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She thought about brushing her arm against his, just to bring about some relief.
But that would be so stupid. Stupid with a capital S.
‘Jess? You okay?’ His voice was like melting dark chocolate. Thick and rich and inviting, pouring through her.
‘Just thinking about this place,’ she lied, grasping for a distraction from him.
Even from this distance she felt his body relax, heard his breathing slow.
‘So you never visited North Beach before?’
‘No. I wanted to, but things never seemed to work out.’
‘Zac said he hadn’t seen you for a while.’
Regret whipped through her. The shame of putting off a visit for so long. But it had seemed easier that way. Years of no contact with her family had left a hole she was now trying to fill. It was just typical that Zac wasn’t around to see her try. But, then, she’d probably hurt him most with her silence.
‘I can see why he settled here, it’s so peaceful,’ she said.
‘It took him a while. He said he was allergic to putting down roots. Guess that runs in the family? But North Beach got under his skin. He reckons it’s just far enough from the city to feel permanently on holiday, and soothingly beautiful for hangovers.’
He smiled ruefully. ‘Plus, after a spectacularly hedonistic night out he signed my contract and can’t afford to buy out of it.’
‘You got my brother drunk and made him sign his life away?’ She batted him on his shoulder.
He playfully jumped away onto the firm sand. ‘Zac managed to do that all by himself. And I think the decent salary and flexible hours to work with his beloved Auckland Panthers helps.’
She edged out of the water and flicked the drips off her feet. ‘I should have known it had more to do with rugby than with settling down.’
‘I think he’s finally enjoying a regular income and a regular job. You should try it.’
‘Not likely.’ She shook her head, surprised at the tinge of jealousy she felt over her brother’s apparent nesting instincts kicking in. It certainly wasn’t something they’d been nurtured with growing up. Not that they’d been nurtured with anything much. ‘I like to keep moving. Six weeks in Dunedin after this, then who knows?’
‘You seriously enjoy living like that? Drifting?’
No. Yes. No. She didn’t know any more. ‘I’ve spent the whole of my life on the road, can’t seem to stop.’
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