Mia returned to her room, her pulse racing and mind clouded with confusion. What was Aiden thinking? How could he continue to deny the attraction between them? What was she supposed to think when he did things like hold her hand or compliment her new dress? She tried to suppress it, but desire continued to quiver deep in her belly, warming her from the inside out until she couldn’t think straight.
She’d liked that hug. It’d been both surprising and incredibly normal. It’d felt good and strange at the same time. She wanted to hug Aiden again. Wanted to let it linger and to feel his hard body pressed close to hers. She wanted to lay her head on the pillow of his pectorals and let herself enjoy the sensation of his arms encircling her and drawing her in…
Mia shivered and threw her dress to the floor. Changing into her pyjamas, she squashed her desire and pushed the romantic images from her mind. She was only going to hurt herself if she fantasised about something that would never happen. She’d been there, done that before. Unrequited love was cruel and consuming, and she didn’t want to feel it again.
She crawled into bed and curled herself around a pillow, only to wake in the morning with her heart aflutter. This wasn’t good. It was just like it’d been with Noah. Thinking about him day and night. Excited to head off to school just to spend time with him. Spending her days hoping that he’d wake up to himself and realise he wanted her.
She’d been young and naïve. Noah had never returned her feelings. And neither would Aiden.
Mia rolled out of bed and sauntered into the bathroom. She didn’t want to be foolish and silly again. She was a grown woman. Yet feeling more than friendship for Aiden filled Mia with terror.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped beneath the warm spray of the shower. She had two days left. Once they returned to Australia and their normal lives, they would no longer be in each other’s pockets every day and being ‘just friends’ might feel easier.
She hoped.
Besides, today she had bigger challenges to face—the colossal expanse of the deep blue sea. Its mystery… Its horrors… The unknown…
Except as she changed into her swimwear, pulled on her black boardshorts and zipped up her sun shirt, the thought of getting on a boat and cruising out to a pontoon in the middle of the ocean didn’t actually scare her. Not really. She wasn’t wading into the ocean, but it was still a little different to swimming in the Townsville rockpool, which she’d done a few times. The rockpool was separated from the ocean only by a wall and was filled with natural seawater. This pontoon…it was a little confronting, but there was nothing out there that would cause her harm. Only dolphins for her to play with.
Mia grinned as she tied her hair back into a long ponytail and slipped her feet into her sandals. Grabbing her backpack with her change of clothes, she headed out the door and almost skipped along the garden path. She was off to hug a dolphin. It was a small step towards embracing the ocean, but it was a step she could manage. If only her mother could see her now…she’d be terrified!
Mia arrived at breakfast to find Aiden sitting at a table, his long legs stretched out before him. He wore red boardshorts, a black T-shirt, and sandals on his feet. He looked up, grinned, and lifted his hand in a wave. Mia’s heart lurched. She recalled the way his arms had encircled her last night and shivered. Then shook away her thoughts and weaved her way through the tables.
‘Morning!’
‘Hey, Mia. Ready to cuddle a dolphin?’
She grinned and bounced on the balls of her feet. ‘I can’t wait!’
They ate, then met their driver in the lobby. Excitement continued to bubble through her veins as they were whisked across the island to Dolphin Lodge in Sanur. They arrived with plenty of time to poke through the gift shop where they found plastic waterproof lanyards designed to hold smartphones.
‘We’ll need these to get photos with the dolphins,’ Aiden said, handing her a pink one.
Mia eyed the contraption, frowning. She wasn’t sure…but with four ziplocks, surely the phone wouldn’t get wet. ‘I guess…’ Then she brightened. ‘They’ll be awesome for Waterbom too!’
They bought one each, then she followed Aiden down the jetty towards the speedboat. Nerves swarmed in her belly as she climbed aboard.
It’s just a boat. You’ve been on boats before.
She took a deep breath and settled beside Aiden.
His mouth quirked in a kind smile. ‘You okay?’
‘Yeah. Just a little unsettled. I don’t think I’ve been on a boat this small.’
