A Place In Paradise

An unexpected inheritance and a handsome stranger - but could she take a chance on something new?

- GLYNIS SCRIVENS

As Laura inserted the key into the Alock for the first time, her fingers trembled. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever imagined she'd inherit an flat on the other side of the world. This sun-drenched beach oasis of South Bank in Brisbane could not be more different to the cottage in Macclesfield where she was brought up; where sunshine seemed to be metered out by a miser. When she'd flown over for her aunt Joyce's funeral, she'd received a message from Joyce's lawyer to get in touch.

She was opening the door when a voice behind her caused her to turn.

"Are you my new neighbour?"

He was at least six feet tall and had a small tattoo on his left shoulder. Suntanned, athletic and with friendly eyes - what more could any girl want for her neighbour?

His blue eyes held hers and didn't waver. They matched the blue board shorts he was wearing.

"Afraid not," she said, trying not to let her eyes stray on to that tanned chest.
"I'm planning to sell the flat."

"Why?"

She smiled. "I live in England in a small town called Macclesfield, that's why.'

"All the more reason to live here." He flashed her a smile and headed along the corridor to the neighbouring flat.

"You here for long?" he called out. "I could show you around."

"How long does it take to put an apartment up for sale?" 

He shrugged and disappeared into his home. She stood there a moment recovering from this surprise meeting before turning the key and opening the door. She gasped as she looked around.

She'd expected old-fashioned decor and family photos everywhere. Certainly not this. She looked across the terracotta tiles to the large balcony where she could make out citrus trees in large pots and brilliantly coloured geraniums.

With its Italian tiles and textured white walls, the apartment had a Mediterranean feel.