Lane pressed his lips together as though he bit back a smile. Kate’s eyes narrowed on seeing the smug look spreading across his tanned face. “My parents have a holiday home in Taupo. I’ll stay there. Any more objections?”
Kate studied the strong contours of his face and inhaled deeply to absorb the calm confidence he radiated. Maybe she should seize on his persistence and call it serendipity. Maybe it was time to trust in her faltering instincts again and dive in to test the romantic waters. Ah, yes. Sex. Besides, it wasn’t as if they’d be alone for long—just the drive down to Taupo.
“Okay. Okay.” Kate said, her grudging tone hiding the slither of excitement fizzing through her veins. “You organize Ratty’s babysitter and you can come.”
* * * * *
Friday arrived too soon, before Kate had mentally prepared for the subtle shift in their relationship. She peeked at Lane before merging her Nissan with the traffic heading south on the motorway. He seemed far too big. His earthy aftershave, the underlying scent of male contaminated every breath she dragged into her lungs. Every time she changed gear, she nudged his knee and her pulse rate jumped. No matter what she did, he was there, larger than life and very unforgettable.
The small imp riding on her shoulder whispered seductively of giving in and letting nature take its course. She’d lost control of the small imp after their kiss and no matter how hard she tried, things refused to return to how they were before. Now her life divided into before the kiss and after the kiss and it scared her half to death.
“What?” he asked, intercepting her assessing glance.
“Nothing.” Kate focused on the road ahead. It was midafternoon and the autumn sun shone strongly overhead. She jerked down the sun visor and tried to forget her passenger. Unfortunately for Kate, he made this impossible.
In his low, rumbly voice, he told her a story about two of his teammates and their antics while on tour in Australia. “They decided to play a trick on the manager…”
Kate listened to the ebb and flow of his voice and laughed as he painted colorful word pictures of a group of men and the bonds between them. This man not only appealed to her senses, she liked him too.
There was little traffic on the road and none of the usual holdups due to road works. They passed Matamata and Waharoa with its small cafes and antique shop. Jersey cows grazed in lush green pastures while other herds ambled to the sheds for their afternoon milking.
“How about a stop in Tirau for a cup of coffee?” Kate asked.
“Sounds good.”
“I like Tirau,” she confided once they sat at one of the outside tables. Relaxed, now with more space between them, she leaned back to enjoy the sun. “I enjoy browsing in the antique shops, and I always make time to look in the shop over there.” Kate pointed at one of Tirau’s landmarks. The entrance to the shop was a large sheep’s head made of corrugated iron. Through the gaping mouth or doors, shelves were crammed full of wool, soft sheepskins and hand-knitted sweaters. While they watched, a bus filled with tourists pulled up in the car park and the passengers descended on the staff.
“Yeah, I noticed it before. It’s impressive. The tourists seem to enjoy their visit.”
After coffee, they explored the antique shops. Lane snared her hand in his as they walked from one shop to the next. Kate felt cherished yet remained aware of the strong anticipation zinging between them in a long look, a causal touch, a smile. Happiness wrapped around her heart, making her step lighter.
In the last shop, Kate lingered in front of a small pink music box. Not an expensive one but the type a young girl might fill with treasures. With a gentle finger, she pushed open the lid and the sweet strains of Swan Lake rippled through the shop while a ballerina twirled around and around.
“I haven’t seen one of these in years.” She slid her teeth over her lower lip, disturbed by the bittersweet memories the tinkling tune evoked of her parents and happier times. “Not since…”
“Since?” Lane’s indulgent tone made her want to weep. He was so different from Steve.
“I used to have one almost exactly the same.” Until Steve broke it after he’d caught her smiling at one of his friends.
Lane stepped in front of her, blocking her path from the jam-packed store. “What happened to it?”
The intuitive glint in his gray eyes stalled her next breath. She’d told him a little about Steve. Judging by his expression he’d added the snippets of information together to form a larger picture. The idea of him feeling sorry for her straightened Kate’s shoulders and lifted her chin, but she couldn’t prevent a last look at an innocent childhood memory. If only things had worked out differently.
