‘My parents love having you. You’re like a daughter to them.’ He reached for the beer again. ‘So what’s the crisis?’
She bit her lip. She hated even saying the words. Hadn’t got used to the idea herself yet. ‘My house purchase has fallen through.’
He frowned. ‘You sold your flat? What was wrong with it?’
‘I wanted something bigger. Somewhere nearer the sea.’
‘Yeah. You always did dream about that. Living virtually on the sand. Another one of your plans.’ His eyes narrowed and he glanced at the view from his parents’ deck. ‘And maybe I don’t blame you for that. I have to admit, it doesn’t get much better than this.’
‘It’s a perfect spot,’ Anna agreed, ‘so why are you in London?’
He lifted the beer to his lips. ‘Because there’s more to life than a good view and a swim in the surf, Riggs. So where was the house? The one that you were hoping to buy?’
‘Tub’s Creek.’
‘Old Jack Lawson’s place?’
Anna nodded. Of course Sam would remember. He’d been brought up here, just like her. ‘He died six months ago. Had a massive heart attack just after Christmas.’
‘Not surprised with all the smoking, eating and drinking he usually did.’ Sam gave a rueful smile. ‘I think we can safely say that he lived life to the full. What was wrong with the cottage? Subsidence?’
Anna’s jaw fell. ‘How do you know?’
He shrugged. ‘Common sense. It was pretty old and the windows were wonky. Had to be something.’
Anna sighed. ‘I thought wonky windows gave a place character.’
‘And major structural problems,’ Sam said dryly. ‘So now you’re homeless.’
‘I completed on the flat two weeks ago. It was that or lose the sale. I was expecting to exchange and complete in two weeks. It never occurred to me that there’d be a problem that I couldn’t cope with. I was ready to buy it regardless.’
Sam shrugged broad shoulders. ‘So buy it.’
‘With what?’ Anna shot him an impatient look. ‘I need a mortgage and unfortunately people don’t lend you money on wrecks.’
‘Find somewhere new. Somewhere with straight windows.’
‘Given the fact your father has landed me with a dud locum, I won’t have the time to trawl estate agents. I’ll rent for now.’
He ignored the dig and lifted an eyebrow. ‘Rent? You’re kidding. How do you expect to find somewhere to rent at this time of year? Every inch of available bed space is already let out to tourists. You wouldn’t even find a stable.’
‘All right, well, I’ll sleep in the surgery if I have to,’ she said irritably, and he yawned.
‘Why would you need to? You can sleep here as far as I’m concerned. With six bedrooms, the house is big enough for both of us. You’ll just have to try and resist me.’
‘Believe me, no house would ever be big enough for both of us. Your ego takes up too much space.’
‘Don’t push your luck.’ He finished the beer. ‘I’m trying to be generous and giving here. If you’re going to argue, you can sleep on the damned beach.’
‘Sorry.’ Something that she couldn’t identify made her suddenly need to apologise. She ran a hand through her hair which had dried sleek and straight. It fell past her shoulders, halfway down her back. ‘I’m just disappointed about the house. Worried about your dad. Anxious about the practice.’
Unsettled.
‘Scared about the future.’ Sam’s gaze fixed on hers. ‘Safe Anna. Careful Anna. Anna the planner. So ballsy on the outside but on the inside you crave security.’
She bit her lip, hating the fact that he knew her so well.
‘Spare me the amateur psychology. Anyway, what’s wrong with planning? And what’s wrong with enjoying life and wanting it to stay the same?’