It was a long, tin, dingy-like speedboat with enough room to hold the dozen guests. Her mother would never have boarded it. Mia had only ever been on sturdy vessels with multiple levels and walls. She’d feel every bump in this little boat, not that there were any waves. In fact, there wasn’t a ripple in sight over the calm blue sea.
But she put on her lifejacket and held tightly to the edge of the boat as they set off. After a minute or so, her muscles relaxed as the wind whipped in her face and she enjoyed the smooth ride over water so crystal clear.
They arrived at the pontoon and scrambled out of the boat. Nothing but ocean surrounded them, but they were only a few hundred metres offshore. Mia took a deep breath then let it out slowly.
The trainers explained how the session would work and split them into two groups. Mia followed Aiden to the edge of a large pool where two dolphins waited to greet them—Triton and Marco. Their silvery heads and long noses poked out of the water, their mouths open in a smile.
Mia grinned. They were gorgeous! And nothing stopped her as she climbed down the ladder and onto the platform in the warm, salty water.
Her mother would be shaking in her boots. Her father would be so proud.
Letting out a deep breath, her heart warmed. Deep down, she knew her mother would be proud of her too.
Aiden reached for her hand and squeezed. ‘You okay?’
She grinned. ‘Yep.’
There was no room for fear as the trainer drew their attention. Mia had thought playing with elephants was fun, but this was at a whole new level. The dolphin interaction was fantastic! First, they played with Triton. He showed off by performing some amazing jumps, then splashed them by smacking his tail against the water. After each trick, his trainer dropped a piece of fish into his awaiting mouth.
Triton would do anything for fish.
He rolled over so that everyone could stroke his belly and Mia smiled as she ran her hand over his smooth, rubbery skin. She’d never experienced anything like it. No wonder her father had devoted his life and career into researching the ocean and its marvellous creatures. Had he ever interacted with a dolphin?
‘Smile!’ Aiden called, and Mia grinned at his camera, her hand on Triton’s belly. She didn’t stop smiling or laughing throughout the whole experience and was glad to be sharing this with Aiden. One day, would they look back on this moment fondly?
Or would she find herself alone in Charters Towers with memories of the amazing man she’d met in Bali?
Her heart plummeted as she stared absently into the water while the trainers swapped over. She had to stop thinking about it. Just enjoy yourself!
‘This is Marco,’ the new trainer said, his dolphin at his side. ‘He’s my son.’
Mia grinned. It was clear these two men spent a lot of time with their dolphins and loved them dearly. She wondered how fun that would be, to spend her life working with animals that she loved.
Like her horses.
Mia pursed her lips. She’d never make a career out of training, but could she do what her mum had? Could she keep her job at the bank, but make her heart sing by becoming a casual dressage coach? It was a thought…
But not one to contemplate now as she interacted with Marco. He was just as friendly and entertaining as Triton and enjoyed belly rubs. Swimming on his side, he waved his fin at them.
‘You all want to hug Marco?’
Mia and the rest of the group—a pair of Australians and a Chinese couple—nodded enthusiastically. The trainer showed them what to do. When it was Mia’s turn, Aiden had the camera ready as she bent her knees and held her arms high, the water lapping at her chest. ‘Marco!’
The dolphin swam smoothly through the water towards her and lifted his head. She did as instructed and lowered her arms, circling them gently around the dolphin’s neck. His nose pressed to her shoulder. She looked at Aiden and grinned, her heart full as he captured the moment, one she’d surely treasure.
When the session finished, they all climbed out of the pool. ‘That,’ she said, ‘was the most amazing thing I’ve ever done.’
He grinned as he picked up his towel. ‘It was brilliant, wasn’t it? Better than the elephants?’
She considered that as she unfolded her own towel. She recalled the sensation of Marco in her arms and then how Fajar’s trunk had wrapped around her waist. ‘I don’t know. They were both brilliant.’ She sighed and glanced down at the dolphins. ‘I guess I just love animals.’
Aiden laughed. ‘Me too.’
They were then shown around the rest of the pontoon and to a pool of stingrays. Mia grimaced, squeezing water from her hair as she eyed the massive black creatures fluttering in the water. They certainly weren’t pretty.