“We should go.” Although she met his gaze, it was an effort. “It’s getting late.”
Lane held her eyes for a little longer and nodded. “I saw a figurine I think my sister-in-law Sabrina would love. I’ll meet you at the car in a few minutes.”
Kate gave a clipped nod before fleeing from the antique shop as if a press photographer chased her. Confusion and longing combined to tangle her insides with apprehension. She liked Lane and the feeling of friendship was rapidly growing, switching to another more complicated emotion.
Lane appeared with several packages. “Do you want me to drive?”
Kate shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m happy driving.”
Gradually the scenery changed from farmland to pine plantations. Tree shelterbelts of a different species glowed in autumn colors ranging from green and gold to red and burgundy, protecting newly planted pines from strong winds.
“Nearly there,” Kate said as she drove through the outskirts of Taupo.
Lane peered toward the lake. “If we’re lucky, we’ll catch a glimpse of the mountains. There isn’t much cloud.”
Although early evening, they could make out the trio of mountains, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe across the large expanse of blue-black lake.
Kate let out a satisfied sigh. “This is one of my favorite views.”
They shared a smile. “I’d forgotten how beautiful the New Zealand scenery is,” Lane said. “I haven’t visited Taupo for years. Where is Adam and Danielle’s holiday home?”
“Tui Road,” Kate answered, negotiating traffic and the holiday pedestrians still thronging the streets. “You can’t see the mountains or the lake from their house, but it’s only a ten-minute walk to the water.”
“My parent’s house is in Two Mile Bay,” Lane said. “No mountain view either, but the panorama across the lake at night is magic.”
Kate slowed her car and pulled into the driveway of a white weatherboard home surrounded by conifers. “That must be the garden Adam had the kids working on.” Kate pointed to a bed of red petunias running the length of the house, setting off the white paint. She climbed from the car while Lane collected the luggage.
Within seconds of their arrival, Jamie and the twins appeared outside to greet them.
“Kate!” Jamie called. “I thought you’d never arrive.” He threw himself at her, giving her an exuberant hug. Her arms encircled his thin body, a wave of love sweeping over her.
“Hello, Jamie,” Lane said quietly.
Jamie’s head snapped up. “What’s he doing here?” he demanded, his tone sullen. He ignored Lane’s greeting and stomped off, leaving them staring after him.
“Jamie!” Kate’s mouth firmed even as she cast an apologetic look at Lane. There was no excuse for Jamie’s rude behavior. Her sharp voice halted her son.
“I don’t want him here,” Jamie muttered. “I want it how it used to be, just with you and me.”
Kate’s heart twisted, negating her anger. She understood Jamie’s confusion because she struggled with the same issues of trust and fear of what the future might bring.
“Jamie and I are going for a quick walk. Tell Danielle and Adam we’ll be back soon.” She grasped Jamie’s arm and walked off, leaving Lane and the twins staring after them.
The front door burst ope
n, Danielle with Adam following right behind. “Lane, Kate didn’t mention you were coming too. Welcome. Did you have a good trip?” she asked, giving him a quick hug.
Pleasure surged through Lane at her sincere welcome. “The traffic wasn’t too bad, but we stopped at Tirau so it took us a little longer than usual.”
“Where are Kate and Jamie?”
“I think Kate is telling off Jamie,” one of the twins piped up. Lane thought it was Sean, but he wasn’t positive.
“Oh?” Danielle looked askance at him.
Lane shrugged, pretending indifference, but Jamie’s continued hostility hurt. Not that he blamed the kid. He wasn’t sure what his reaction would be given the same circumstances. “He wasn’t pleased to see me.”
“I suppose they’ll be back soon. Come in,” Adam said. “Dani and I were about to have a drink and think about dinner.”
Kate and Jamie arrived back an hour later. A subdued Jamie walked straight over to Lane.
“I’m sorry I was rude.” His polite words contrasted with the stony expression in his gray eyes, but Lane accepted his apology with a friendly nod.
