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Disappointing in a way; it wasn’t the sort of thing he wanted on a trek. But he had to keep in mind he’d paid for the luxury tour—the top end of the market. The bar was empty; he scouted around and on finding a power point, he slipped the battery into the charger and plugged it in.

He turned as footsteps came along the veranda and was taken aback when Maggie stepped into the bar in a long dress more suited to a ballroom than a trek. The candlelight glinted on the rings on her fingers, and when she came up to him and pressed a kiss to his cheek, he realised she already had a few drinks under her belt.

‘I missed you today, Gray. There wasn’t a lot to do here, but at least it gave me a chance to have a long hot shower and tidy up a bit for dinner. Not even a pool.’

“Tidy up” wasn’t the word he’d use for the long red dress with the plunging neckline and the gold jewellery.

Holding back a sigh, he nodded and headed to the bar in the corner and poured himself a glass of water. ‘You missed a good trek today, Maggie. Some excellent views.’

‘Did you get many photos?’ She walked over and was standing too close for comfort.

‘I did.’

‘Perhaps I could come to your swag later, and you could show me.’ Her hand went up to his chest, and he put his hand over hers, and lifted it away.

‘I don’t think so, Maggie. I’m flattered, but no.’

Heat ran up his neck as Sandy appeared at the door, and hesitated in the doorway when she saw them standing together.

Graysen stepped away from Maggie and crossed the room to Sandy. She was wearing a pair of denim jeans and a long-sleeved dark blue T-shirt. Her hair was pulled back in her usual ponytail, and the only “tidying up” she’d done was put on some pretty pink lipstick.

‘Would you like a glass of iced water, Sandy?’ he offered, holding up the glass he’d just poured.

‘Or a glass of bubbles?’ Maggie had followed him over.

‘Water, thank you. I want a totally clear head for tomorrow.’ She took the glass he held out and as Graysen headed back to the water cooler, the door at the other side of the room opened. Zed and Miska walked in, both also dressed in jeans and T-shirts. Graysen bit back a grin when Miska’s eyes widened as her gaze settled on Maggie. It was a bit hard to miss that red dress.

Clive and Jenny came in from the veranda followed by Paul and Cecily.

‘So, no dinner yet?’ Paul said loudly. ‘And no barman?’

Maggie lifted her glass. ‘We had to tell P.D. what we wanted from our order. Did you forget?’

Paul shook his head. ‘No, we didn’t forget.’

‘My bubbles were in the fridge over there. Perhaps your drinks are in there too.’

Paul walked over to the bar fridge and took out two cans of beer. Conversations started up around the room as the others took their drinks from the fridge.

Sandy was still beside Graysen, and he felt a gentle nudge in his side. ‘Maggie seems to enjoy goading Paul. That’s the last thing we need,’ she whispered.

Graysen looked down at Sandy and rolled his eyes. ‘It reminds me of one of those dinner parties where everyone plays a character.’

‘Where you have to guess the murderer. I’ll pass on that, thanks,’ she said with a smile.

‘Yes, me too. Anyway, I’m going to have a quick dinner and then an early night.’

‘So will I. I want to be fresh tomorrow. And this is the only night in a dining room. I really enjoyed last night around the campfire. I’m looking forward to more of that.’

‘So am I. More water?’

‘Thanks.’ Sandy passed her glass to him.

A few minutes later, Jodie walked in with a tray of canapes. ‘Sorry I’m late, guys. A slight drama in the kitchen. The stove ran out of gas and we had to transfer everything to the electric ovens. You found your drinks okay?’

‘We did, thanks,’ Zed said.

‘After you have some canapes, grab your drinks and head into the main dining room. We’re just about ready to serve up.’