“Auntie June invited me to dinner.” Hone ended his call. “I told her I was with you, and she said to pass the invitation to you and Emma.”
“I heard. What about Cassie?” Jack paused ripping up carpet to study him. “You gonna ask her? Could open a can of matchmaking worms.”
“Too late now. Cassie is invited.”
“Your auntie still trying to marry you and your cousins off?”
“Didn’t you hear her sly tone? She’ll have better luck with one of her sons ’cause I am wise to her ways. Or I could take Cassie myself,” he mused, his dragon making a purring sound of approval.
“Don’t hurt that woman, Hone. I won’t tell you again. The next time I’ll lead with my fists. Don’t hurt Cassie. Emma will get upset, which in turn will make me unhappy. You hear me?”
“Yes,” Hone snapped. “I’m not a damn monster.”
“Not true,” Jack contradicted, and this time his voice held sympathy. “We’re both monsters and right now, yours is showing more than mine. Your irises are glowing red and your claws are visible beneath your fingernails.”
Crap. Jack was right. He worked at mentally caging his taniwha. “I’ll check with Cassie and ring Auntie June back outside. Fresh air always helps me with control.”
He left Jack tearing up carpet and scowled at the red paint on the wall as he strode from the room. Bikies rule. Little pricks. Cassie seemed like a nice lady. He might put out a few feelers when he saw his cousins. They had their ear to the ground and would have a good idea of who was responsible for the vandalism. If it was a local gang.
He ducked into the room where Cassie and Emma labored over carpet rolls and prayed his control would hold long enough to issue the invitation.
“Are you sure it’s all right?” Cassie asked.
“It’s fine.” Emma aimed a furtive scowl at him. Her tone remained light for her friend. “You’ll like June and Samuel.”
“Okay. Thanks,” Cassie said.
“I’ll tell Auntie June.” Pressure built in Hone’s chest—his taniwha pushing for release. Hone slapped him back with a testy growl. At this rate, he’d need to find a willing woman for sex. Again. Either that or go for a clandestine flight, which was more problematic in these days of modern technology. Lucky they had a few inventors and gadgets of their own to confuse satellite imagining and navigational equipment, or at least they would once his cousin, Manu, perfected his latest invention. He strode outside.
Once his claws bled back into his skin, he rang his auntie to confirm they would all be there for dinner.
“Hone! Should I invite Irene Wharerau? She said she hadn’t seen you for a while.”
“I’m dating, Auntie,” he said in a stern voice. “I’m not interested in anything other than friendship with Irene.”
“I see,” his Auntie said, her tone designed to raise his guilt.
He could picture her face, her unusual light green eyes that came from the mixed European and Maori blood in her ancestry, her furrowed brow and the determined jut of her jaw. Auntie June considered herself a matchmaker with an excellent result rate, and as matriarch and leader of the tribe, she didn’t accept gainsaying.
“I haven’t known her for long so don’t make any smart comments about marriage. I don’t want you to scare her off.” Hone heard himself say the words, his mind screaming at him to stop before the hole he dug engulfed him. Meanwhile, his inner dragon purred again, the contented sound making his human side itch with discomfort. What the hell?
“Depends,” Auntie June said. “Who is she? Why haven’t I heard? Bring her with you.”
“Auntie,” he growled. “Please. You want babies to cuddle, you work on Jack or one of your sons. I’m not ready to settle with one woman. I’ll come alone.” He refused to take a date to his aunt’s home.
“Humph.”
Not impressed. Too bad. He enjoyed his single lifestyle. “What time should we arrive?”
“Whenever you’re ready. Tane and Kahurangi will be here around six. You’d better be careful one of my boys doesn’t steal your new girl from under your nose. At least they have open minds about settling with one woman.”
Hone held back a snort. His auntie wouldn’t appreciate his feedback on this particular point. His cousins told June what she wanted to hear and went their own sweet way. They weren’t stupid, but it took skill to keep ahead of their mother.
“Thanks, Auntie. We’ll see you later. Anything you want? We’re in Clevedon and stopping by the oyster place.”
“Get me two dozen of oysters in the shell,” she said, her voice less strident now. “You’re a good boy. If only you’d take advice in the spirit it was offered.”
