I went to university in Auckland, and then straight onto Hamilton, so the city has been my world for a long time.

As much as I enjoy going home, I love being in the ‘big smoke’, as the people back home would say. My apartment isn’t far from work, and the life there suits me.

When I left the city two days ago, my mind was full of Adam and Lily, as well as the mess I’d left behind. All the way home, the only person I think about is Hayley. For the first time in a long time, I hate leaving Copper Creek.

I unlock the apartment door, and frown at Lucy sitting on the couch.

“What are you doing here?”

She flutters her eyelashes. “Waiting for you.”

“That shit’s not going to work on me this time.”

I make my way into the bedroom and open the wardrobe. Pulling out my large suitcase, I fill it with shirts and pants before hitting my drawers.

Hands with long, red painted nails run up my chest.

“Don’t,” I say.

“But Drew, I don’t want us to end this way.”

“Should have thought of that before you sucked another guy’s cock.” I turn around and glare at her.

“It was a mistake. I swear.”

“Your lips fell onto it?”

She tries that femme fatale look she does so well that’s sucked me in before. Not anymore. Her right hand slips to the front of my pants. I grab her wrist to stop her.

“No. You don’t get to do that anymore. I’m packing, and I’m leaving. I’ll be back to get the rest of my things next weekend.”

Her face falls. “But …”

“There are no buts. I dealt with you quitting your job without speaking to me. I dealt with you spending my money like there was no tomorrow. It wasn’t the first time you cheated, was it?”

Lucy’s expression tells me everything.

“Was he the first one? Do I need to get tested?”

“You always wore a condom.”

“I’ll do it anyway.”

Her eyes narrow. “I was never unsafe.”

“Never? How many have there been? Fuck, I’m just a sucker, aren’t I?”

“Stop twisting my words.”

“Really? How would you have felt if you’d walked in on me going down on another woman? I’m sure you wouldn’t just shrug it off.”

I let go of Lucy’s wrist. “I’m going to a motel, and I’ll find somewhere else to live. I’ll give Ray notice, and you can either stay here alone or go somewhere else. I’m not going to be your doormat.” Picking up the suitcase, I wheel it out of the room.

“Drew.” She whines, and I realise it’s been so long since we’ve had a proper conversation. It’s funny how when you’re busy and life is passing by that you don’t notice these things. Now, I notice everything.

“Just don’t.” I don’t look behind me, and I walk out the door, pulling my case. There are plenty of motels in town, and I can do with a bit of time taking care of myself.

Besides, I have something so much better to look forward to.

* * *

I find a motel near the hospital. If it’s going to be home for a few nights, I might as well make it convenient.

It’s a small room, but it has a bed, and I’m so tired after my trip that it’s all I need.

I kick off my shoes and collapse onto the soft mattress. Today’s been exhausting, between driving and dealing with Lucy. What I really want to do is curl up around Hayley and sleep.

She seeps into my every thought, and spending last night with her made us way more than just sex.

I pluck my phone from my pocket and grimace. First thing tomorrow, I’ll go and buy a new one. A new phone for a fresh start.

Scrolling down to her name, I smile as I press the message button.

I’m back in Hamilton, and I’m alone in a motel thinking about you.

It takes a few minutes, but I soon get a response.

You’re in a motel?

She can have the flat. I’ll find somewhere new.

Don’t forget to replace your couch.

I chuckle and shake my head. This girl has me tied up in all kinds of knots, and I don’t even really know her. Guess it means I’ll be going home more often.

I’ll buy something bigger and better. So when you visit, there’ll be plenty of room for us to lie down on it together.

I like that idea.

So do I. I really like that idea.

I like that you like that idea.

I like that you like that I like that idea.

Laughing, I gaze at my phone as if it’s about to spill some big secret. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so alive, so wanted. How had my relationship with Lucy been so bad, and how had I been so blind to it?

Wish you were here. There’s room service and a mini bar.

I’m sold. Or I would be if I didn’t have work tomorrow.

If you’re going to Lily’s, give my niece a cuddle.

Of course I will. Goodnight, Drew.

Night, princess.

* * *

Two days, and a lot more text messages later, I stumble across a place to live.

Today there’s a farewell at the hospital for one of my co-workers. Daryl Murray has about ten years on me, and is not only leaving the hospital to go into private practice, he’s going overseas to do it.

He’s been a friend and a mentor, and as excited as I am for him, I’ll be sad to see him go.

“You, Drew. You’ll go far when you get out of the hospital. I mean, it’s not a bad place to work, but you have so much potential.” He slurs after a couple of beers, and I smirk. Daryl is a lightweight when it comes to drinking.

“Thanks, mate. I’ll miss your help.”

“You don’t need it.”

I nod. “So, you all ready to go?”

He grimaces. “Almost. I thought my house would have sold by now. It’s supposed to be a buyer’s market, but someone should tell the buyers that.”

Laughing, I pat his back. “Well, I’m looking for somewhere to live. I can’t buy yet due to the ex’s spending habits, but if you end up renting it out, I’d be keen.”

