‘Carefree, flying by the seat of my pants. No worries and happy to see where life takes me next.’
When Nolan looked up and met Bea’s gaze, she saw the smile had slipped slightly from his face. ‘You never know what’s around the corner. As you well know, things can happen overnight and your life changes in a matter of seconds.’
There was something about the way Nolan spoke that made Bea sure he was talking from experience.
‘I’ve learned to take each day as it comes. Live for the moment. What’s the point in worrying about the future when the future might never come?’ Nolan’s voice faltered, leaving Bea wondering what his story was, but he didn’t elaborate any further.
For the next couple of minutes, Nolan rowed in silence, then he began to slow down and Bea noticed the boat drifting towards calm waters.
‘We’re nearly there. Are you ready for this?’
Nolan navigated the rowing boat around a cluster of rocks and under numerous weeping willow trees. Bea was amazed to see a secret waterway. It looked like a private driveway on water. He began to row again, gently, whilst Bea took in the view. Up ahead the white rugged cliffs towered over a tiny secluded beach of sparkling beige sand. Bea breathed, ‘It’s beautiful. It’s so special, isn’t it?’ Her eyes were wide as she took in the view.
‘Welcome to Castaway Bay. And yes, it’s very special.’ Nolan gave her a sideward glance, a look that caused Bea’s heart to race.
As Nolan carefully guided the boat to a tiny jetty, Bea saw directly in front of them a tiny hut with pink roses tumbling all over the roof.
‘Oh my, look at that!’ she gasped. She was awestruck, looking at the waterfall cascading down the cliff and running into the small bay. Taking in the magnificent view, she held on to the side of the boat as it gently bumped along the bottom of the bay. Nolan threw his oar onto the sand before climbing out and paddling to the edge of the now shallow water. ‘How would anyone even know this place existed?’ Bea had never seen a view so beautiful. ‘Where exactly are we?’ She was still taking in the beauty all around. ‘It feels like we’re on a desert island.’ There wasn’t another soul in sight.
‘This is Castaway Bay,’ said Nolan. ‘According to my grandfather’s log, he and Patsy stumbled across this little piece of paradise by accident.’
He extended his hand and helped Bea to stand up. She looked at the shallow water and then down at her pumps. Nolan must have read her mind and lifted her clean off her feet. Bea didn’t put up a fight.
She giggled, placing her arm around his neck. ‘Don’t drop me,’ she said, turning inwards towards his chest.
‘Stop wriggling then,’ he ordered, holding her tighter.
Their faces were centimetres apart. Feeling her heart race faster, Bea knew there was a wide smile on her face and the moment felt full of warmth, romantic even. She dared to look straight at him. Nolan was looking at her lips and now she was looking at his. Their eyes moved upwards, his sparkling as they lingered for a second, until he cleared his throat and lowered her onto the sand.
‘I just need to grab the boat otherwise we’ll be castaways in Castaway Bay.’
Truth be told, Bea didn’t think she would object to spending a night under the stars here with Nolan. The whole place was just wonderful, and had a romantic feel about it. She’d never done anything so daring in her life, spending the afternoon alone with a stranger on a secluded bay. She watched Nolan swing her rucksack over his shoulder, grab the rowing boat and haul it onto the sand. Bea had now kicked off her trainers and was waggling her toes in the water.
‘Do you think anyone actually comes here?’ asked Bea.
‘I have no idea.’
‘They must have, because look…’ Bea pointed to footsteps in the sand. ‘They look fresh and there’s only one set. Do you think someone else is here?’ She quickly scanned the area.
Nolan smiled. ‘I think they might be mine.’
Bea had a puzzled look on her face. ‘But you’ve only just got here.’
‘I might have been here earlier this morning.’
‘Why would you come here twice in one day?’
‘I’ll show you. Come on.’ Nolan reached out a hand and without hesitation she took it. Holding his hand seemed like the most natural thing in the world as he led her towards the hut. It was then Bea noticed the table and chairs overlooking the water. Just inside there was an easel and paints with a couple of blank canvases. ‘Lunch will be served shortly ... and I couldn’t come here without painting a picture – the scenery is way too beautiful to let that opportunity pass.’
Bea thought back to the painting of Nolan’s grandfather and Patsy. ‘Do you think this is where your grandfather painted Patsy?’
‘I’m sure he did. Maybe you would let me paint you?’ Nolan’s voice was hopeful.
A tiny thrill ran through Bea’s body at the suggestion. ‘Maybe I will,’ she replied. The intensity of his gaze made her tingle, and her heart was beating wildly. She could feel the raw chemistry between them.
There was a gentlemanly confidence about Nolan as he placed her rucksack on the sand outside the hut and pointed to the table. ‘Would you like lunch in here, or on a blanket by the water’s edge?’
Bea looked over her shoulder. ‘Let’s make the most of the sunshine. I don’t see it that often, working nights. The water’s edge sounds perfect.’
