‘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.’

  Nolan walked to the back of the hut and picked up a pastel tartan picnic blanket that was placed on top of a large cool box. He handed it to her. ‘Go and choose your spot.’

  Bea walked back towards the water, the fine grains of sand underfoot warm from the sun beating down. She chose a spot and laid out the blanket then stood on a nearby rock taking in the panoramic sea views and mountain terrain in the background. ‘We could actually be in Switzerland.’

  ‘I’m sure I’ll go there one day,’ replied Nolan, walking towards her carrying the cool box.

  Sitting down on the blanket, she asked, ‘Do you think you’ll ever settle in one place?’ She was genuinely intrigued by the way Nolan was living his life.

  ‘I tried that,’ he replied. ‘But when there’s places like this to discover, why would anyone settle in one place?’

  Bea could see his point. If it wasn’t for their chance meeting she wouldn’t be sitting here now and experiencing this spectacular scenery. She wondered what he meant by ‘I tried that’, but Nolan had already steered the conversation in a different direction.

  ‘Are you hungry?’ he asked.

  Bea nodded but also brought the conversation back on track.

  ‘But what about putting down roots? Belonging to a place? Making a home?’

  ‘Home is where your heart is and for now that’s living onboard The Hemingway. Where is the most amazing place you’ve ever visited?’ Nolan asked, opening the lid of the cool box. He settled himself on the blanket next to Bea and stretched out, his leg brushing against hers, causing her to feel a flush of warmth in her body again.

  Bea was thinking and looked towards Nolan. ‘You know what? I have no clue. That sounds so lame.’

  ‘Paris, Venice, Barcelona?’ Nolan began reeling off a list.

  ‘I’ve never been to any of those places. The furthest I’ve ever been is here, and I think this is probably the most amazing place I’ve ever seen.’ Bea could see the same amazement written all over Nolan’s face.

  ‘You’ve really never been abroad?’

  Bea shook her head. ‘My ex didn’t like the sun.’

  ‘And that stopped you going on your own or with a friend because…?’

  ‘Good question. Because he wouldn’t let me. Every time I suggested anything he would reply, “You don’t want to do that, though, do you?” Which basically meant my idea was kiboshed.’

  ‘That’s sad to hear. Couples should encourage each other’s growth, not clip one another’s wings.’

  ‘I quite agree. I’m now beginning to realise we didn’t have much in common at all. For me, the best part of the day was early morning when I arrived home, whereas he never got out of bed before midday on a Saturday. I liked a full cooked breakfast, he didn’t even like breakfast. I liked a McDonalds, he didn’t—’

  ‘I’m sorry, who doesn’t like a McDonalds? That should have been your first red flag.’ Nolan was deadly serious then burst into laughter. ‘It sounds to me like you’ve had a lucky escape.’

  Bea laughed too. ‘I should have known. But I’m here now.’

  ‘That you are.’

  ‘And I’m taking control of my life.’

  ‘There’s nothing stopping you now. This is your time. Do what’s right for Bea and what makes you happy. The world is your oyster and you’re free to do what you want.’ Nolan stood up and began to spin around with his arms open wide.

  ‘I’m never going to live that down, am I?’ she said, shaking her head good-humouredly.

  ‘You did make me smile,’ he said, sitting back down. ‘What’s next for you?’

  Bea thought about it for a moment, ‘I’ve no clue. I’ve lost myself along the way and my time here is going to be spent figuring out what’s next for me. I think I’ve gone along pleasing everyone else but myself for far too long. I do know I want more than night shifts at a supermarket. I want to make a difference to people’s lives, even if it’s a small one. Look at me, I’m sounding like I’m running for prime minister.’

  ‘You’d do a much better job.’

  ‘I think I can turn my hands to most things, but my biggest skill is communication. It’s just a matter of finding the path that excites me most. I mean, you have your life sussed. Sailing the seas and painting.’ Being in Nolan’s company felt so easy and natural for Bea and she could feel herself relaxing and opening up. ‘Whatever will be will be,’ she added, bringing her knees up to her chest. ‘And what have we got in there? I’m beginning to feel a little peckish.’ She leaned over to take a peep and Nolan gently snapped the lid of the cool box down, causing Bea to bring her hands to her heart before letting out a peal of laughter.

  ‘Only joking! Would you fancy a glass of champagne?’

  ‘We have champagne?’

  ‘We do!’

  ‘Then yes, please, I would love a glass. Are we celebrating?’

