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Ellie held his eyes and saw only concern and kindness. She let her gaze travel across his face and he stared at her as she examined him. His short hair was brushed back from his high forehead. Laughter lines that spoke of happier times were traced in small white creases in his tanned face. But his eyes were hooded and she could see the touch of dark shadows beneath them.

We all carry our own secrets and our own grief.

Kane stood slowly and held out his hands. Ellie took them and he pulled her to her feet. He embraced her and the feeling of safety she’d experienced in his arms came rushing back.

His steady breath blew gently on her hair as she leaned into him. ‘Don’t worry. I’m with you on this. There is something going on. What Heather said about your mother was cruel but I got the feeling she was trying to upset you so you’d stop asking questions.’

‘So did I.’

They stood in the dark on the verandah and the world grew quiet around them. Kane’s fingers drew lazy circles on her back and Ellie trembled as the warmth of his hands pressed against the thin fabric of her top.

‘It’s a long time since I held anyone like this. Even before the accident in Afghanistan, I promised myself I wouldn’t get involved with anyone. It was too dangerous and too hard. I saw how some of my crew suffered when they had to leave their families behind for each deployment.’

Ellie rested her cheek against Kane’s chest and let his voice soothe her.

‘I can’t bear to think what their deaths did to those families. I’ll tell you about it one day, but it’s why I won’t fly.’ His voice was steady but Ellie could hear the emotion behind the words he uttered. ‘I’m glad you visited my mother yesterday. I don’t know exactly what’s wrong with her, but it’s not right that she’s there on her own. I don’t care what Sordina says. I’m going to insist she goes back to Darwin closer to medical care.’

‘She does look very weak.’ Ellie’s voice shook. It was hard holding back what Susan had confided.

‘You know, I lost touch with Mum for a while after she remarried. I suspected he was marrying her for money but she wouldn’t have a bar of it. She’s always seen the good in people.’ His voice was bitter. ‘I guess I’ve been proved right now. When we’re in Darwin I’ll go and see him. I’ll find out what’s going on at the farm.’

‘Thank you.’

Neither of them spoke for a while. Ellie put her head back down onto Kane’s shoulder. He smelled of mint and a woody aftershave and she drew in her breath, enjoying the feel of his arms around her; comfort given and comfort shared.

‘It will be a long way to go and see her if she moves back to Darwin. Will you stay working here?’ Ellie swallowed, thinking how much she would miss him when he left.

The sounds of the night surrounded them as the nocturnal wildlife became more active. Slowly Ellie drew back; as much as she’d have liked to, she couldn’t stand there in his arms all night. She tipped her head to the side and looked up at Kane. ‘Listen. The northern bullfrog.’

His eyes were dark and anticipation ran through Ellie as he held her gaze. An indefinable change hovered in the air between them as a smile tipped the corner of his lips. Kane’s expression softened and his voice was low.

‘I don’t really have frogs on my mind at the moment.’

He lowered his head and the diamond stars were blotted out as his cool lips brushed against hers. She stood on her toes and let her lips cling to his as he pulled her closer to him.

‘Where are you going to sleep for what’s left of the night?’

She smiled. ‘My sofa.’

‘Come down to my room?’ His smile was gentle and a warm feeling rushed through Ellie’s chest.

Chapter 18

8.00 am Wednesday

Makowa Lodge

Ellie woke alone in Kane’s bed, a light blanket thrown over her. He had simply held her as she had lain beside him and they’d talked until almost sunrise. Finally she had drifted off to sleep with his arms around her and her head on his shoulder. She felt safe and complete for the first time for a long time.

Friendship. That’s all it was. She wasn’t going to read too much into it. Yeah, it was different to the moves that guys like Mike and Steve tried. Friendship was good, but that still didn’t account completely for the lightness in her step this morning.

Back in her own apartment, she looked in on Heather but she was still asleep. She had a quick wash and pulled her khakis on, and then left a note asking Heather to call before she went to the medical centre. She left her car keys on top of the note so Heather wouldn’t have to take Bill’s old Cruiser.

Keen to get over to the hangar to see Kane, Ellie called into the office to pick up the scenic flight bookings for the day, and skimmed a quick glance down them. Another two had been added overnight, but she’d still be finished in time to catch up with Gina for lunch. The anticipation of going to Darwin with Kane buzzed through her.

‘The tourist season has begun with a vengeance.’ Jock’s voice interrupted her and she looked up at him with a smile. ‘You’re handling it okay with Jan sending some of the flights Cooinda’s way?’

‘So far, so good.’