Natalie finished the final page of her book, closed it and placed it on the table beside her. It had been an enjoyable read, one that Rosie had loaned her, about a mismatched Irish family. She’d laughed and cried over it and now that it was finished she missed the characters. Or perhaps, if she was truthful, the story of a domineering grandmother and sibling rivalry underpinned by solid family love made her miss her own family. She stared out across the space beyond her cabin, focused on nothing in particular. Life here had become easy. She was both energetic and slothful in equal measures. Her skin was lightly tanned and her body felt strong and fit.

Here under the verandah she was protected from the late-afternoon sun by the tall trees that edged the sandhills but there was still some heat in the day. Her body soaked up the warmth like those of the little lizards sunning themselves on the rocks edging the garden. She took a sip from her water bottle, pressed the cool of it to her cheek, thought vaguely about going for another swim then looked up expectantly at the sound of a vehicle.

She smiled and waved as a familiar four-wheel drive pulled in with a kayak poking out the back. They’d made no formal arrangement but she’d grown used to Gabe turning up to take her somewhere. And if she was being honest she enjoyed his company and their casual conversations that made no demands of her. To him she was simply a visitor to his country and he was passionate about that. She’d learned so much about the area and its history from him.

The passenger window went down and he leaned across, his smile so familiar now. “Want to come for a paddle?”

“I’d love to.” She scooped up her hat and climbed in, her bathers already on under her shorts and t-shirt.

“How was your day?” he asked as he drove off towards the sandhills.

“Great thanks. I’ve been lazy and enjoyed it.”

He chuckled. It was a contented sound she’d grown fond of.

“Are we going to the creek again?”

“No, the beach. It’s a perfect evening for a paddle down there.”

“Oh, you’re right,” Natalie said as they rolled to a stop high above the waterline. The ocean was pearly blue and calm, and the sun hung like a golden ball low in the sky. “What a beautiful evening.”

“We’d better get the kayak in quick. The sun will be gone soon.”

She tore her gaze from the view and helped him lift the kayak and carry it down the beach. The freshness of the water against her legs took her breath away but her body soon acclimatised.

“I’ll hold it while you get in.”