She smiled back and they both ignored the snort that came from the kitchen. There was something about the enthusiasm she had seen on Flynn’s face that intrigued her. His normally wild hair had been tamed a little by a brush and sat neatly around his tanned, unblemished face. Despite his often-serious appearance, she could see the crinkles around his eyes and mouth that creased easily into a smile. She had enjoyed having a conversation with him where neither of them tripped over their words, and when he smiled…Keely picked up the beaded wine cover. What was she thinking? Flynn had been a moody pain in the butt since she’d arrived. Just because he was being nice to her now didn’t mean he wouldn’t be grumpy again the next day.

“I’d like to stay…”

A gentle knock on the door startled them all.

Flynn stood up and they could see Kat beyond the glass. He slid open the door.

“Kat, come in.”

“I’m sorry. I hope I’m not interrupting. I was out walking and…”

“Walking?” Flynn took her hand. “You’re freezing, come over by the fire.”

“Thanks.”

“What are you doing out walking at this hour?”

Flynn led her to the fire then stood behind her and rubbed her arms with his hands.

“Sorry, I hadn’t intended on coming this far.”

“Are you alright?” Flynn put his arm around her shoulders.

The landline rang and Euan answered it. His look went straight to Keely. She could hear her mother’s sharp tones from across the room. He held out the phone. “It’s your mother.”

Keely looked around for her mobile. She must have left it in the bedroom.

She put the phone to her ear. “Hello, Mum.”

“Why aren’t you answering your mobile? I’ve tried several times to call you.”

“Sorry, I left it in the other room.” Keely knew it was going to take a while for her mum to stop panicking every time she couldn’t reach her.

“Don’t forget to ask her to send the papers you need,” Flynn said.

“Who was that talking about paperwork? Is something wrong?”

Keely could hear the decibels rise in her mother’s voice. “No, Mum. I’ve been asked to do some relief teaching but I need my registration and some other things.”

“Oh, I didn’t realise you were staying for that long.”

Keely was conscious of the others in the room. “I don’t know how long I’ll be here,” she replied vaguely. “Besides, once I’m registered I guess I could work anywhere in WA and it would help cover the bills…” She tried to sound reassuring. She hadn’t intended on actually asking her mother to send the paperwork. If Megan had mentioned it again, Keely had decided to say she’d forgotten.

“That’s a good idea.”

Keely lowered her voice. “I’ll let you know the address.”