‘Does anyone want to swim with them?’
Mia stilled, her gaze shooting to the trainer. Was he serious? Swim with the stingrays?
No. Way. In. Hell.
The few Asians and the South Americans in their group shook their heads as they said no in both English and their native tongues. Aiden, however, kicked off his sandals as he was keen to give it a try. So were the other young Australians.
He turned to her. ‘You coming?’
Mia jolted in surprise. She realised she was still holding her hair and promptly let go. She swallowed. ‘Into a pool with stingrays?’ she croaked. ‘Are you crazy?’
‘You heard the guy, they’ve had their barbs removed. They’re perfectly harmless.’
She shook her head vehemently, her heart pounding. ‘I don’t care.’
The other couple climbed into the pool while Aiden moved towards her and took her hand. He smiled gently. ‘Come on, Mia. I know you’re scared, but when are you going to get a chance to swim with stingrays again?’
She didn’t recall ever wanting to. Not when she knew for sure a stingray had killed her father’s research partner. In all likelihood, one had killed her father too. Coming here to this pontoon and cuddling a dolphin was one thing, but stingrays? No. The idea of walking into the surf? Never.
Her gaze fell to the pool and the massive black rays. She gulped. If her mother wasn’t already dead, the thought of Mia climbing into that pool would have killed her.
She glanced back at Aiden. Swallowed. ‘No. I still think I’ll pass.’
She wouldn’t do it. No way. She could almost see her mother rolling in her grave. And her father…
Aiden’s grip around her hand tightened. His face was kind, eyes warm. ‘Come on, Mia. Be brave.’
Her breath caught. Be brave. That’s what she was trying to do, wasn’t it? Reduce her fears and embrace the things that terrified her. Like beginning her life as an independent woman. Going to university. Starting over. Being an orphan…
Her shoulders itched. On one, she could hear her mother screaming in her ear, terrified and telling her not to do it. But on the other, the voice of the father she didn’t remember was gently coaxing her. The stingrays were harmless. The fact that they scared her…
Mia exhaled. She steeled her spine. And before she could change her mind, she brushed her mother off and nodded. ‘Okay.’
She dropped her towel. Her heart pounded, but Aiden didn’t let go of her hand as he led her into the pool.
Be brave… Be brave… You can do this…
Next thing she knew, she was standing waist deep in the water. The stingrays were huge! And one was coming right towards her…
Her body tightened. Her hand squeezed Aiden’s. The rays slimy fin brushed against her bare thighs. Mia squealed and squeezed her eyes shut.
I’m still alive.
Aiden laughed good-naturedly. She opened her eyes and watched as he reached out and stroked the creature. His other hand still gripped hers.
‘Hey there, mate!’ The ray swam away and Aiden’s gleaming blue eyes met hers. ‘See? Not so bad, is it?’
Mia’s muscles loosened. Her stomach unclenched. Fear ebbed away and she managed to smile. ‘No. It’s not.’
It wasn’t bad at all!
Her spine relaxed and she let Aiden lead her deeper into the pool. Lifting her feet, she stroked across the surface of the water as a ray swam beneath her, its rubbery body brushing hers. She shivered. It was eerie. It was gross. They weren’t friendly, playful, or as nice to touch as the dolphins. She didn’t like it, but she was doing it. She was in a pool swimming with stingrays. Her heart lightened and she almost laughed. Her mother would freak out, cringe and shudder. She’d tell Mia she was crazy for jumping into a pool with stingrays. But while the ocean may have taken her father, it wasn’t frightening. It might hold many secrets, but it also possessed many wonders. And her father wouldn’t have wanted her to fear the ocean when he’d loved it so much.
Her mother, the only one of them who genuinely did fear the ocean, was gone. Tabitha Jones wasn’t there to tell Mia that she was crazy. Mia wasn’t crazy. She was embracing her opportunities and wasn’t letting fear hold her back. She was being her own woman. She was embracing life. And she was doing it all with a gorgeous man that she…
Mia’s heart lodged in her throat as she watched Aiden stroke the disgusting stingray. If she was brave, she’d step out of her comfort zone where he was concerned. If she truly wanted to embrace life, she wouldn’t wait for dating, romance, or love to fall into her lap.
