“Does it?” His expression, as he cast a glance toward where Mabena had disappeared, was so very normal in its frustration that she felt a bubble of mirth rise. It popped before it could emerge as smile or laugh, but even so. It was good to know he wasn’t as perfectly empathetic and bighearted as he seemed. “Funny, just now I’d rather toss her in the drink and side with you.”

“Oliver.” It was nearly the same tone she took with Lottie, though far more amused.

“Oh, it would be all right. She can swim. But if I may return to your other point.” Did he truly step closer? Lean in? Or did it just seem that way when he returned his gaze to her face? “We’ve known each other two years, not three weeks.”

“Do you really think an hour’s conversation two years ago counts?” She hoped it did, given the many times she’d thought of him since. Wondered who he was. None of her conjecture had done him justice though. Because she hadn’t known to imagine him here, but the islands were such a part of who he was. She hadn’t been able to see him clearly without the Scillies as a backdrop.

“When it was a more meaningful conversation than any to be had in a drawing room or on a dance floor, I absolutely do.” He stepped to her side again, urging her onward. Making her heart sag again. “It was a seed of friendship, well planted. It needed only a bit of water and sun to sprout and grow, flourish and thrive. The seed may be the plant only in potential, but without it, there would be no plant at all. Ergo, it is without question the beginning of said plant, as you can clearly see.”

“Clearly.” Though she had to wonder, and chide herself for wondering, if a seed of friendship could grow into something . . . more. She was a fool for even wondering it, she knew. And yet—no, and yet nothing. That’s what would come of it.

They walked in silence for a few minutes more, her thoughts as restless as the waves that rolled onto the shore a few feet away. The entrance to Piper’s Hole loomed ahead of them, blacker than night and far more menacing, given their purpose there.

It had once been a mine, Mabena had said. Hundreds of years ago. Then just a favorite haunt of the locals—a place to explore. In the last several decades, as more tourists came to the islands, it had become a regular place for visitors as well. A boat was always kept at the little pool, and sometimes locals even lit it all up with candles, making a grotto that was quite romantic.