“How’s my favorite masseuse?” Adam asked, kissing Kate on the cheek. “Have the newshounds stopped chasing you yet?”
Kate pulled a face. “I try to ignore them.”
“The political volleying for the upcoming elections has taken some of the heat off us,” Lane said.
“Has Jamie behaved?” Kate asked, glancing over at her sullen son.
Adam smirked. “The children haven’t had time to misbehave.”
“Mum and Dad are slave drivers,” Sean said.
Danielle burst out laughing. “Adam keeps them busy each morning with chores. I hope you noticed the weed-free gardens and the newly painted fence. But it’s definitely not slave labor the way the boys would have everyone believe. The afternoons are for fun.”
Adam’s eyes twinkled. “I think the boys try to exhaust me in the afternoons so I’ll sleep later the next morning. The theory being I won’t have time to think up as many jobs. I spent this afternoon running around the park playing rugby,” he complained, glancing at Lane. “I could do with some male support.”
“Anytime,” Lane said.
“Lane, when do you want me to drop you off at your parents’ house?” Kate asked.
“The couch is free,” Adam said.
Lane grinned at Kate and took pleasure in watching her squirm and avoid his gaze. “Thanks for the offer, but my brother and sister-in-law are here for a few weeks’ holiday. We can have a bit of a family reunion at the same time. I haven’t seen my brother for weeks.”
“You’ll stay for dinner?” Danielle asked. “The children wanted a barbecue tonight so there’s plenty of food. We thought we might take them for a swim at the thermal pools after dinner. We could drop Lane off on the way home.”
“Sounds good,” Lane said.
Kate followed Danielle into the kitchen. They started on the salads and garlic bread for dinner while Adam and Lane fired up the barbecue.
“How are things between you and Lane?” Danielle asked.
Kate took a break from slicing the tomatoes. “Okay, I guess. We’ve discussed Jamie. I think we’ve come to an agreement.”
Danielle cast a considering look at Kate. “What are you leaving out? I know you too well, Kate Alexander.”
The usual self-conscious heat crept over her cheeks in a slow tide and she mentally cursed her transparency. “Am I that easy to read?”
“Afraid so!”
Kate groaned. “I’m confused,” she admitted. “I enjoy Lane’s company and find him attractive, but I guess I’m frightened to trust my instincts. Jamie doesn’t like Lane, which makes a relationship between us difficult, for a start.”
Danielle wrinkled her nose. “So, no sex? And I had such high hopes for the two of you. Adam warned me to keep my nose firmly out, but I think you make a good couple.”
“Not much chance of that with the publicity in the press. We still don’t know if Lane is Jamie’s father. Jamie’s birth certificate arrived but it lists his father as unknown. None of Nicole’s friends have been able to help, and I’m reluctant to let Jamie take a DNA test because I’m scared.” Kate finished the tomato and chopped a cucumber into chunks before she added, “There’s more. The practical jokes haven’t stopped. It’s gone way past a prank now. I report each incident to the police. I’ve had phone calls, mainly heavy breathing plus the note while Jamie went missing and someone placed Z-nails under my tires last Saturday. Oh, and there was the gnome episode I told you about.”
Danielle stopped in the midst of her garlic bread preparations, her eyes troubled. “Steve again?”
“The police tell me Steve has moved but he’s still in Australia. Sydney, they said, so it’s not him.”
“Oh Kate! You seem calm. I’d be terrified.”
“I admit I look over my shoulder when I go out by myself, but the tire episode was on Saturday. Nothing has happened since so I’m hoping the culprit has become bored with their games. I’ve been staying at Lane’s apartment…”
Oops. She hadn’t meant to mention that. She bit her lip in chagrin, aghast at her slip.
“Have you now?” Danielle said, a glint appearing in her eyes. “I knew you’d stayed one night. So have you slept with him?”
“Separate rooms,” Kate fired back.
“Oh shame,” Danielle sympathized.
The three boys raced into the kitchen and interrupted their discussion.
“Dad wants to know if the food is ready yet. The steaks are nearly done,” Sean said.
“Yeah, we’ve already eaten some sausages,” Jamie said.