Hone grimaced at his aunt’s last shot and slipped his phone into his pocket. His skin itched in a slightly different way, telling him someone was watching him. He bent to check his shoelace, casually glancing around at the same time. A flash caught his eye, but he didn’t make the mistake of staring. The knowledge was enough. Someone was spying on him with a pair of binoculars.
Interesting.
He’d mention it to Jack and perhaps investigate the owners of the neighboring property. Of course, the binoculars might mean curiosity, but the snoopy neighbor might have seen something useful.
When he wandered back inside, he found everyone in a bedroom. A bedframe and a mattress bearing nasty stains plus several beer bottles and empty crisp packets told an interesting story. “A trysting spot?”
Jack’s brows rose, his somber face lightening. “A tryst? Who says that word?”
“Auntie June,” Hone said. “She said lots of other words just now. Most of them involved subtle matchmaking.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet,” Emma cooed.
“Jack, am I allowed to smack her butt?”
“Hell, no. That’s my job.”
Emma winked at her man. “You’re very good at it too.”
“Do they carry on like this all the time?” Cassie sidled closer to Hone.
Hone grunted. “Isn’t it disgusting? I’m glad you’re here to save me. Auntie June wants us to buy her two dozen oysters in their shells. She said to turn up around six.”
“I’m dusty and grubby after lifting the carpets. I’d like to go swimming. When’s high tide?” Emma asked.
“Later this afternoon,” Jack said. “It should be on its way in now.”
Hone watched Cassie. He couldn’t explain his fascination with the woman. Although he enjoyed women of all shapes and sizes, Cassie’s robust frame and abundant curves did it for him. She wasn’t traditionally pretty with her strong features and bold eyebrows, but the black-framed glasses gave her a cute librarian look, and he adored the sun dress. It cupped her full breasts and fell in a swish of frothy fabric to her knees. The woman had serious legs—long and supple—and her toenails sported bright pink nail polish. His gaze zapped back to her dress. The fabric was blue and covered with cat’s heads, almost cartoonish since each sported a pink bow and pink-framed glasses. His lips twitched as he fought a full-out grin. Any woman who wore a dress like that didn’t take herself too seriously.
“This is the only furniture,” Cassie said. “Would you help me put it outside before we leave? And the old carpet too? Then I can organize someone to dump them for me.”
“You want the stuff out front?” Jack asked. “Near the vehicles?”
“Yes, please.”
“Mattress first?” Hone asked Jack.
“Yup.”
It was almost an hour before they cleared the house.
“Are we done?” Hone asked. “I’m ready to hit the beach and I’m starving. What say we drive to Maraetai and get fish and chips? We can grab our oysters on the way back to Papakura.”
“Works for me,” Jack said. “Cassie?”
“Great idea. I’ll buy lunch. It’s the least I can do after you’ve helped me all morning.”
“We’ll meet you there,” Emma said. “We’re going to lock the doors.”
Hone’s taniwha growled, and he rushed into speech to cover the sound. “You need new locks. The existing ones aren’t worth shit.”
Jack narrowed his gaze, probably as a warning to him to get a grip on his beast. Unfortunately, Cassie fascinated his dragon, enticing him to play. Fine for his dragon but he—the man—hesitated at the idea of confining himself to one woman. His taniwha had turned contrary and seemed to have a permanent arrangement in mind. No wonder confusion rode him, yanking him over to his taniwha’s point of view. He shook himself and planted his feet over the line to the bachelor side. Immediately, a growl vibrated through him.
Hone cursed under his breath. He foresaw turmoil in his future. Probably best if he followed Jack’s advice and stayed the hell away from temptation.
“Thank you for helping,” Cassie said to Emma as she turned onto the coast road. The sea sparkled beneath the overhead sun, and even though summer was well-advanced, some of the gnarled pohutukawa trees still bore their crimson flowers. She’d missed this while she’d lived in the States. Once the pohutukawas bloomed it truly felt as if summer was on the way.
“No problem. It beat doing laundry and housework at home. What’s next for the house?”
“New locks and deadbolts on the windows. A security system. If the local youngsters have taken to using the place as a knocking shop, I need a deterrent.”
