Page 80 of The House Swap

A couple of hours away from the villa, with its uneasy presence, would do her good, she was certain of that. It would also be a chance to forget the tension of her uncomfortable dinner with the Pritchards.

She hadn’t heard anything from Sue or Ian since Sunday night, but she had spoken to Jem, who told her he had warned them it was best not to make contact.

If Poppy was honest, that was a relief. She still had no idea what to make of their behaviour, and any interaction now would just be uncomfortable.

Another four days and she would be flying home anyway.

Home to her cosy flat, where she would get the chance to check in with Keira, and also hopefully spend some time with Tom.

She wasn’t going to miss Crete.

The island was beautiful and she had no doubt that if she was here during the busier summer months, she would get to see a different side of it, but coming here out of season had been a mistake. She had thought she wanted the quiet, but, in truth, all it had done was make her feel lonely and isolated.

The only thing she was going to miss was Jem.

Although nothing had actually happened between them, she hoped he might want to keep in touch. Even if it was just as friends.

She hadn’t told him of her plans today, but he had messaged to suggest another dinner date for the following night, which she had readily agreed to.

Pausing on the quay, she took a photo of Calypso, sending it to him.

My first time out on the water. Wish me luck.

She wasn’t sure if it would go through, remembering the signal was patchy. But after a moment the message delivered. There was no immediate reply, so she put her phone away.

Reaching the jetty, she leant down slightly to peer into the boat.

It was empty.

Straightening, she glanced up and down the harbour.

Was she early?

She was about to check the time when a voice came from behind her.

‘Poppy.’

Glancing round, she spotted Martin walking towards her.

What was he doing here?

He wore jeans and a plain shirt, rolled up at the sleeves, his forearms heavily tanned, and the sunlight caught the scar running down the side of his face, highlighting the uneven texture of skin.

Her stomach dipped. ‘I wasn’t expecting to see you here,’ she said, before she could stop herself.

He slowed to a halt. ‘Kostas has to cancel. He called me and asked if I could step in.’

Poppy blinked.

Martin nodded to Calypso. ‘Kostas didn’t want to let you down. He said he had promised Tom he would take you to Spinalonga.’

Poppy hesitated, looking towards Calypso. It all sounded reasonable enough, but still the back of her neck prickled.

Being alone out on the water with Martin wasn’t quite the relaxing trip she had imagined.

‘I didn’t realise you could drive a boat,’ she told him.

Martin’s mouth pulled into what looked like it was supposed to be a smile, but the way the scar tugged at the corner of his top lip, it made him seem a little sinister.