But Romy also knew time was running out for successfully recovering the stolen cold stock.
Seeing those baby crocodiles happily paddle in the new tank, where she got to handfeed them alongside Amara and Izzy, was such a thrill.
From the second she’d met the guy, all the hours she’s spent with Stone had been an adventure, taking her breath away as he hauled her high into the air, piloting his helicopter, while being so warm towards her.
Now he’d gone cold.Stone cold.
What did she do?
She gunned the scooter to make the trek back to the house.Tonight, she’d make dinner to ensure no repeat of last night’s debacle of her hives.
‘Hello, Finley.’She leaned down to pat the little turtle waiting at the side gate.She dragged her drone case off the scooter and had to shuffle inside.‘Easy, Finley, I can’t get in.’
The turtle rolled back, his head up and his mouth wide as if smiling, the way a dog would happily greet his owner.
‘Aren’t you the perfect thing to see at the end of a long day, my little friend.’She wanted to cuddle the turtle, but the fin on his back made it awkward.‘I’ll find a treat for you in the kitchen.How’s that?’
In the dining area, she plugged her cameras into the wall to recharge, while downloading today’s footage.After his coldness, she felt guilty about her camera equipment taking up space on his dining room table.
At least Finley seemed happy munching down on some lettuce.
She quickly showered and set about making dinner, keen to not take advantage of Stone’s generosity—especially when she needed him for his skillset.
In the kitchen, she started pulling out ingredients, hoping for some inspiration for dinner.Her hands wrapped around a luscious mango, its rich fruity fragrance was like the smell of summer.‘How does chicken with a mango salsa sound, Finley?’
The turtle keenly eyed off the fruit.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll give you some.’
After feeding Finley again, she set about making a tropical mango salsa sauce for the chicken, along with a quick garden salad.The fragrant, colourful combination had her belly churning with hunger.
With plate in hand, she went to the barbecue with a splendid view of the pool.There was no sign of Stone.
As the chicken sizzled on the barbecue, she set out their plates, but still no sign of Stone.
Now she was worried.
With the meal resting in the kitchen, she peered out to the boardwalk that led to the hangar and saw the second scooter parked there.When did Stone get back?
Opening the glass gate, she followed the path to the right that led to the boys.It took her a few tries, and a ton of courage, to follow the path.All while holding her breath to face those prehistoric beasts—especially after today.
But she did it.Facing her fear, she found all three pet crocodiles calmly chewing on some dried fish, completely ignoring her.
Stone must have just fed them.
She rushed back down to the house and listened hard for the shower—but there was only silence.‘Stone?’
‘Out here.’
She found him sitting in one of the outdoor deckchairs, tucked around the side of the bar.‘There you are.’
‘Here I am.’He took a deep mouthful of his beer.
‘I cooked dinner.’
‘I can smell it.’
‘You hungry?’
