‘I’m all for you experiencing the outback. You are also here for the drive. Seeing as I knew you were good company on a flight.’ And you thought I was good company, too.

He turned and she could feel the intensity of his gaze. ‘I wish I could remember that.’

‘I wish you could too.’ But they’d get there, one way or another. ‘But it’s not going to dominate the next few days.’ They both smiled at that and Ava realised their relationship had shifted again. And it felt good. Right.

This was the Zac she’d found hard to forget. And he’d given her the opportunity to share something that had been worrying her. Something she hadn’t been able to share with anyone else. If they had a future, sharing stuff would be a part of it.

‘Thank you for listening about Jock.’

He didn’t pretend not to understand. ‘I will cling to him like a limpet.’

Ava laughed. He was quick. ‘His wife might have something to say about that, but that’s very sweet of you. Thank you.’

‘Either way, I won’t be bored. I’ll have you and hopefully I’ll be here for the musters?’ Zac’s voice held a spark of definite interest. ‘I’m keen for that. It’s fascinating stuff for a city boy to see. I could notch up an experience and trial it from the tourist’s point of view?’ Then,’ he lowered his voice, ‘I could give you all a review on RateYourTrip.’ He nodded sagely and held up his hands to imply he’d only give his honest opinion.

‘Excellent. Ten out of ten. Mum will like that. But not for another few days. You’re here to recuperate under my watchful eye.’

He raised his dark brows with a hint of challenge. ‘Am I to sit on the verandah and rock while everyone else works?’

‘Just a little. A day or two will do it. If you get too bored you could run some community clinics,’ she teased. ‘It’s hard for all the mums and kids to be there when the clinics run.’

He showed his palms. ‘My boss has told me I can’t be a doctor for a fortnight.’ They exchanged smiles. ‘Tell me about the station.’