Mia jolted. Not because a stingray brushed her ankles, but because suddenly, the truth was as clear as the blue sky above her. Suppressing her feelings—with Noah, with Aiden—it would ruin her. Unrequited love had ruined her. If she were brave, she’d charge into the world of dating headfirst. Because love was the only way she’d ever achieve her dream, her heart’s true desire—to become a mum.
She relaxed into the water, her body softening as she reached for the stingray. The decision was made. She would be brave and open her heart to love. And the love she wanted was Aiden. Even if she did end up hurt, she had to let him know how she felt. She couldn’t spend the rest of her life wondering like she’d wondered with Noah. And if Aiden rejected her…then so be it. She’d survived worse. She would survive it too.
What she wouldn’t survive was the pain of never knowing.
***
After the dolphin interaction, Aiden had enjoyed another nice afternoon with Mia wandering around Kuta and he’d never seen anything more spectacular than the Devdan dance show with the original choreography and stunning costumes. It reminded him of how much he loved attending the theatre, watching the performing arts, and the happy times he’d spent on stage. He knew he’d never have the time to do that again, but perhaps he could find a way to immerse Ella in music next year? Surely there was a music or dance class that would help develop her creativity, and they could have plenty of fun doing that together. He didn’t want to be the type of parent who forced their child into every activity under the sun, but he wanted to give her opportunities and at least encourage her to sing. Nothing made him happier than music, so if anything, that’s what he needed to focus on when he returned home. He would unlock the cage that had been his home and job and return to doing the things that he enjoyed before Ella as sharing those things with her is what would bring him joy.
And he had Mia to thank for helping him realise that, as he believed that had been the basis of her close relationship with her mother. They’d both loved equestrian, travel, waterfalls, and musicals, and they’d shared those things to build a happy life.
He and Ella could do the same.
Smiling softly to himself, Aiden followed Mia into Waterbom on Saturday morning and squashed the dread in his belly. He didn’t want to think of it being her last day in Bali as now was not the time to be thinking such gloomy thoughts. Today was meant to be fun. But in the back of his mind, a ticking clock echoed inside his head like a bomb about to go off. He’d known it was coming, but he wasn’t looking forward to her departure this evening. He’d miss her company and having someone to talk to. What was he going to do for the next two days all on his own?
Aiden shook his head as he headed into the change room. He’d manage. In fact, it’d be nice to have time to himself again. Time where he could make plans and to think about the coming months.
Because he certainly couldn’t think around Mia.
Last night had been wonderful, if not almost bordering on romantic as they enjoyed Indonesian cuisine in Nusa Dua, a luxurious and quieter part of Bali, before the show. Mia had looked far too enticing in a black pencil dress with cap sleeves which had hugged her taut, slender body to perfection. At least when she was gone, so would be temptation. Because boy, he was tempted. And he didn’t want to be.
So he should be grateful that they only had one more day together—one last fun-filled day where they could be young, carefree, and daring on the waterslides at Waterbom.
‘What do you want to do first?’ he asked after they’d stowed their bags in a locker and wandered into the park.
Mia glanced around, her blonde ponytail hanging long down her back. She pointed towards the large blue translucent tube slides that rose high above the tropical palm trees. ‘Let’s try those first.’
The concrete warmed their bare feet as they strode through the park, but they remained relatively cool surrounded by lush, flowering gardens while the scent of coconut and chlorine filled the air. He and Mia bounced towards the slides with excitement. Aiden had always planned to visit Waterbom, having wanted to relish in the fun, but he was happier to be sharing that fun with Mia as being with a friend sure beat being there alone.
His heart warmed as he sent her a sidelong glance. Mia continued to practice sun safety in her long-sleeved swimshirt, but he was grateful for that as the thought of her in a bikini like the women surrounding them was almost too much.
She paused when they reached the bottom of the two blue slides. ‘Hmm…I don’t know about that one.’ She pointed to the inverted loop.
