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Hannah’s cheeks flushed. ‘Oh, erm, if you want to have people over, feel free. I’m going to go surfing with Zach.’

‘Well, I was going to ask if you wanted to come over to Lucas’s house with me? He’s doing a barbeque.’ He checked his phone and sure enough, Emma had already sent him the address. ‘Apparently, it’s right next to Mermaid Beach – is that a good surfing spot?’

Why did he feel like he was asking her out? And, more importantly, why was he afraid she would say no?

‘Oh, well, Zach and I—’

‘Mermaid? That’s like millionaire’s row. Awesome!’ cried a very enthusiastic Zach. ‘You’ve gotta go, don’t worry about me.’

‘You’re welcome to join us,’ Caleb quickly added, partly to not be rude and partly because he knew it would mean Hannah would be obliged to come too.

‘Won’t Lucas mind us coming?’ she asked with a customary bite of her bottom lip. It sent a flood of heat to his groin and made his leg bounce nervously.

Caleb shook his head. ‘No, you’re with me.’ He gave her pleading, golden-retriever eyes and she knew her fate was sealed.

‘Okay.’

By the time they’d made their arrangements, the minibus had reached Zach’s stop, which was at the main transport hub.

‘See ya tomorrow, mate.’ Zach clapped him on the shoulder as he clambered past Hannah to get off.

Most of their fellow travellers also got off too.

‘Ours is the stop after,’ Hannah explained when she noticed Caleb peeking out the windows to see where they were.

‘You and Zach seem to be good friends.’

Hannah nodded. ‘He’s lovely, we get on really well.’ After a pause she added, ‘I feel like I’m building some really good friendships here.’

That made him curious. ‘Are you thinking of leaving Sydney for good then?’

‘I… possibly. I mean it’s beautiful here, and Kirra has said that there might be a more permanent position for me if I enjoy the work. At least more agency type stuff like Zach does.’

‘And isn’t your cousin nearby? In Brisbane?’

‘Yes, but…’ Hannah sighed. ‘I don’t want that to be the only reason I stay. I can’t rely on only one person for my happiness and plans. That’s what I’ve always done in the past. I need to make decisions for myself and own them. If I want to build a life here, I have to do it properly. Actually have a life here, if you know what I mean? Friends, hobbies, a job I enjoy. I’ll need to get a flat too. There’s a lot to consider.’

‘I understand,’ he said softly, realising that was the reason why she’d thrown herself into clubs and activities. Unlike him, she wanted a future. Hannah was building a life for herself, not ricocheting through one like a pinball. ‘I think that’s a really good plan. How’ve you found it so far?’

Hannah laughed bitterly. ‘Hard.’ But then her expression softened and she added firmly, ‘But worth it.’

‘I’m glad. You deserve it.’ He paused, before teasing lightly, ‘Don’t forget to make time for some spontaneous fun along the way, though. You don’t want to miss a big shrimp.’

She slowly trailed her tongue along her bottom lip.

Was she remembering their kiss? Should he kiss her? Was she waiting for him to make the next move?

But the moment was lost as she dropped her head with a blush and began rummaging in her bag for something.

‘Are you sure about us joining you? Lucas Richards doesn’t even know us,’ she asked, pulling out her hotel keycard and fanning her face with it. Sweat was shining on her collarbone and chest from the stuffy heat within the old minibus; the sight of it was a distraction that caused his blood to sing.

‘I know you. That’s enough.’

Hannah’s expression brightened. ‘Okay then, thanks. Oh, we’re here.’

They got up to leave as the minibus drove into the hotel’s underground car park.

Hannah continued to chat cheerfully even as they swayed through the turns. ‘When we get in, can I tempt you with another cronut? I made a batch with Nutella frosting.’