‘OK, you won fair and square. What do you demand as your prize?’
This was her moment. She propped herself up on one elbow.
‘You know Karen, the kitten we rescued.’
‘Yes…’
Will sat up.
‘She’s all grown-up now, and ready to leave home…’
‘I think I know where this is going.’
‘So, will you adopt her and have her at yours? Please?’
‘That’s quite a big prize for a very small swim. I don’t know anything about looking after animals. I’ve never even had a pet.’
‘What, never?’
‘No. As I’ve told you, my dad was in the army and often away, and my mum had three of us boys to deal with. She said she couldn’t cope with any more living creatures in the house that needed looking after.’
‘Ah, that’s sad. Every child should have a pet at some stage.’
‘Except the ones who pull the legs off spiders for fun and then turn into serial killers, presumably.’
‘Yes, except them… So, is that a yes?’
‘You’re a very persuasive woman, Grace. But you don’t get off lightly either. I will expect you to come round regularly to help with… pet things.’
‘You really don’t have a clue, do you?’
‘Do you want me to take the cat or not?’
‘Yes, I do. Thank you, thank you.’
Grace reached over to hug Will at the same time as he lay back down on the blanket, and she landed bang on top of him.
Their eyes met for a moment before Grace unglued herself from his bare wet chest.
‘Whoops.’
Will’s eyes were full of laughter, and something else that Grace didn’t want to think about. She leapt to her feet.
‘Can we go and collect her now, please?’
‘Now?’
‘I’m sure Angeliki would open up for us. She only lives a minute away from the surgery. But of course’—Grace gave him the side eye—‘you know that.’
‘I do indeed.’
It was sensible to remind herself that Will had had several relationships on the island that hadn’t worked out.
* * *
Angeliki was only too happy to get rid of Karen to a good home and was waiting for them at the surgery when they got back.
‘I can give you some spare food and lend you this carrier for today, as long as you bring it back in the next couple of days, Will.’
