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at a desk in a suit firing orders at me.” She flicked a hand towards
his board. “Doesn’t suit the corporate image I had.” Although that image had shimmied away last night when she’d seen him in his board shorts at the service
station.
    “You should try it sometime. Nothing like it.” He stared out at the
sea. “I grew up here and the surf was my life before I left for uni.”
    Surprise ran through Jilly. She’d always thought he’s come from the
north shore of Sydney. Silver spoon and all that.
    “I know. I love it too.” Jilly couldn’t help smiling back. “I surfed
at Narrabeen when I was at high school.”
    Dominic grinned at her and her heart did a little flip flop in her
chest. She put her hand to her mouth pretending to yawn, forgetting all of her
previous thoughts of his strange behaviour. The top of his wetsuit had been
pulled down and she stared at the glistening water drops on his chest. Despite
the bright sun, she could see the frown that suddenly marred his high forehead.
     “Did you sleep well?” His tone was probing and his words jerked her
out of that silly adolescent mooning.
    “I did. Unfortunately .” She killed the smile as it all came
flooding back and stared. “And apparently I slept a little too deeply.”
    “Why?” His voice was cautious. “What do you mean by that?”
    “Look, I’ve calmed down a bit now.” How to put this politely but
make her point very clear? “I went to your cottage to see you on the way
here and I was pretty angry.”
    “Because?”
    “Because I don’t appreciate you just letting yourself into my
cottage whenever you feel like it. I don’t care if the place belongs to your
family. If it happens again, I’ll—”
    “Whoa. Just wait one minute. You think I was there while you were
asleep? That’s sick. No way did I—or would I ever do that.”
    His expression and the horrified indignation in his tone convinced
her immediately he was telling the truth.
    “Well, who else would put my clothes into a plastic bag and leave
them on the end of my bed? Do you provide a maid service in your holiday
rentals?” Her tone was sarcastic but she wanted an answer. If he hadn’t put
them there, who had?
    “Trust me.” Dominic stared at her and his voice was soft. He
balanced on the balls of his feet and looked away from her out to the sea as he
ran his hand through his hair. “I believe you, but I just want you to know that
I did not—and would not—come into your cottage uninvited. It wasn’t me. My
cousin Margaret has a key. Maybe she found them?”
     Jilly pushed herself to her feet and brushed the loose sand from
her legs. He’d been too close for her comfort in the sand beside her. “Okay, if
you say so, I guess I’ll take your word for it.”
    He stood and she tipped her head to the side and looked at him curiously.
Even though he had denied it and she had no reason not to believe him, he still
looked ill at ease.
     “Okay, if it wasn’t your cousin, maybe I just had a memory lapse or
something.” She reached out to touch his arm in an attempt to lighten the
tension. “I’ve had a tough few days and I’m pretty tired. I really needed this
break. My boss works me very hard, you know.” She let a tentative smile cross
her face. He looked so concerned she felt bad.
     “Thank you.” Dominic straightened his shoulders and Jilly had to
tip her head back to keep eye contact. “Have you given any more thought about
moving to a motel?”
    Jilly put her hands on her hips and jutted her chin out as any
sympathy fled.
    “No.”

Chapter Six
     
    Dominic looked down at the woman staring at him. He knew very well
how hard Jilly Henderson worked, and he was just sorry that the chances of her
having a restful Christmas in that cottage were slim. He stared down at her
beautiful green eyes as they locked with his. A man could drown in them. He’d
not been immune to her at the office, but he had tried to ignore it. Even
though she was quiet and