Page 16

Hazel had to force herself not to skip to the door. What was going on here? When had she ever skipped before? She shook her head, trying to shake out the weird giddiness she was feeling. Be cool.

Opening the door, she slowly walked back over to Sam. The thought of him deliberately choosing flowers for her that held a particular meaning snuck across her mind. She suddenly felt a little shy.

“Hi again,” she said, not quite meeting his gaze.

His lips curled up, softening. “You look beautiful.”

She looked up at him, her face covered in the light from the reflection off the moon.

Sam bent down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

Hazel’s legs nearly gave way. She was sure she was about to melt into a puddle on the ground. This had to be the most romantic moment of her entire life.

Sam gently slipped his hand through hers, entwining their fingers as he led them to his truck. He held the passenger door open for her, supporting her as she climbed up to the seat.

They made small talk on the drive to Ciao and continued the easy conversation as they strolled towards the restaurant. Seated at a table with a view of the garden, the courtyard had a romantic summery vibe. Glowing fairy lights had been strung through lush tropical palms and shrubs. After browsing the menu, Sam ordered a prosciutto and rocket pizza, while Hazel decided on a creamy wild mushroom risotto.

“How did it go with Serena today?” Sam asked.

“How did you know?” Hazel questioned.

“Molly filled me in.”

“Of course she did.” Hazel rolled her eyes. “It was lovely to see her and meet her daughter.”

“Do you have any other friends here in town?”

“No, most of us left after school. Did you grow up in Brisbane?” Hazel asked.

“Yes.” Sam took a sip of water and cleared his throat. “I like the city, but I never felt like I belonged there. It always felt like I was just visiting. I never felt at home.”

“Does Bells Bay feel like home?”

“Yeah,” Sam replied without missing a beat. “I love it here. I don’t ever want to leave.”

Hazel forced the smile. Her heart sank a little. She’d been considering the possibility that maybe Sam would want to come with her if she decided to leave. But that was crazy. Why would he want to leave the place he had finally settled in for a woman he had only just met? Besides, she planned to leave Bells as soon as she found a job, so it’s not like they would have loads of time together for him to get to know her well enough to want to leave with her.

It suddenly dawned on Hazel that agreeing to this date had probably been a mistake. She looked at him, his handsome face, those sparkling emerald eyes, his flop of golden hair. He was kind and thoughtful. Smart, funny and sweet. How could being with him ever be considered a mistake?

Her brain told her she had to leave, get up and go home, to not start something that was only going to end in heartache. But her heart, well, her heart wouldn’t let her.

“Do you live in town?” Hazel asked suddenly, trying to distract the tidal wave of conflicting thoughts that were continuously crashing around in her head.

“I live on the outskirts. Not close enough to walk. But it’s nice and peaceful where I am. Up on View Parade.”

View Parade was on a hill that overlooked the town and the ocean. Hazel had always wanted to live up there.

“The house was a disaster when I bought it. I just finished renovating. It’s a lot better now. You can see the ocean.” Sam’s lips curled up into a smile.

“I’ve always loved it up there. I’m sure you did a great job on the house.”

“Maybe you can come by one time, take a look?” Sam queried.

“I’d like that.” Hazel smiled softly. She knew it would be best if she cut things off with him, just maintained a friendly distance. But there was something about him, the rarity of him. She knew it would be a struggle. Whatever was between them was magnetic. It was proving hard to resist. Her thoughts were disturbed by the arrival of their food.

Sam lifted a piece of pizza, a strand of mozzarella lengthening as he did.

Scooping up some rice, Hazel slipped the spoon into her mouth. Wild mushrooms were scattered between the rice, which was coated in a gorgeous creamy sauce. Fresh parsley cut through the richness of the dish.