Page 36 of Playing for Keeps

Hugh looked puzzled. “What?”

“I realise it’s not a very grown-up place to live, but it’s only temporary.”

His eyes roamed her features, lips parted in confusion. “I wasn’t laughing at you,” he said finally.

“You should probably share the joke then, because it feels as though you’re laughing at me.”

“It’s actually quite embarrassing, but I had a really stupid night there … years ago.”

Now it was her turn to be confused. “Where?”

“At the place you’re staying.” He paused on the path, looking along the paved area at the front of the two rooms. “One of my best friends was dating a woman who was working at the golf club for the summer. She was staying in that room where you’re staying.”

His eyes danced with mirth. “I think it must have been Damian’s birthday because his parents were around and offered to look after Emmy for the night. It wasn’t long after Emmy’s mum had left, and I guess I was pretty stressed. That was probably the most drunk I’ve ever been. You know those nights where it’s one silly incident after another.”

“I can’t imagine you being wild,” she remarked as they ambled along.

“I generally wasn’t. Maybe that’s why that night sticks out so much.” His head fell backwards as he laughed again. “We ended up skinny dipping.”

“You live by the sea. That can’t be that unusual.”

“No.” His entire face radiated warmth. “But there’s a chance we might have also been surfing.”

Her eyes bulged. “You were surfing naked while drunk?”

“I told you it was a crazy night.”

“It’s just really hard to imagine you doing that.”

“Please don’t imagine it.” He accidentally knocked into her as the path narrowed. “And if you must imagine it, remember this was about ten years ago. I was young.”

“How young?”

He sidestepped away from her as the path widened at the car park. “Is that your subtle way of finding out how old I am?”

“Yes.”

He rubbed at his forehead. “Ten years ago I would have been twenty-four.”

She nodded slowly.

“How old did you think I was?” When she grimaced, he shook his head. “Don’t answer that. I don’t think I want to know. My friends are always teasing me about how I seem way older than I am.”

Allie was saved from commenting as they reached Hugh’s car. Slipping into the passenger seat, her eyes lingered on his profile. He looked way younger today than she’d previously thought. It wasn’t just the clothes, but his whole demeanour. He seemed more relaxed and at ease with himself.

She clicked her seatbelt into place. “I’ll be honest, the thought of someone naked on a surfboard is a little disturbing. It’s quite an ungainly mental image.”

“Yeah, you really shouldn’t be imagining that. Erase the thought.”

“I wish I could,” she said, pressing her head back into the headrest. “It’s etched into my brain. I’m sure it’s going to keep popping into my mind at inappropriate moments.”

“I’m not convinced there’s an appropriate moment for that,” he said. “Sorry if I’ve scarred you for life.”

Her lips pulled into a small smile as they set off down the driveway. “I’m kind of looking forward to this little island adventure. I haven’t been on a boat in years.” She paused, thinking. “I hope I don’t get seasick.”

“Don’t worry. There’s no boat involved.”

“How do we get there?” She turned in her seat to face him, noticing the sharp angle of his clean-shaven jawline.

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