Page 33 of Toy Boy

“Age doesn’t come into it, Megan. And you’re making way too big a deal out of it.”

Because I’m nervous. Out of my comfort zone. I haven’t even thought about another relationship since Scott, I haven’t wanted one. Do I want one now? With a man who’s only two years older than my own son? And I really wish I hadn’t put that thought in my head.

“Megan?”

I give myself an inner shake and look at him as I try to force another smile. “I’m sorry, it’s just – sixteen years, Xander. There’s sixteen years between you and me…”

He shrugs. “So? What did I just say about you making too big a deal about our ages? Numbers don’t matter.”

I’m gladhethinks so. But he obviously has no idea about this town and the way it works, gossip wise. All it would take is for someone to see us sitting here together and we’d be the latest hot topic of conversation. And what about Hanna? How would she feel about me seeing Xander…? I’m getting ahead of myself here. He hasn’t even mentioned us seeing each other, in that way, this is just a friends thing, right? We’re spending time together, as friends. We’re getting to know each other, that’s all.

You’re kidding yourself, Megan.

You want more than that.

I’m not sure that I do.

We’ll see…

“Where are you from?” I ask, as a way of filling a brief moment of silence, although, Iamcurious as to where that accent of his hails from. I’m guessing somewhere Scandinavian.

“I could fill in a questionnaire if you’d prefer? Might be quicker.”

I sigh quietly, and pick up a handful of fries. “I’m just trying to find out more about you. So you don’t feel as much of a stranger. I thought that was the whole point of us getting together tonight.”

“It is. You’re right.” He smiles and takes another swig of beer. “I was born in Sweden, but my family moved to Denmark when I was five-years-old. Right now, though, I live in Australia. I moved over there for work a few years ago.”

“What kind of work took you to Australia?”

“I’m a marine biologist. My father’s originally from Australia, and I’d always wanted to see the country; try and find out more about my Aussie roots, so, when I was offered a job in Queensland I wasn’t about to turn that chance down. I’ve taken a year out now, though, to travel, and to do some research, before I start work on an advanced degree.”

Super-smart as well as drop-dead-gorgeous, I’m not in the least bit intimidated now. “It must be interesting, what you do.”

He looks up, and he smiles again, his eyes back on mine. “It is. Most of the time. But there’s still a fair bit of paperwork to do, there’s a lot of research goes on. There are times when I feel incredibly lucky, though, to be able to do what I do.”

“Living in Queensland, you must get a lot of surfing done there, too. I can’t imagine this place comes anywhere close to what you have over there.”

“It’s pretty special, I have to admit. But this place, it has its own unique charm.”

His eyes stare right into mine, and I find myself looking away, my face burning with – what? Desire? Jesus! No! That makes this – whatever the hell it is – sound like a paragraph from some cliché-riddled romance novel.

“There’s a lot to love about Beachcastle Bay, Megan. You’re lucky to live here.”

I turn back to face him. “Am I?” I’d probably have agreed with him, a week or so ago. And then Scott arrived. And my blissful existence became somewhat marred.

“You don’t think so?”

I stare out ahead of me, at the rapidly emptying beach, the only people left now are a handful of dog walkers and a few guys kicking a football around. “I don’t know…” I drop my head and shake it, cocking it slightly to catch his eye. “Ignore me. I’m just a little pissed off at my ex-husband’s return to the bay, that’s all.”

Really? I’m talking about Scott? Here? Now?

“I said I was a good listener, remember?”

“You don’t need to know any of that shit, believe me.”

“Is that a polite way of telling me it’s none of my business?”

I laugh and raise my gaze, he really does have the most beautiful eyes. I’ve never seen such a striking shade of blue before, not as far as eye colours go, anyway. “I just don’t think you deserve to be bored out of your mind.” I pick up my drink and take a long swig. “And I shouldn’t be wasting even the tiniest amount of breath talking about him.”

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