Roman stood right behind Ella and reached for the control. She could feel his presence behind her as he leant forward and placed his hand on top of hers. ‘You need to pull this right back now, as far as it will go.’

He kept his hand on top of hers as Ella carefully steered the boat through the gorgeous weeping willows that hung over the water’s edge, then around a cluster of rocks.

‘Look at that!’ exclaimed Ella, taking in the sight in front of her. ‘Just – wow!’

‘You haven’t seen anything yet,’ added Callie. ‘It’s amazing.’

When Ella took her eyes off the water for a moment, the boat gently bumped the bank and Roman placed his hand on the wheel.

‘Sorry,’ apologised Ella, letting Roman take over.

As the water taxi slowly sailed the calm water Ella gazed at the chalky-white rocks that overhung a tiny secluded beach of sparkling beige sand. ‘It’s absolutely stunning,’ she breathed.

Roman guided the boat to the wooden jetty, where it bobbed on the water.

‘This is your stop button.’ Roman pointed to a round red button. ‘Go on, press it. Just never press it if the boat is going at full speed, as it will catapult you forward at full force!’

Ella pushed the button and immediately the engine cut out. Still wearing Roman’s cap, she glanced over towards The Lakehouse restaurant with its old-fashioned shutters, purple wisteria and pink roses twisting all around the doorway. Up on the roof there was a balcony with tables and chairs overlooking the secluded water.

‘It’s like something for the rich and famous,’ murmured Ella.

‘It’s absolutely breath-taking.’ Roman was looking directly at Ella, then turned his attention back towards The Lakehouse. Ella felt a flutter in her stomach. She was sure Roman wasn’t just talking about the restaurant.

‘It is… absolutely breath-taking,’ she repeated, taking the cap from her head and placing it back on his head. ‘Thank you for my driving lesson on water.’

‘Anytime,’ replied Roman, tipping his cap.

Ella couldn’t take her eyes off The Lakehouse. ‘It’s like something out of a novel, a romantic hideaway for lunch.’ She was in awe. She never imagined she’d be working at a restaurant hidden under a canopy of beautiful cliffs, but she would be from Monday.

‘And the team are such a fantastic bunch,’ added Callie.

‘And here you are, delivered safe and sound.’ The boat gently bumped against the jetty.

Ella watched as Roman jumped off and tied up the boat securely before pulling the gangplank forward. He stood to the side and saluted as they stepped off the boat, causing Ella to chuckle. ‘I feel like royalty.’

‘Are you coming in?’ asked Callie, looking at Roman.

He shook his head. ‘No, it’s not my break time yet. And just remember the boat back to Heartcross leaves at half past the hour from here.’