‘Where are we off to, ladies?’ asked Roman, taking his place behind the wheel. He snagged a glance towards the jetty. ‘It looks like you are my only passengers, so the world is your oyster. I can drop you at the bridge and it’s just a short walk to Primrose Park, or you can enjoy an afternoon at the art galleries over at Glensheil – your wish is my command.’

‘Over to The Lakehouse, please Roman. We need to pick up Ella’s uniform.’

‘Uniform? You’re working at The Lakehouse?’ Roman looked rather pleased as he started the engine.

‘I am, my first shift is on Monday.’

‘Great! I’ll look forward to transporting you across the waters each day. It’s my job to get you there and back safely every shift, and I’ll have you know I take my job very seriously.’

‘Glad to hear it,’ replied Ella, wondering if they were actually flirting just a little.

‘Sit back and enjoy the view,’ he continued, in a professional manner but with a smile to die for. Roman began to steer the boat slowly away from the jetty, then as soon as they were in open water, he began to pick up speed.

With the wind in her hair, Ella took in her surroundings. ‘This is just amazing. Look at this place!’

‘It’s something else, isn’t it?’ said Roman, looking over his shoulder. ‘Are you staying in Heartcross or across the water at Glensheil?’ he asked, his eyes fixed firmly back on the water ahead.

‘I’m in Heartcross, staying with Callie… Just for six months initially, unless she has enough of me.’

‘Why only six months?’ He looked over his shoulder at her.

‘I’m in between jobs at the moment, taking each day as it comes,’ she replied, not giving much away.

‘I know that feeling,’ replied Roman, causing Ella to wonder what his story might be. ‘This is the best place to get your life back on track, and I can confirm the rumour about this place. Once you arrive, no one ever wants to leave. That’s you here for a long time.’ He looked back over his shoulder at her again and smiled.

‘Maybe,’ she replied, biting down on her lip and holding his gaze. He really did have lovely eyes.

Watching the view sail past, everything looked picture perfect. With sweeping bays and sand dunes, gulls hovered over the white cliffs and Heartcross Mountain stretched towards the sky. Ella watched the waves overturn as the boat glided through them. ‘How do you know where you’re going? It’s not as though there are any road signs,’ she said, thinking out loud.

Roman laughed. ‘That’s probably because we’re on the river, not the roads.’ He gave her a mischievous look.

Ella chuckled, feeling like a bit of an idiot. What a stupid thing to say!

Roman smiled. ‘I know this river like the back of my hand.’