  ‘We are celebrating life and the fact you’re finally free to do what you want.’ He grinned as he took the bottle from the cool box and passed a flute to Bea.

  ‘You’ve thought of everything,’ she said, suitably impressed that Nolan had gone to so much trouble.

  Nolan popped the cork from the bottle and it flew through the air and landed by the edge of the water. Bea was up on her feet to retrieve it. ‘A keepsake of our afternoon together,’ she said when he looked at her with curiosity.

  After Nolan had poured the champagne into both glasses, he chinked his against hers. ‘Here’s to a great afternoon.’

  ‘I’m already having such a great time.’

  ‘Glad to hear it. It sounds to me like you need to be spoilt a little.’ Nolan began taking things out of the cool box, laying in front of her the most delicious-looking food she had ever seen.

  ‘You really have gone all out, haven’t you?’

  ‘I’ve always loved a picnic, especially when it’s in a secluded bay with a beautiful girl. Of course I’m going to go all out! We have smoked salmon, ham, pasties, super salad wraps, egg and cress sandwiches, cheesecake, rainbow fruit skewers…’

  Bea stared at all the wonderful food, still focusing on the word ‘beautiful’. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been called beautiful or truly felt it. Right at this moment she didn’t have a care in the world. Sipping her champagne she stared out across the water. Everywhere was calm and tranquil. All she could hear was the lapping of the water against the sand.

  ‘I could stay here for ever,’ she murmured.

  ‘Why don’t you then? There’s nothing stopping you.’

  Bea laughed. ‘Could you imagine if I rang my sister and said, “Hey, I’m not coming home, I’m spending the rest of my life living in a secluded bay”?’

  Nolan passed Bea a plate. ‘You don’t have to answer to anyone anymore. There’s no one to put a kibosh on your plans and suggestions.’

  They began to tuck into the food and Bea tried a little bit of everything. It all tasted so good. The rainbow fruit skewers were so juicy she had to wipe her chin with the back of her hand. When Nolan finished eating, he lay down on the blanket with his hands behind his head. His T-shirt rose up and Bea risked a glance at his toned, tanned stomach.

  ‘What do you think your sister would say if she could see you now?’ He took a sideward glance at her.

  ‘She would think I’ve lost the plot.’ She could hear Emmie’s voice inside her head and mimicked her sister. ‘Are you mad? He could be a mass murderer! No one would know you’re there. What if something happened to you?’

  Nolan laughed. ‘She may have a fair point.’

  Bea was usually the sensible one, always reliable and putting others first. But not today. Today was the first day of the rest of her life – and what a way to start. This was completely out of character for her. In the past she would never have put herself in this position; she was usually shy around men, didn’t know what to talk about. She looked over at Nolan and gave a tiny chuckle, thinking, What exactly did a mass murderer look like anyway? He had his eyes closed, his face tilted to the sun. She studied him, wondering what it would be like to kiss those lips ... even to sleep with him. She’d never had a one-night stand in her life. In fact, she’d only ever slept with one person and believed in monogamy, but look where that had gotten her.

  She glanced back towards the water. It looked inviting. That was something else she’d never done – gone swimming in open water. This was her time now and she had every intention of throwing caution to the wind and having some fun. Looking back towards Nolan, she saw that his eyes were still shut.

  ‘Are you staring at me?’

  ‘How do you know that?’

  ‘I just do.’

  Bea was thankful he couldn’t read her mind. She was actually wondering what it would be like to have a two-week fling with him. Surely it couldn’t do any harm? They were both adults, and maybe a holiday romance would be just the thing to boost her confidence and get herself back on track.

  ‘What are you thinking about?’ Nolan opened one eye and glanced in Bea’s direction.

  ‘Wouldn’t you like to know?’ she replied, grinning. ‘Tell me, why haven’t you got anyone special in your life?’ She dug her feet into the sand and looked across at him. He had both eyes open now and Bea could have sworn there was a fleeting look of sadness in them.

  ‘Because that’s the way it is.’

  Bea thought he was going to say something else but he didn’t. He sat up, placed the leftover food in the cool box and balanced the champagne flutes against it.

  ‘Shall we swim?’ he asked, peeling the T-shirt from his broad shoulders before throwing it down onto the blanket.

  ‘Is it safe?’ asked Bea, looking at the water.

  ‘There’s only one way to find out.’ Nolan was up on his feet and began running towards the rocks, then he started to climb.

  Feeling slightly panicked, Bea stood up and walked to the water’s edge. Her heart was pounding. ‘What are you doing? It might be dangerous. It might not be deep enough. You could hit your head on something.’