Emma spluttered. “Is that what they taught you in those posh schools in the States? Words like knocking shop?”
“I didn’t spend all my time at school,” Cassie said primly. “Some of my friends came from England and taught me the slang.”
“Good to hear. What about inside the house? Decorating-wise, I mean?”
“The walls are in good condition, apart from the graffiti. I’ll paint everything a neutral color, if I can get paint to cover the spray-paint. The floors are great. I’ll scrub them and coat them with a clear seal. I still love to sew and might buy a machine to make curtains. Once that’s done, I can buy furniture and move in, sooner if I can finish the main bedroom and get the kitchen sorted. Maybe a bit ambitious for a month, but I’ll do as much as I can before I leave.”
Emma frowned. “You’re so isolated. What happens if those yahoos turn up in the middle of the night?”
“From memory, there are three farms farther down my road. I might go and introduce myself to the neighbors. Clevedon has a community cop. I’ll stop by and report the vandalism and ask if anyone else has had problems.”
“All good ideas,” Emma said. “The place doesn’t seem as creepy now that Jack has trimmed back the undergrowth and the lawn is cut. Obvious signs of habitation might do the trick with the vandals.”
“True. Are you going swimming? I didn’t pack my swimsuit and no way am I swimming in my underwear. I’ll stick to paddling.”
“Jack loves the water. He taught me to swim. At least, I manage to stay afloat for longer now. If it’s too cold to swim in the sea, we go to the public pool. It’s heated in the winter. Anyway, long story short, Jack has probably grabbed my swimsuit for me.”
Cassie studied her friend. Easy to perceive her happiness, her spark, her satisfaction with the status quo. From their regular letters, she’d known Emma had a crush on Jack, and given her friend’s descriptions, she’d wondered if they’d last. But now, seeing them together, her concern dispersed. Jack adored Emma and touched her often in a casual manner. He lit up whenever he looked at her friend. That spear of envy struck again and she focused on the road.
“I wish I could meet someone like Jack.”
“You will. You want my advice?”
“No.”
“Too bad. My advice is to take advantage of your break while you make decisions about your future. Get out and meet people. I’ll introduce you around. Accept a few dates and live. Enjoy yourself, and even if you don’t find a man, you’ll probably get material for your song writing.”
Emma was right. She had to stop worrying about getting hurt again and take a few risks. At the very least, she’d make new friends, which was something she sorely lacked given the amount of time she spent on the road.
They rounded the corner and Maraetai beach came into view. The wharf appeared more dilapidated than the one in her memory and the old homes had gone, replaced by modern two-level houses, designed to take advantage of the sea views. The beach, however, remained the same as it had during her childhood visits. A long expanse of foreshore, covered with broken shells and sand, looked pristine. Small waves tumbled and rushed over each other, racing toward high-tide mark. A mother and two toddlers played at the edge of the waves, the children’s high-pitch squeaks bringing a smile to her face.
One day she’d like to have children. Her mouth firmed as she climbed from her rental. She’d be a good parent—not an absentee one.
Huh, perhaps that was part of the reason she was digging in her heels when it came to committing to another long tour. Something to consider…
“I’m going to get my swim suit,” Emma said. “The guys will want to eat first.”
Cassie’s belly rumbled at the idea of food. “I’ll come and take orders, then go and buy our lunch while you’re changing.”
Four hours later, Cassie dragged her two bags from the rear of her rental and hauled them into her motel room. Jack and Emma had offered to pick her up and drive her to the barbecue, but she’d decided it was better to drive herself. Give herself an escape route.
Right now, she could do with a hot bath since her muscles screamed, her body protesting her morning’s exertions.
Spotlessly clean, the motel room had one room dominated by a double bed and a kitchenette to do basic cooking. A square, two-person table with chairs rounded out the amenities in the cream and brown room. Like many motels she’d stayed in over the years, it lacked personality. A few photos around the place would help since she intended to stay here for at least a week.
She dumped her bag and strode into the bathroom. A shower. Well, that would do. She unzipped her dress and peeled it off.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Just a sec!” Ugh. She scooped up the dress, yanked it back over her head.
The knock sounded again.
“Coming,” she repeated, a fraction louder.