He grinned. ‘What? Too extreme for you?’
‘I don’t know about going upside down in a waterslide…’
He placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. ‘I thought you were fearless on waterslides.’
‘A few sharp turns, yes. But not upside down.’
‘All right.’ He’d get her on it, he just needed to warm her up first. ‘We’ll do the other slide, then reconsider.’
They raced up the stairs. The first waterslide they rode a couple of times, whipping through the heavily banked turns of the blue tube, feet first on their backs. Aiden embraced the adrenaline rush. His blood pumped and he couldn’t stop grinning.
Mia came shooting out of the tube and into the splash-zone. She stopped, sat up, and blinked water from her eyes. He offered her his hand to help her out, hoisting her to her feet and over the side.
She grinned. ‘That sure is a fun slide.’
‘You ready to try the next one?’
She shook her head. ‘No, thanks. I’ll wait for you down here.’
He smiled mischievously and squeezed her hand. ‘Come on, Mia. Don’t make me say it…’
‘Be brave…’ Exhaling, she bit down on her lower lip. ‘All right.’
***
Mia didn’t know why she’d agreed to this insanity as Aiden led her back up the stairs. Her heart pounded and her throat closed over. He didn’t let go of her hand.
She didn’t want him to.
They’d watched the inverted slide while lining up for the other one. It was her definition of extreme, starting on a trapdoor before dropping you into a near vertical tube and throwing you through the inverted loop. She liked waterslides, but there was a line.
Aiden stood behind her while they waited, his hands on her shoulders. She swallowed and crossed her arms over her chest, trying to ignore the fact that she liked him touching her. ‘You’ll go first, right?’
He squeezed her shoulders. ‘I’ll go first and be waiting for you at the bottom.’
That’s if she didn’t go running down the stairs the moment the trapdoor dropped him.
She mentally shook herself. No, she could do this. It wouldn’t kill her. But her heart wouldn’t quit galloping.
Before she knew it, it was Aiden’s turn. ‘See you down the bottom!’
He grinned cheekily as he stepped into the launch zone. Mia hugged herself tighter as they closed the door. The countdown commenced. The trapdoor opened and he fell. The jerk screamed the whole way down. Mia gulped. She’d have laughed if she weren’t so terrified. Others had screamed too, but she knew Aiden had only done it to scare her.
The attendant opened the door and gestured her inside. Mia had no choice. Aiden wouldn’t let her live it down if she chickened out.
I swam with stingrays yesterday. I can do this.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside. She assumed the position, crossing her arms over her chest, hands on shoulders. She gripped them tight.
I won’t die…I won’t die…at least the view of Kuta is nice…
‘Three…two…one!’
The floor vanished. Gravity did its thing. Mia screamed. She shot through the slide, water rushing over her. Her stomach dropped as she rounded the loop. Within seconds, she halted in the splash-zone.
Aiden’s delightful cheering blinked her out of her gasping shock. ‘You did it!’
Sitting up, Mia pushed herself to her feet, her knees wobbling like a newborn foal. She took the hand Aiden offered and scrambled over the edge of the slide.
He grinned like a loon. ‘Fun, hey?’
She gritted her teeth, still shaking. ‘I hate you.’
He didn’t seem to mind though, laughing as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Mia’s fear dissipated as her arm looped around his waist. He pulled her against his warm, hard, wet body, and her knees wobbled for an entirely different reason. ‘Again?’
She scoffed. Shook her head. She didn’t want to move from his embrace. ‘Yeah, all right.’
Their arms dropped from each other and they ran for the stairs. She blamed the adrenaline. But the slide wasn’t half as scary the second time, or the third or fourth. Then they moved on as she didn’t want to feel her stomach plummet again. Not when her body was already in a riot of lust. Aiden looked good wet. The black material of his swim shirt moulded every bump and crevice of his lean torso. She could barely catch her breath, and it wasn’t because of the endless stairs. She hadn’t counted on the waterpark being so…hot. So intimate.
