Interview with the Daredevil. Nicola Marsh

last time we spoke you mentioned expanding the layout for Globetrotter? Starting to incorporate human interest interviews, that kind of thing?’

      Rex folded his hands and leaned on the table. ‘I know that’s why you’re here, trying to get that mug of yours into my magazine.’

      Roman chuckled. ‘That too. Though maybe I can do you a favour in return?’

      ‘What’s that?’

      ‘Ava’s a writer. If you’re looking for new slots to fill, she’s your gal.’

      Ava blanched and he rushed on. ‘You’ve got mainly freelancers on staff, right? She’d be a huge asset to the magazine.’

      He could practically hear her teeth grinding behind the practised smile she gave Rex, while she reserved a death glare for him.

      He grinned in response, draping an arm across the back of her chair and murmuring, ‘You can thank me later.’

      She kicked him under the table.

      ‘Most of our freelancers are snowed under so I was looking at putting new people on …’ Rex narrowed his eyes, assessing. ‘You interested, Ava? You could do a piece for me, shoot it across, I’ll take a look and let you know if we have ongoing assignments for you? Sound doable?’

      Ava’s fingers pleated the tablecloth while she nodded, her eyes sparkling with an enthusiasm that hit him like a wayward waterski to the chest.

      ‘Sounds great, thanks for the opportunity.’

      Rex steepled his fingers, his shrewd gaze flicking between the two of them. ‘In fact, I think I can kill two birds with the proverbial stone. My buddy Roman here was trying to take advantage of our long-standing friendship and grab a profile spot in the revamped Globetrotter. Why don’t you do your piece on him? Kind of like an exposé on extreme sports, focusing on the personal angle.’

      Ah … this just got better and better.

      ‘I’m game.’

      This time he avoided her kick in time.

      The epitome of a poised pro, Ava clasped her hands together and nodded. ‘Thanks, Rex, I’ll get straight on it.’

      ‘Better pack your bags, then.’

      The heat from her narrowed eyes could’ve melted him. ‘Why’s that?’

      ‘Change of plans. I’m leaving for Surfers Paradise today.’

      By the mutinous twist of her lips she didn’t want to fly to Queensland with him. Wait’til she heard about the private jet.

      ‘If it’s okay with you I’ll arrange another room at the hotel I’m staying at?’

      Her wary gaze clashed with his and it sent an unexpected jolt through him, catapulting him straight back to last night and the same hesitancy she’d shown when their flirting hotted up.