Of course, she tangled her arms, jamming them in the wrong gaps, and she cursed under her breath as she fumbled to right the material and put her arms in the sleeve holes.
Out of breath, hot and bothered, she jerked open the door. A gorgeous man stood there holding a carton of milk. Of Maori descent, he had golden skin and brown eyes beneath jet-black brows. His features combined to give him eye-popping male beauty. This man would never be short of a date. He did a slow body scan, gestured at her dress and she glanced at her feet.
The hem was tucked up, displaying an abundance of winter-white thigh. She flicked the fabric back in place, uncomfortable with the heat that filled her face. She’d bet she glowed like a child’s night-light.
She coughed to clear her throat. “Can I help you?”
“Ma sent me to deliver the milk.” He handed over the small carton. “My name is Manu. I’m the oldest in the family. And just so you know, Ma could have left the milk in your fridge earlier, but she’s a matchmaker at heart. She must’ve taken a liking to you when she checked you into the motel.”
“Thank you. I’m Cassie.”
“Ma said you’re coming to our place tonight. She told me to ask if you needed a ride.”
“Jack and Emma volunteered to pick me up, but I said I’d drive myself.”
“Ah, giving yourself an exit strategy.” Manu squinted over his shoulder. “Do you have a minute to talk?”
“Um, I was just about to jump into the shower. I brought half of the beach home with me.”
“Please. Just a few quick words,” Manu persisted. “It will help us both.”
“All right.” Clutching her milk to her chest, she stepped back and gestured for Manu to enter. She didn’t think he’d be a threat, given his mother owned the place.
“As I said, Ma likes you, and she has decided you and I would work well together. I’m gonna be truthful here. You’re Emma’s friend, and you seem like a nice woman, but I’m happy with my single status. I’m not looking for serious, but I do enjoy women. I wondered if you’d agree to go to the barbecue with me. We could get to know each other, and even if we don’t click, I’m sure we’d make good friends. Ma would be happy because she’d think I’d met someone suitable, and she’d stop her matchmaking, at least for a while.”
“And why should I agree to this?”
“Since Ma approves of you, you’re in danger of her machinations, too. We could help each other.”
Humor snaked through Cassie, but she restrained her impulse to smile. She didn’t want him to decide she was a pushover. “I understand you have three brothers.”
“Yeah. Kahurangi, Tane and Haurahi. If you give me the heave-ho she’ll aim you toward Tane or Kahurangi or my cousin, Hone. We need to stomp on this maneuvering before she gets out of control.”
“Your mother seemed very nice.”
Manu hesitated, as if he was weighing his words. “She liked you too. She knows people, has the instinct for sensing the good ones and she’s never wrong. She’s convinced you’d make an excellent addition to our family.”
Cassie raked his expression, searching for truth. Manu meant every word. He wasn’t spinning a line. “I’m here for a month before I fly to Los Angeles. I told your mother that, but okay.” She held out her hand. “Friends.”
He cocked his head. “Only friends?”
Funny. She hadn’t experienced the same blip of lust she had with Hone. “Yes, you’re pretty and charming. Sexy. I bet you have a lot of lady friends.”
“You think I’m sexy?”
Cassie snorted. “And that’s what he distils from my words. Thank you for the milk. What time should I be ready to leave?”
“Six thirty,” he said. “The others will start arriving around six, but we want Ma to pay attention and decide her scheme has a good chance of success. Do you have jeans?”
“Yes,” Cassie said, wondering what clothing had to do with anything.
“Good. Wear jeans and bring a jacket because it will get cooler later tonight. The farm is on the estuary, near a river mouth. It’s a beautiful spot, but it can get a bit cold.” He switched up his charisma, his features glowing with bad-boy charm and leaned closer. “When you’re in the shower, don’t forget to wash your face.” He tapped a finger on her cheek then the tip of her nose. “You have dirt right here. See you later, beautiful.” And with a wink and a flash of white teeth, he strolled away, whistling.
With her right hand pressed to her face, Cassie stared after him. No, she ogled his butt. Might as well be truthful to herself.
She sighed. Nothing more compelling than a confident bad boy, and she had a feeling that the Taniwha cousins prided their membership in the bad-boy club.