When they readied for the next slide, it was in a tandem inflatable. As the lighter rider, Mia settled herself in front while Aiden slipped in behind her. Their bodies were apart, but his knees locked in beneath her arms and she found herself flanked by his wet muscular calves. Mia ignored the inner hum of her body as she watched the attendant, waiting for the waterslide to clear before pushing off. They dropped through a rainbow translucent tube and behind her, Aiden laughed and cheered. She joined in, her grip tight around the inflatable’s handles. Being vocal added to the fun.
They shot into the large orange bowl, going around and around. She glanced over her shoulder and they exchanged grins.
‘I like this one!’
He laughed, his perfect chest heaving. ‘So much fun!’
The water washed them through the exit tube—backwards! Mia’s heart lurched. She squealed. They emerged into daylight and hit the pool. Their tube flipped and dropped them into the water. Startled, Mia blew bubbles and kicked her way upwards. A strong hand gripped her arm as she broke through the surface, gasping.
‘You okay?’
She nodded, stroking towards the edge until her feet touched the bottom of the pool. ‘Yeah. Just surprised me, was all.’
Aiden had their inflatable under his arm as they cleared the splash-zone and trudged out of the water. She wiped hair from her eyes as his hand fell to the small of her back, guiding her out of the water. She shivered.
Once on dry ground, her gaze shot to his. He grinned. ‘Again?’
‘Again.’
***
Aiden felt like a big kid as the day did not stop being fun. He and Mia rode slide after slide, again and again. The single rider slides were great, but he had to admit, he enjoyed the tandem ones more with Mia’s petite body settled between his knees. It was an excuse to be close to her and riding slides together added to the thrill. Cheering, screaming, and laughing made it more exciting.
The water made their day sexy.
Who knew?
Aiden let out a deep breath as he followed her back up the stairs, carrying the inflatable over his shoulder and keeping his gaze on the ground. He hadn’t counted on the sight of Mia wet and laughing being such a turn on. And no matter how many times he told himself it was a bad idea, he kept finding reasons to touch her. He took her hand to help her into the tubes or out of the water, touched her back to guide her through the crowds, squeezed her shoulder with excitement and affection.
He liked touching her, and she didn’t seem to mind. She touched him too. It was nice. Friendly. Intimate. And he wanted to make the most of their final hours together because next time he saw her, they’d be back living their normal lives. Away from the magic of Bali where they lived in two different, albeit neighbouring, towns. She would be starting her exciting new life and he’d be relieving the pressures of work with many fun-filled days out and about with his daughter.
But none of that mattered today. Today, they were two friends having a blast together without a care in the world.
He didn’t want it to end.
They stopped for lunch and shared a pizza among the lush gardens, then let their food settle with a relaxing ride in the lazy river.
Aiden kicked back in his inflatable ring, enjoying the overhanging gardens and the musical sound of fountains while the current took them along the scenic ride. Mia lay beside him in her own tube, wet hair hanging over her shoulder and her slender legs dangling in the water. She had such small feet, delicate ankles, and her toenails were painted hot pink.
His heart twisted. He was going to miss her. He’d never had a friend like Mia. Never known a woman like her. And next time he saw her…
Aiden blew out his breath. ‘Can you believe the trip is almost over?’
Her blue eyes met his. ‘This past week has gone so quickly.’
He nodded, brushing his hand through the cool water. ‘It’s been fun though.’
‘Oh, absolutely! It’s probably been the most adventurous of my holidays, I reckon. I’ve been a lot busier and more active this trip. While Mum was relatively healthy on our holidays, we still took things easy. She was prone to fatigue. But here—’ Mia shook her head and grinned ‘—it’s been non-stop action. Especially today.’
‘Today’s been awesome,’ he agreed, his throat tightening. ‘But I’ll admit, I’m looking forward to going home.’
‘Me too. I love my holidays, but it’s always nice to go home.’ She kicked her feet back and forth through the clear water. ‘Nice to get back to normal. I miss my dogs. And the cats. And Cindy and George. They’re all going to be so happy to see me.’
‘I’m sure they will be.’
‘And I’m sure you can’t wait to get home to Ella.’
