She located her suitcases on the grass and looked around for some form of wagon but couldn’t see anything. A trolley was probably too much to hope for. She would have to haul everything over the field. Nothing she hadn’t done before.
“Lady, I don’t know what you expected, but our island isn’t for sale. I suggest you turn around and go straight back to Nadi.” The voice was slow and the tone reminiscent of an annoyed teacher scolding a pupil for failing to bring their homework.
Christine spun around and stumbled, losing her balance as her high heels dug into the soft ground. She dropped her luggage less than an inch from the sandal-clad foot of a tall stranger and smirked when he jumped back. He looked like Rufus Sewell’s twin brother. His black hair, tied into a ponytail at the back of his head, contrasted with his tanned skin. He wore Birkenstocks, tan-colored chinos, and a white thigh-length kaftan. When he took off his sunglasses, Christine involuntarily sucked in a small gasp of air. Long lashes surrounded his stunning, steel-gray eyes. Right now, they regarded her in an exasperated manner.
She’d had just about had enough for one day. Enough of the heat, enough of rushing to catch connections, and enough of cramped spaces. She didn’t need an opinionated male to top off the list.
She allowed her gaze to wander slowly from head to toe as if she had all the time in the world to study him instead of melting in this abominable heat. She took off her Gucci sunglasses and produced a smile that, although appearing friendly, underneath carried all the disdain and rejection she could muster.
“You must be part of the welcoming committee. My bags go to the Sululu Eco Resort, thanks.” She pulled a ten-dollar note out of her pocket and pressed it into the hand of the speechless man.
Leaving her bags behind, she joined Russell, linking her arm through his. “Would you be able to give me a lift to the resort?”
He looked at her and grinned. “I see you haven’t lost your touch. It’ll be my pleasure to drop you off and say hello to the gorgeous Leilani.”
“You’re such a Casanova!”
“One does what one can! Come, meet Akamu. He has land for sale that Patricia’s company might be interested in acquiring for a hotel complex.”
“I’m glad we’re back on solid ground. I can’t wait to see what Chief Akamu has to offer.” Patricia dropped her cabin bag and marched toward the imposing six-foot island giant, who greeted the new arrivals with a broad smile. Dressed in the traditional sulu and a bright red shirt, he held two leis in his hand.
Patricia’s unexpected transformation from a shy, nervous woman on the plane to a self-assured executive meeting a potential business partner took Christine by surprise. Or was she one of those women who came to life in the presence of men like this attractive, middle-aged giant?
“Bula vinaka, Russell. I see you brought us not one, but two beautiful ladies.” He offered both women a lei. “Bula vinaka, I hope you have a fruitful time on our island.”
“Bula, Chief Akamu. I’m Patricia Taylor. Thank you very much for picking us up. My company is impressed with the documentation you’ve sent us. I can’t wait to see the plots you have in mind.”
For a moment, Christine hesitated. Should she intrude on this business meeting? Patricia seemed to have no intention of wasting any time on small talk.
“Chief, I promised my friend Dr. Barnard that we’d give her a ride to the Sululu Resort.”
“It would be my pleasure, Dr. Barnard. Did Russell tell you we’re planning to bring some competition to the island? I will be interested to hear how you find your stay at the resort.” The chief escorted the two women to his jeep, leaving Russell to follow behind.
TO CONTINUE READING GET THE BOOK HERE
Acknowledgement
They say it takes a village to raise a child. It certainly takes lots of people to write a book. Even though the writing itself is a profound and solitary activity, I would never have crossed the finishing line without the help of a group of wonderful people.
Firstly, a big thank you to my readers who care to post reviews about my book(s). Of course, reviews are exiting. They help to spread the word about a book and are a great support for authors. In this instance, though I want to acknowledge how helpful reviews have been for my development as a writer. To learn about the bits readers loved and the bits they didn’t find that helpful or were missing is a great resource.
I wouldn’t be able to follow my passion for writing without my husband, my children, and grandchildren, who keep reminding me that there is an exciting life possible away from my computer and outside of books.
To my wonderful group of Wellington Romance Writers—I swear most of what I know about writing and self-publishing I learned from our monthly meetings. I’ve never been part of a group of professionals that are as eager as you to share their knowledge and support.
Last but not least my deepest gratitude goes to my editor Liz Dempsey, who never tires to put my Genglish into proper English.
About the Author
I’m a retired psychotherapist, full-time writer, and closet-gypsy. Born on a small fishing island close to Hamburg, Germany and after detours over Switzerland and The Netherlands, I followed my husband to New Zealand. It has been our home for the last 30 years.
I always wanted to travel to all the countries I haven’t seen yet when I retire. What do they say about making plans and then life happens? Since my retirement, I combine my passion for writing with my passion for travel and adventures by writing contemporary women’s fiction with a dash of adventure, a sprinkling of romance, and second chances at finding love if that’s where my heroines are headed. A small way to do the travels, even if it’s just in my mind.
So, I sit in my hundred-year-old cottage in windy Wellington, with Steffie, the rescue dog, at my feet. Armed with a box of chocolates, a laptop, a cup of Earl Grey, or the occasional glass of Merlot, I’m enjoying letting the characters in my books overcome (dangerous) obstacles before they find their well deserved and hopefully Happy End.
You can connect with me on:
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Falling in Love Page 12
