Keely was wide awake and she hated dealing with messes the next day. “Euan, please, I’m fine.” Acceptance settled on his face. She really needed to assert herself more often.

They walked through to the cellar door, which was packed up and tidy except for a stack of plates and leftovers on the food table.

“I’ll take these through to the kitchen.” Euan took up a tray loaded with dishes.

Keely stopped to pick up some cans from the garden. The floor had been swept and the chairs stacked. She looked across to the keg table that had toppled Noddy. Up until then the party had been going well. She checked her watch. It was one am.

There was a noise behind her and Flynn came through the door, an empty tray in his hands. “Euan said you’re okay. I’m glad Noddy didn’t cause too much damage, to you or to himself.”

“I was going to clean up but it looks like most of it’s done.”

“Anna and Sean did a lot of dishes and Kat helped me clean up here after the last lot had left. Things kind of went quiet after Noddy’s accident.”

Keely couldn’t help but replay the accident over in her head. What had she looked like, trapped under a half-naked man? She recalled Flynn’s smile and snatched up an empty platter, turning away so he wouldn’t see her colour up yet again. “I’ll clean up in the kitchen before I go down to the studio.”

“There’s not much left to do. Just as well Noddy brought a halt to the proceedings, everyone went home early. Most of us have to work tomorrow, or I should say today.” He stepped closer and took the plate from her hands. His eyes studied her closely.

She was mesmerised, unable to move.

He reached up and brushed the plaster on her head. “I’m sorry about that. I hope it’s not too painful.”

His touch sent a shiver through her. “No,” she murmured. “I…I’d better head down to the studio.”

“I’ll walk with you.”

Keely wanted him to but she thought of Anna’s comments and—

“Oh, you’re back.” Kat came from the house. “How are you?”

Keely jerked back from Flynn. “I’m fine.”

“I just want you to show me which bed, Flynn. Your dad has disappeared somewhere.” She lowered her voice. “I don’t want to end up in the wrong room.”

Keely bolted for the door. Her head was spinning but not from the bump she’d received earlier. She didn’t trust herself to speak.

Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

A persistent thumping echoed in Keely’s head. She tried to ignore it then, beyond the noise, she heard her name.

“Keely.” Euan’s voice was raised.