He gapes. “That’s a really good idea. I know I can trust you.”

“Of course you can. Let me know how much you want, and I’m sure we can work it out.”

“It’d really help me out of a bind. I’m a bit reluctant to leave it empty.”

I’ve seen his house. It’s huge and would be a great place to give myself some space. Hopefully he remembers this conversation in the morning.

When I get back to the motel, I send a quick text to Hayley. It’s funny. We still don’t know each other well, but having her to talk to gives me something to look forward to.

I might have found a place to live.

The phone rings, and I smile when I see her name appear on the screen.

“Tell me you need to hear my voice.”

She laughs. “Of course. I also thought it’d be easier than sending dozens of texts.”

“Dozens? That’s ambitious.”

“Okay, it might be a slight exaggeration, but it seemed like it last time we started a texting conversation.”

“I miss you.”

There’s silence for a moment, and I know I’ve hit her with something she wasn’t expecting.

“I miss you too.” She lets out a loud breath. “So, tell me about this place you found.”

I smile. “Well, I don’t know for sure if I can have it, but it’s a house. He’s got it for sale at the moment so I’ll find the link for it online and send it to you.”

“I’d like that.”

Lying back on the bed, I close my eyes. “How was your day?”

“I stopped by and saw Lily again. She’s doing so well.”

“Have they named the baby yet?”

Hayley laughs. “No.”

“They should just let Max do it.”

“Max is still pushing for Rose, but Lily has final say and isn’t quite sure.”

I smile at the thought of that little family. Lily will be keeping Adam on his toes. With any luck, she’s got him running around after her, just as he should have done all those years ago instead of running from her. He’s the luckiest bastard on this planet to get back what he walked away from. Lily’s one of my best friends, and I’d do anything for her and for Max.

I chuckle. “Good for her.”

“Other than that, today was crazy busy. I can tell you …”

Hayley’s voice soothes me as I settle in for sleep.

I do miss her.

* * *

The house is amazing. By the weekend, I’m standing in the living room in silence.

There are no sounds from the street outside, as there was in the motel. No Lucy. She has no idea where I am, and I intend to keep it that way.

I’ve taken the furniture I wanted from the flat, and replaced what I need to from the savings I’d managed to squirrel away. Tonight’s the first night I sleep in my new bed.

Every night, Hayley and I burn up the phone line with texts and calls. Little by little, we get to know each other, and maybe it’s what we should have done before sleeping together, but the distance is helping, in a way. It means our fledgling relationship isn’t just about sex. It’s becoming so much deeper.

Although, as I lie on my super-king-size bed for the first time, all I want is for her to be here with me.

Memories play through my head. The instant attraction, kissing her for the first time, needing to touch her.

My fingers hover over the onscreen keyboard of the phone. I feel as if there’s so much to say, but we’ve known each other for five minutes, and I don’t want her thinking I’m some kind of crazy stalker.

I don’t need to start the conversation.

Are you settled in your new house yet?

I smile at the text as it pops up on my screen.

Getting there. I was just about to get some sleep.

Sorry. I just wanted to make contact.

My phone was in my hand to do the same.

Great minds and all that.

She makes me happy even when she’s not with me.

Something like that. I wish you were here. You’ll love this place.

There’s so much more I want to say, but it’s too early. Way too early.

I looked at the link you sent me. It looks lovely. Is that you inviting me to visit?

I grin at my phone and let out a loud breath.

You’re welcome any time, princess. The sooner, the better.

My first night in my new place, I sleep better than I have in ages. It’s not just because of this house—it’s because of Hayley.

I think I’m falling for her.

* * *

The morning sun floods through the huge bedroom windows. I could be pissed with myself that I forgot to pull the blinds before going to bed, but the privacy screens leave me hidden behind the glass and I can enjoy the rays.

I’m going to love living here.

Slipping out of bed, I pull a pair of dress pants on before opening the wardrobe for a shirt and tie. The plush carpet is soft, and the warmth continues as I step onto the heated tiles of the kitchen. Darryl pulled out all the stops for this place.

I flick on the electric jug, and while the water’s boiling, I pull my shirt on. Standing by the bay windows that face out to the backyard, I look over the pool. This is a home for a family—not that it’s ever been one.

It was a no-brainer moving in. When we got to talking rent, it wasn’t much more than what I’d been paying for my flat. It’s farther to drive to work, but it’s a nice house in in a nice neighbourhood.

The jug flicks off, and I finish buttoning my shirt as I cross the room. Am I crazy for wanting this much space?

When I was a kid, I shared a room with Owen until we moved to Copper Creek. Even in a bigger house, I was always surrounded by people, and in uni and when I started at the hospital, I flatted with others. I’d finally got a flat for myself just before I met Lucy.

Now all I can think about is getting Hayley here to spend some time together. Being with her isn’t like being with anyone else—it’s just so easy.

I mix my coffee, and pick up my phone, smiling as I see the message on it.

Have a good day.

But there’s another message.

We need to talk. Come home.

I need to go back and get the rest of my things, but as far as I’m concerned, I am home.