He strode past her down the track. Keely resisted the urge to turn and watch him. She didn’t know how to take Flynn. He was as prickly as the roses. She glanced at the threatening sky. Strange, it looked as if it might rain but the air was so warm. Another conundrum like Flynn.

By the time she reached the back door, she was walking briskly and replaying their brief conversation in her head, wondering if there was a hidden message in his words. She slid back the door with some force, only to be met by the startled faces of Euan and two guests seated at the table.

“Oh…I’m sorry.” She lowered her head to let the protective veil of hair fall across her face. “I’ll come back later.”

“Keely, wait.” Euan stood up and beckoned her in. “This is Pam and Connor, good friends of mine.”

Keely glanced at the newcomers, who both studied her with interest. They looked to be in their forties and both were dressed in jeans and plain shirts.

“Hello, Keely.” Connor reached out to shake her hand. “I’m glad he can still call us friends.”

“We’re not letting that mug next door come between us,” Euan said grimly.

Keely let her hand be clamped in Connor’s firm shake. His expression was unreadable.

“Come on you two, you’ll be scaring Keely.” Pam’s smile was warm. “It’s nice to meet you. Euan’s been telling us about the rough start to your holiday. I hope you’re on the mend.”

“I’m much better now. Thanks to Euan’s hospitality.”

“So you can add healer to your repertoire of talents,” Pam said.

“It’s the peace and the river that have done the trick,” Euan said.

“It’s certainly a beautiful spot just here.” Pam’s look was wistful as she glanced towards the window.

“Pam and Connor used to own the land next door,” Euan said.

“Oh, it must have been hard to move away,” Keely said.

“We didn’t actually live on the property. Just planted the vines there.” Pam gave a rueful glance in Euan’s direction. “We live in town.”

“Has Euan got you out on that surfboard yet?” Conner changed the subject.

“No…”

“If he tries to convince you it’s safe as houses, don’t listen to him. He nearly killed me and I’ve got the scars to prove it.”

Connor started to pull up his shirt and Pam put a restraining hand on him. “I think it’s a bit early to be showing Keely your war wounds, darling.”

Keely looked at their empty cups and made a move to the kitchen. “Can I make anyone another coffee?”

“I’ll do it,” Euan said.

“We really have to go.” Pam stood up.