‘You should rest, Zac.’ The way she said his name rustled like a breeze against his memory, but before he could pin down the thought she gently pushed him back against the pillows. ‘I’m so happy to see you.’ She bit her lip and swallowed, and he realised she was quite emotional about their meeting. ‘But I can see this isn’t the time,’ she said calmly. ‘You don’t remember me.’ It wasn’t a question.

‘Sorry.’ He wanted to comfort her yet didn’t know how. ‘Everything’s pretty fuzzy about the last couple of weeks.’

‘Dr Fithers warned us.’ There was a strange expression in her eyes. ‘I’m sure it will come back if you don’t push it.’

‘Of course … Us?’

‘My family. They’ve come into town to be with me. You haven’t met them.’

He touched his bandage uncomfortably. ‘Well, sorry I don’t remember you, but thanks for checking on me.’

She reached out a hand to smooth the sheet. Zac thought she might be going to cry again, but then she pulled herself together. Thankfully. That would have been awkward.

A week. He didn’t know her well, then. That made him feel a little better that he’d forgotten her. She watched him warily. Waiting for him to say something, the colour a little high on her cheeks. He couldn’t help noticing her freckles. He liked the softened angles of her face and the lush mouth that hinted at a sensuality he hadn’t thought about for years.

The silence stretched and Zac found himself filling it. ‘So, we were driving out to Uluru at sunset?’

‘Yes. We were hit and the car rolled.’

And they’d survived. That was good news. ‘I’m sorry I can’t remember you, but I’m glad you’re okay.’

‘I’m glad you are too.’ She looked at him again and then she blinked and straightened. ‘I’ll come and see you before I leave.’ She gestured behind her to the empty doorway. ‘Do you have plans for when you leave the hospital? If you wanted, when the hospital releases you you could come home with us – we live on a property not far from here – until you got better. My mother’s a nurse, too – so was my grandmother – so you’d be well cared for.’

Maybe they ran some outback convalescent home? He wasn’t sure how that could be a viable business, but who was he to doubt? ‘Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be fine and will be back at work soon.’

She looked as if she was going to say something, but then seemed to change her mind. ‘It’s up to you.’

‘Thanks for the offer.’ He hesitated. ‘I’m sure it’s very nice there.’