Kate ruffled her son’s dark hair. “Funny you should say that,” she said. “I’d never have guessed with all the ketchup on your face.”
“Perfect timing,” Danielle announced. “Take one salad bowl each. Kate and I will bring the plates and garlic bread.”
The three children followed Danielle’s instructions like well-trained soldiers. Kate was impressed as she trailed after the boys bearing the plates and cutlery.
Outside, a faint trail of blue smoke rose from the barbecue while the tantalizing aroma of cooking steaks floated on the soft breeze.
Finally the steaks were ready. They served the children first before the adults helped themselves to food and silence ensued. After finishing her meal, Kate took possession of a vacant deck chair and lounged back in lazy comfort.
“Mmmm, delicious.” Replete with good food and company, her eyelids slid to half-mast.
Lane broke the contented silence. “I don’t know what it is about eating outdoors. The food always tastes so much better.”
“It tastes even better when you’re going swimming afterward,” one of the twins said.
The adults laughed.
“Not until we clean up and your dinner settles,” Danielle said. “Maybe if you started on the dishes, your meal would settle faster.”
Kate grinned when the three boys jumped into action and the dirty dishes disappeared like magic. This was the life.
Chapter Fourteen
They piled in two cars for the short drive to the thermal hot pools. On arrival, the children bounced about the car park, clutching their swimsuits and towels, their faces brimming with excitement.
Tony tugged on Adam’s arm. “Hurry up, Dad!”
“Okay, boys,” he finally relented. “Run on ahead but wait at the ticket kiosk.”
No sooner had he uttered the words than the boys sprinted under the carved entrance gates and disappeared down the hill into the valley below.
“I remember this hill from my last visit,” Lane said wryly when they started the walk down the Onekeneke thermal valley to the springs. He kept in step with Kate, taking perverse pleasure in jostling her while chatting. His subtle game rebounded when his body tightened, the tenseness in his chest moving lower to pool in his groin. Although Lane knew the final result would be worth it, at the moment
he ached badly with the anticipation. He almost gave himself away with a soft groan as he forced his words out. “If you soak too long in the pools, your energy evaporates and the hill looks like Mount Everest on the walk back up.”
“I know what you mean,” Adam agreed. “The pools are hotter some days than others.”
“Lane!” Kate hissed, under her breath. “Stop it.”
The shadows cast by the lighting along the path hid his elated grin. Lord, he enjoyed flustering this woman, even though it was backfiring on him.
By the time the adults arrived at the kiosk beside the entrance to the pools and paid the admission fee, Jamie and the twins were changed and ready to dive in.
Kate smothered her amusement at the eagerness radiating from the boys and maintained a stern face. “Remember the rules? Don’t put your head under the water in the thermal pools. You can dive in the pool with the water slide but not in the mineral pools.”
“And wait for an adult before we get into the pool,” Jamie finished for her with a roll of eyes.
Kate waggled her finger. “That’s right.”
“Hurry,” Jamie urged, moving from one foot to the other with clear impatience.
By the time Kate pulled on her lime green bikini, she could hear the children laughing and calling out to Adam and Lane. Danielle had grinned at her and hurried outside a few minutes earlier. Kate scanned her reflection in the dressing room mirror and scowled. She wished she’d packed her other swimsuit—the conservative one-piece. This bikini might be fashionable, but it showed far too much of her autumn-pale body.
“Stop dithering,” she muttered. She pulled on a shirt, hoping to yank on some confidence at the same time. After giving her bikini briefs one last twitch, she walked outside to the largest pool where the others were already in the water.
“Kate, you’re missing all the fun,” Jamie protested.
“Who wants to try the water slide?” Danielle asked.
“Me!” Seth shouted.
“Me!” Jamie echoed.
“I’m game,” Adam drawled to his wife.
In an instant, the boys were off with Adam and Danielle trailing behind.
Kate peered through the swirling steam and self-consciously shrugged out of her shirt. After dropping it with her towel on the side, she eased her way into the pool, letting her body adjust to the heat.
Playing to Win Page 16
