“Ah. Aye, that’s fine.” I try to sound casual, like I haven’t been dreaming about her showing up here in considerably less clothing.
“Also,” she admits, “I’m not entirely sure where Lachlan’s house is. According to my maps app, it’s in the sea.”
I laugh. “Near the sea, not in it. Edge of town by the pebble beach.”
“Awww.” Lily’s face falls and her shoulders droop. “I wanted it to be underwater. Like a mermaid house.”
Isla appears at my side, grinning. “Lily, houses can’t go underwater. Only submarines can.”
“Then I want a submarine house!”
The two of them dissolve into giggles at this, no idea why. Ainsley gives me this small, helpless smile, which is... disarming. I’m more used to seeing her sharp-edged.
“Right, Isla, pop your shoes on,” I say. Then, to Ainsley, “Let me just go grab the booze.”
A minute later we’re good to go. I lock up then hold out a hand to Ainsley, who’s carrying a bag of soft drinks. “Here, I’ll take that.”
“I can manage?—”
“I know you can.” I take it anyway, our fingers brushing in the exchange. Just a touch, nothing more. Still, my stupid body notices. “My mum would skelp me if she saw me letting you carry it when I’ve got two hands.”
I notice Lily’s holding a small tote. “Want me to carry that too, Lily?”
“No! These are my Barbies. For the Barbie-cue.”
“Once again, Lily,” Ainsley says in a resigned tone, “barbecues have nothing to do with Barbie.”
Lily pulls a face, then we set off down the street towards the seafront, the girls skipping ahead. Ainsley walks beside me, the pavement so narrow our arms nearly brush.
Don’t think about the dream, Walker. Don’t look at her legs. Don’t wonder what she’s wearing under that dress. Definitely don’t imagine peeling it off her.
“Sleep well in the new bed?” I ask, then wince internally.
Smooth. Now you’re picturing her in bed.
“Actually, yes.” She smiles, and it’s easier, warmer than usual. “First morning in ages I’ve not woken with a sore back. Thanks again.”
“Any more flat-pack disasters, you know where to find me.”
“Next week you might regret saying that. Wait till you see how many salon pieces I’ve ordered.”
There’s something different about her today. Lighter. Less guarded. Like maybe a good night’s sleep on a decent bed has done her some good. Or maybe it’s something else.
“Ach, all in a day’s work.”
When the girls reach the bottom of the street, they stop to wait for us. Lily points at the ferry pulling away from the harbour.
“That goes to Corraig, the island you can see out there,” I hear Isla explaining importantly. “And Lachlan—whose house we’re going to—he drives it during the week.”
“He’s the captain,” I say with a grin.
Isla launches into facts about whales and dolphins, and I catch Ainsley watching her with amusement.
“You could double as a tour guide,” she says as we head along the seafront towards Lachlan’s.
“I like facts. Also, Mei knowssomuch. She works in conservation and knows loads about animals. She can tell which bird’s which just by the sound. She also knows how to tell if a seal’s sick just from the way it lies on the rocks.”
“Wow,” Ainsley says. “And, er, who’s Mei?”