  ‘It’s okay, the water is clear!’ he bellowed, before gliding through the air straight into the cobalt blue water.

  Splash.

  Nolan surfaced immediately and took Bea’s breath away. His tousled hair was now slicked back as he swam gently towards her. ‘This water is refreshing,’ he shouted.

  ‘That means cold!’ she replied, laughing.

  ‘Maybe just a little, but it’s so liberating,’ he said, scooping water up in his hands and attempting to splash her. She squealed and jumped backwards. Nolan waded out of the deeper water, his shoulders broad, his skin glistening. Bea couldn’t take her eyes off him.

  ‘Are you coming in? Once you get in, it’s not that cold.’ He sat down in the shallow water and splashed the water over his chest.

  Bea was hesitant. She wanted to get into the water, let herself go and have fun, but though she’d felt super confident earlier, now she was slightly nervous at the thought of someone seeing her in a swimsuit. She’d always lacked body confidence and here she was in a situation with a handsome stranger who didn’t have an ounce of excess fat on his body. She was suddenly beginning to regret the late night cream cakes on the night shift and the early morning cinnamon swirls. Nolan was now swimming a little further out. When he stood up, the water was up to his middle.

  He shouted, ‘What’s keeping you?’ before diving under the water.

  Bea took her chance and quickly peeled off her shorts. It was glorious to feel the sun on her skin. She began to walk slowly into the water, the rocky ground underneath her feet soon turning to sand.

  ‘It’s freezing!’ Lifting her arms up in the air, she gasped as the cold water touched her stomach. She counted to three; it was now or never. Quickly submerging her shoulders, she began to swim towards Nolan. An unexpectedly forceful wave splashed her in the face, leaving her spluttering. Her hair was soaked and she pushed her wet fringe out of her eyes.

  Nolan was by her side immediately. ‘You okay?’

  ‘I think I’ll be washing my hair tonight!’

  Like it was the most natural thing in the world, Nolan hooked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and looked at her with such tenderness, causing her stomach to somersault numerous times. The intensity between them was getting hotter than the afternoon sun. Was it wrong to feel these feelings so soon after ending a relationship? Right in that moment, all she could think about was kissing him, and he was looking at her in a way that suggested he wanted the same. There was an attraction, lust, and even if Nolan had a girl in every bay he visited, it didn’t matter. He was making her feel special, like she was the only girl in the world, and that was a feeling she hadn’t had in such a long time.

  Taking both of her hands, he pulled her towards him then spun around and encouraged her to climb on his back. With her arms wrapped around his neck and feeling her bare skin next to his, every inch of her tingled with desire. He waded further in the water towards the rocks, then gently turned around and lowered her onto one of them. He pointed to a rock pool and almost immediately Bea spotted a starfish. ‘Look how beautiful that is,’ she said as she studied it. With its spiny skin and pincer-like organs and suckers, it crept slowly along the bottom of the rock pool. She soon realised that Nolan wasn’t looking in the same direction.

  ‘Red suits you,’ he said, his eyes not leaving hers.

  ‘Thank you,’ she replied. Bea thought her heart was going to beat out of her chest at any second.

  Nolan never took his eyes off her as he grabbed her waist, gently lifting her down from the rock. With the perfect backdrop and the sun beating down on their bodies, Bea took a chance. She leaned in slowly, hoping that Nolan would lower his lips to hers, and that’s exactly what happened. His kiss was soft, leaving Bea wanting more.

  ‘I wasn’t expecting that,’ she said, smiling at him.

  ‘You so were,’ he replied, grinning.

  Bea pinched her thumb and forefinger together. ‘Maybe a little. I had hope.’

  ‘I hope I haven’t overstepped the mark, what with everything that’s going on in your life.’

  ‘You haven’t overstepped the mark. I’m living for the moment and enjoying every single second.’

  ‘As long as you’re sure?’

  ‘Very. We’re adults.’ Bea had never done anything like this before. She felt all grown-up and in charge of her life. If she wanted to kiss an utterly gorgeous man that she’d just met, then why couldn’t she? It felt good, her whole body erupting in goosebumps at his touch. ‘It’s just a shame you’re going to sail out of my life almost as soon as you’ve arrived.’

  ‘Unfortunately, that is the case. I’m here to discover anything possible about Patsy and see whether she’s still alive, then I’ll be off on my next adventure.’

  Hearing those words, Bea felt her mood slump slightly. But Nolan was just being completely honest. He hadn’t given her any false hope that that kiss was anything more than a kiss.