An ache spread through his chest. ‘I’ve missed her like crazy. I mean, I’m glad to have had time to myself. Not needing to be “Dad” for a while has been…well…liberating. My parents were right—it’s exactly what I needed. But it’s not what I want. I am Dad and always will be. And even though it isn’t easy, I can’t wait to be back home reading bedtime stories or arguing about naptime or hearing the annoying high-pitched voices on kids shows all day.’
He stared absently at the gardens, but the gloom he’d once experienced about his not-perfect life was no longer there. He might be alone and work long hours, that was unlikely to change. But now he knew he didn’t have to give up everything that had made him happy. Not completely. He just had to find a new way to explore them with Ella in mind as she was his life and he wouldn’t change that for the world.
He’d had his time away. Bali had provided ample opportunity for exploration and fun. He’d explored mountaintops and the depths of the ocean. He’d played with elephants and dolphins. Now, all he wanted was to go home to his ordinary city of Townsville and resume his life as Daddy. But rather than curl up inside his small apartment and watch cartoons, they would explore a new park every weekend and go to dance class. Just the two of them.
His mouth twisted. That might not have been the plan, but it had been enough for Mia, so hopefully it would be enough for Ella too. Besides, it wouldn’t be just the two of them. He had his parents and his sister’s family. He and Ella were in for a big, fun, family Christmas. Then after the New Year, he would plan a visit to his former in-laws and take Mia up on her offer to bring Ella out to see her animals.
He watched Mia and the small smile on her face as she ran her hand through the tinkling waterfall they floated past. He would definitely stay in contact with her. They would remain friends. Ella could get to know her and then maybe one day…
He frowned. One day what?
‘I sort of enjoy kids shows,’ she said with a little laugh. ‘Not all of them, but some can be quite entertaining.’
‘You obviously don’t have them playing all day. I like some of them, especially the movies that have adult subtexts. But unfortunately, Ella’s still too young to enjoy anything other than Bluey and The Wiggles.’
Mia grinned. ‘I love The Wiggles!’
‘Yeah, me too.’ He saw the river exit approaching. ‘So, you want to get back to the slides?’
She nodded and sprung from her inflatable. ‘Let’s do it!’
***
They slid until they could slide no more, calling it a day shortly after three o’clock. Aiden was all too aware that their time together was ticking away.
‘Let’s grab a drink,’ Mia suggested as they left Waterbom. ‘And maybe a snack. By the time I finish at the spa and arrive at the airport, I’ll be in for a late dinner. But after all those stairs, I can’t wait for a massage.’
She was going to the airport via a spa, which certainly sounded like the perfect ticket out of here.
They found a café overlooking Kuta Beach, ordering a cold drink each and a plate of fries to share.
‘So what are your plans for the next two days?’ she asked.
‘Not much. I booked a snorkelling safari for tomorrow afternoon, so that’ll be fun.’
‘I guess.’ Mia bit into a chip and gazed out at the ocean. She frowned. ‘You know…the beach is actually quite pretty.’
Aiden followed her gaze. The road and grassy parkland lined with palm trees separated them from the white sand and rolling blue-grey waves. ‘I grew up on the beach, so I’ve always liked it.’
‘Hmm…’ She pressed her lips together, then turned her gaze back to his. ‘It was pretty cool yesterday, being out on the boat and in the water. I’m so glad I did that.’
His smile widened. ‘Perfectly safe, isn’t it?’
‘Yeah. Of course, I always knew that. But still…’ She ate another chip and crossed her arms over the table. ‘It wasn’t something I planned to do this trip. I achieved everything else I set out to do. I now know I want to stay in Charters Towers and have a job that’ll give me a good home life. I’m glad I’ve realised that. And I’m also glad I saw a volcano. But…’
A frown formed between her eyebrows again as she trailed off. Her gaze returned to the beach. She bit down on her lower lip.
Aiden’s heart clenched. ‘Mia…what are you thinking?’
She didn’t move. She just stared. Silence fell.
Then her eyes met his. ‘Aiden…will you come with me into the water?’