‘For the record, I didn’t steal Stanley,’ said Will, turning to his brother as Matt flopped down onto the pebbles next to him. ‘He appeared at the house, and I thought I’d better bring him back down to town and make sure he was safe.’
‘Who’s a clever boy?!’ said Matt, ruffling Stanley’s ears. ‘That’s one way to make sure you didn’t stay put and sulk in your castle all day.’
‘I wasn’t going to stay put and sulk!’ Will said automatically, although that wasexactlywhat he’d been planning.
‘Course not,’ said Matt with a knowing smirk. ‘Because you’re absolutely brimming with enthusiasm for family time, aren’t you?’
Will shot his brother a sideways look. ‘Don’t start.’
‘I’m not starting anything,’ said Matt, holding up his hands in mock surrender. ‘Just making an observation. You know… as your big brother who’s legally obligated to point out when you’re being a muppet.’
Stanley let out a low woof of what sounded suspiciously like agreement, and Will shook his head. ‘Even the dog’s ganging up on me now.’
‘Smart dog,’ chuckled Matt. ‘So, how was your first night in the mystery house? Leah did well to find that place, didn’t she? I had a look at the photos online—it’s incredible.’
‘How come you know anything about it?’ said Will in surprise.
‘Because the girls talk,’ said Matt, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. ‘Connie and Rosie are pretty good friends with Leah, you know.’
‘But they’ve never even met,’ said Will, frowning in confusion.
‘Yeah, but some people actually know how to use things like mobile phones and video calls!’ tutted Matt.
‘You’re starting again,’ huffed Will.
‘Promise I’m not,’ said Matt with a shrug. ‘We know you’ve got a mad schedule. I’m just saying that we all talk to Leah more often than we talk to you… and she’s great.’
‘Mmm,’ said Will, his eyes firmly on the sea.
The pair of swimmers had made their way out a little further now, and were matching each other stroke for stroke, cutting through the gentle waves like a couple of porpoises. The third figure was still pottering about in the shallows, holding her back as she watched her friends.
Will gave an involuntary shiver. The water looked freezing. Definitely not his idea of fun! When he was younger, maybe—a lot younger. The only way he’d be persuaded to brave the waves now was in a wetsuit. A thick one. And some serious gloves.
Besides, why would he want to go in and freeze when he had such a great view from the beach? One of the swimmers in particular had caught his eye. She was moving through the water with an elegant ease that was mesmerising. She looked completely at home in the waves.
‘Earth to Will,’ said Matt, following his gaze. ‘You okay, mate? You just completely zoned out on me.’
‘Sorry,’ said Will, blinking hard and trying to focus on his brother. ‘What were you saying?’
‘I was asking if you wanted to join us all for breakfast at New York Froth in a bit,’ said Matt with a smirk. ‘But clearly your attention’s elsewhere. Anyone in particular catching your fancy out there?’
Will felt heat creep up his neck. ‘I was just… the swimming looks… energetic.’
‘Uh-huh.’ Matt’s grin was decidedly wicked. ‘Very energetic. So, which one’s got you all tongue-tied?’
‘I’m not tongue-tied,’ spluttered Will, even as his eyes drifted back to the swimmer in the striped costume. There was something about the way she moved…
‘Right. And I’m not a doctor.’ Matt squinted out at the water. ‘Oh, hang on. Don’t tell me it’s the girl in the stripes? Because if it is, things are about to get very interesting indeed.’
‘Why?’ said Will, his stomach doing something peculiar. ‘Who is she?’
Matt’s eyebrows shot up so high they practically disappeared into his hairline. ‘You’re joking, right?’ he said. ‘EvenIknow who that is, and I’ve never actually met her in person.’
‘Matt, just tell me,’ huffed Will.
‘That’s Leah, you numpty.’
Oh.
