Page 4 of Seal of Approval

I handed over my credit card and paid for the gas before heading back to the truck. When I pulled out onto the road, I made sure I was driving on the left-hand side. It was easier to remember when I was in traffic and just followed the flow.

I’d done plenty of research on the sea lions, but obviously not enough on the area itself. I hadn’t realised that it was so remote. It didn’t matter, it was the sea lions I was interested in. And six months in woop woop was well worth the sacrifice. I had a lot planned, and it all revolved around my research. I was leaving nothing behind in the States except my job, but that was being held open for my return.

The six months I’d be spending on this research project was the last thing I needed to complete my dissertation to get my PhD. This would open the door to me becoming a professor and furthering my research.

I took the turnoff to Haven Bay onto a dirt road, smooth in some areas and bumpy in others. There were low shrubs on both sides. These plants were well adapted to the sandy soil and salt air. Low to protect them from the wind, with small spindly leaves that conserved water because there was less surface area for evaporation.

As I drove towards the town, the land on my right thinned until the road was only fifty feet from the water. Pristine white sand stretched down to beautiful, calm blue water. It was nothing like most of the beaches in San Francisco, which were rocky and cliffy. I opened the window, allowing the salty air to fill the cabin.

The classification of the middle of nowhere was correct. There were no buildings or manmade structures in sight. No cars or humans. Finally, I reached the town of Haven Bay.

There wasn’t much to see. Twenty or so houses hugged the road further along. I passed a general store. It was two floors, probably the store on the bottom level and living quarters upstairs. A man and woman were clearing sand from the front stairs with a broom and shovel. They waved as I drove past.

Opposite this was a jetty where a boat was moored. The words on the side said South Australian Land Management.

A café came next, the sign advertising the best fish and chips from Friday to Monday. It was a small building with tables and chairs out the front. A small shop that offered equipment hire for the beach and camping, and doggy day care followed. Smart. Tourists could visit the national park and leave their dogs somewhere safe.

The last building before the row of houses was a small office attached to a large shed. The sign out the front read South Australian Land Management Ranger. This would be the office I would share with the other ranger.

The instructions I’d received were to drive to the last house. I was looking forward to settling in and getting myself set up. I could keep my research and laptop in one place for a change and spread it out for easy access. Splitting my time between the university and the aquarium had meant living in two places and transporting what I needed from one place to the other. Here, it would be different.

As I pulled into the driveway of a small house and parked, two brown-haired children zoomed out, followed by an orange kitten. A woman appeared in the doorway and yelled something about the kitten. The young boy turned, picked the kitten up and kept running all in one fluid motion. The woman blew her long hair out of her face and spun to go back inside. Her eyes caught sight of the car and froze when they landed on me.

I sat rooted to my spot as I took her in. Her long brown hair complemented her long tanned legs. Her short t-shirt revealed a hint of golden skin at her midriff. Words swam through my head——wild, free, calm, confident, beautiful, strong, gentle, familiar, enduring—and I tried to grasp one that would best portray her—untamed. Like the ocean.

What was she doing at the house I was supposed to be living in?

CHAPTER THREE

Jasmine

My breathing faltered as hazel eyes stared back at me. I’d recognise Ethan anywhere, just by his eyes alone. His pictures flashed through my mind. I shoved them away and descended the stairs as the car door opened and Ethan stepped out. He was wearing shorts and a polo, the exposed skin well-tanned.

As I approached him, his eyes wandered to the yard and house. What was he noticing? The kids’ bikes, the small garden, the hammock on the porch? Was he trying to ignore my wild appearance—messy hair, flour on my t-shirt, bare feet? It was hard to tell what he thought. His face was impassive. At least I was wearing a bra.

“Hi. You must be Ethan. I’m Jasmine. I’m the head ranger here.” I held my hand out to him. “Nice to meet you.”

A half smile appeared as he took my hand and shook it. His was big and warm but as non-committal as his face—no firm squeeze, no lingering. The handshake finished as quickly as it started. Still, I couldn’t read him. My stomach squeezed. It was part of my job to read people, to recognise whether they were genuine. I met all kinds of people as a ranger. Some were merely out enjoying nature; others were there to exploit it.

I squared my shoulders, preparing myself. “Have head office explained the housing situation to you?”

He shook his head.

I took a steadying breath. “The house next door is yours.”

His eyes drifted to the house. The doors were wide open and old cabinetry was sitting on the grass. Wood and sawhorses covered the porch. Rubbish stuck out the top of the skip bin.

“Unfortunately, it’s undergoing renovations. Until they finish, you’ll need to share with us.”

His eyes widened almost imperceptibly. Mmm, so he can show emotion.

I led him toward our house. “We have set up a room for you. I hope you’ll find it comfortable.” I took him there first. Jack and I had moved the queen bed, two side tables and a chest of drawers in from next door. I’d hoped that would be enough for him.

“This looks fine. Thanks.”

“It used to be my son’s, Bailey’s, room. He’s moved in with Rose. They’re adjusting to sharing a room, so some days it’s a little crazy.” I tried to make my voice light. I didn’t want him to think he was moving into a madhouse.

“Right. OK.”

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