt grinned as he steadied her and her heartbeat ratcheted up to a hundred. His grin widened as his dark brown eyes swept to her hair. “You know you shouldn’t stick your finger into an electrical socket.”
She grimaced. “Yeah, very funny.” He looked totally put together, even though he wore work jeans and a blue-checked shirt, his Akubra already hiding his dark hair. As he stepped into his boots, she darted around him. “I’ll see you in the house.”
