She was a tall young woman with a solid but curvy figure. Not painfully thin like so many young women these days – at least there was some meat on her bones. She had long black hair that flowed down her back, but she tended to let it fall forward to hide her face.

Euan tended to collect interesting people on his travels and he suspected Keely was one. He’d seen a glimpse of an inner sparkle but she was very self-conscious. She also had artistic talent. He’d managed to sneak a look at her sketch when she thought he was asleep. He’d easily recognised his own portrait.

He envied her youth and the freedom to travel with no definite plans other than a destination. There was a time when he’d lived like that, and now he wondered if he’d ever get the chance to be that carefree again. Did he even want to be?

By the time he had collected his bag most of the other passengers had moved away. He headed to the doors where Keely now stood alone. Perhaps she was on her own after all.

“Would you like a ride?” he asked as he drew level with her.

She glanced at him with a startled expression.

“Oh…no, thanks. I’m sharing with some others.” She nodded towards the group of young men already outside with their gear.

“That’s good, you’ve got friends to go with,” he said.

“They’re not friends…at least I’ve only just met them. We’re staying at the same place so we’re sharing a taxi,” she blurted. She lowered her face and the veil of hair fell forward again.

Euan was reluctant to leave it at that. He suddenly felt paternal. If she were his daughter he wouldn’t want her going off with strangers.

“Here.” He stepped to one side so he could put his surfboard down then dug in his pack and pulled out a pen and the newspaper he’d bought to read on the flight. He scribbled on a corner, tore it off and pressed it into her hand. “If you ever decide to come south give me a call. There’s plenty of room at my place. That’s my number and my sister’s. I’m staying in Perth for a few days at her place.” He patted his pocket. “My phone’s not always on. Maggie can always find me.”

“Thanks.” She looked towards the doors. “I’d better go.”

She shoved the slip of paper into her pocket and hurried away. He turned to pick up his things. What had prompted him to do that? He was just as much a stranger to her as the other men were, but something about her had brought out the fatherly figure in him.