by Kris Pearson
“Hoped, anyway,” he agreed.
“Oliver.”
“Mei.”
Something had changed between them, and it was a battle to summon up the presence of mind to turn away and take the big roll out to the garage.
When she came back Ollie was squatting on the rug investigating the bag of fixings. She took a moment to appreciate his long thighs with the denim stretched tight around them, the length of his back under the thin tank, and the breadth of his golden shoulders. “How would you have turned this big thing over on your own?” She prodded one of his legs with the toe of her red boot. “I’ll agree you could have managed to push the bed through the house by yourself, but this is really heavy – and beautiful – and no doubt cost a fortune.”
“Could’ve got Jason to call in if I was worried about damaging it.”
“Or damaging you.”
That brought a faint smile. “Don’t tell me you care a little, Dragon Lady?”
Mei huffed out a breath. “I’m not a little Dragon Lady.”
Ollie’s mouth quirked further. “Well, you’re definitely little, and you’re definitely a Dragon Lady, but I didn’t mean you to join those two together.”
She tilted her head and tried not to smile back, because his grin was just… perfect. And he thought she was fierce? Sometimes she needed to be fierce to cope with what life threw at her. Maybe being fierce was the only way to get through this situation, too?
But her silly, susceptible heart was urging her to soften things down, to relax her hostility, and see where they could travel together – just for the next day or two. Because for sure there’d been flickers between them in the past, and there were still flickers now, and those flickers could be coaxed into flames again – all too easily, she suspected.
She refused to let her parents totally influence her life. They’d lived theirs the way they’d wanted, and if they were stuck in a trap, then it was, in part, a trap of their own making. They were inflexible for sure. To please them, both of her brothers had chosen Chinese brides, but Mei knew that everything wasn’t as happy as it should be between Jiang and his Li-ling. At family celebrations they were courteous to each other but never warm. And in private she’d seen the barbs of discontent that flew between them.
But between her and Oliver Wynn? No barbs of discontent. Some teasing for sure, but it was affectionate teasing in both directions, and moving ever more in that direction. In future she’d have the opportunity to do more than tease him. Soon she’d be pressed against his warm back again, with the noisy note of the motor cycle rumbling beneath her, and the salty air pouring under the edge of her crash helmet, making her feel doubly alive and in the moment. To be so close to him, and with him unable to see her expression of possible bliss… that was good. Better than good.
“I’ll go and take these boots off,” she said. “Put some flat ones on for the beach. If you get those table legs attached we can turn the table over together and put the chairs around it.”
Chapter 7 – Taken for a Ride
The way Ollie worked, it took longer than she expected for him to attach the table legs.
“Should have brought my power driver,” he complained, but Mei was perfectly happy sitting beside him on the rug and watching.
Everything had to be straight – lined up to perfection. He didn’t approve of one of the pre-drilled holes, and did devious things to make it more precise. She couldn’t help thinking that if he put this much effort into a job under a table top which no-one would ever see, he’d probably be amazing in bed with someone appreciating his attention. Someone like her, for instance.
She kneeled up and shuffled closer as he started on the fourth leg. “Can I hold that steady for you?”
“Boring you, am I? Won’t be much longer.”
Mei sat back on her heels again. “No, I like watching. Seeing how it’s done.”
“Four table legs? You should check out the hydraulics on an airliner sometime. That’d really get you excited.”
“I doubt it,” she murmured, watching his strong fingers tighten and twist around the screwdriver, driving the current screw firmly down into the timber. “You’re very particular.”
“A good job or no job,” he said, reaching for the next. “In my line of business there’s no room for sloppiness.”
“For which the flight crews thank you.” She sent him a small sideways smile. “Our lives are literally in your hands.”
He drove the last screw in and then bounced to his feet. “We have lift-off – I hope.”
“Or ‘lift-up’ anyway.” Mei stood, grimacing when she found how tall Ollie really was now she wasn’t wearing heels.
“Are you sure about this?” His eyebrows scrunched together, and there were a couple of vertical furrows between them. His eyes, warm and concerned, sought hers.
“I might surprise you,” she said, dismissing his concern. “I grew up hauling sacks of potatoes around the shop until they started buying the fries ready cut and frozen. And those bags weren’t light either. One table, with a strong man helping, not a problem for me.”
Ollie’s brows relaxed, and he grinned. “Okay, I’ll ease it up at this side. See if you can get your fingers underneath it for a good grip.”
Mei squatted, not wanting another lecture about looking after her back.
“And up she comes.” Ollie’s long arms tensed, and Mei tucked her tongue into the corner of her mouth, enjoying his demonstration of strength and control. His sleeveless tank stretched as his pecs swelled, but she still couldn’t read his tattoo. Together they got the long table onto its side and then turned it over a further quarter until it was standing in the center of the rug.
“You’re safe on the road after that wine?” she asked, grabbing the nearest chair and positioning it at the end of the table.
Ollie sent her a slitty-eyed glare. “One glass. Plenty safe. I’m not risking your life or mine. I’ll have another with dinner.”
She tried to hide her smile, and grabbed the second chair. It felt good being looked after by such a protective man. She could have sworn her heart swelled a little. Dangerous, dangerous. Too soon after Kieran. And definitely too soon if she had to keep her hands off Ollie tonight.
Soon they had the whole set of eight chairs evenly spaced, and the dining area looked ready for the family. He glanced out the window again. “Come on, Dragon Lady. That weather’s too good to waste. I’ll unpack the TV when we get back. The kitchen appliances are all hitched up. Hopefully the washer and dryer are too. Not our problem right now.”
She picked up Anna’s red sweatshirt from where she’d tossed it on one of the chairs, and felt Ollie’s gaze on her as she threaded her arms through each of the sleeves and then pulled it over her head. By the time her face was out from under the fabric he was right there, reaching for her hair. “Let me help.”
Mei knew she shouldn’t let him. Knew she should flinch away, step away, bat his hand away, but something kept her anchored to the floor right where she was. Her eyes, barely level with his shoulders, watched his chest inflate as his arms lifted. One hand eased the tight neckband aside and the other scooped up a handful of her long hair, drawing it almost reverently out and smoothing it down onto her back. Another handful. Another slow caress.
“Great hair,” he murmured, right in her ear. Husky. Admiring.
Mei bowed her head as he retrieved the last of it.
“Longer than Anna’s or Jossy’s,” he added. “How long have you been growing it?”
“About as long as you’ve known me.” She chanced lifting her head again and snagged his gaze with hers. This close, his eyes looked darker. Totally focused on her, as though she was the only thing he wanted to see. His hand moved down her hair again for the final time, and she tilted her head so his knuckles grazed her jaw and then her neck. His touch was tender and warm, and after her deliberate contact he unfolded his fingers so his palm slid in under her hair and cradled her face.
His th
umb ran over her bottom lip in a quick caress before he released her and turned away. “You’ve made it clear there’ll be nothing between us – not yet anyway – but I’m happy to register my interest for the future once everything’s settled for you?” Then he glanced over his shoulder, looking serious and determined. “Come on. Let’s get out of here while I still have some restraint left.”
Mei knew her eyes must be wide with confusion. She certainly hadn’t meant to give him any encouragement. Not after Kieran. Not after vowing to herself to stay clear of all men until the situation of her mother’s health was resolved one way or the other. Yu Yan’s slow slide had affected her daughter much more than her sons who had wives and children to care for. But Mei? Only daughter. Single. Torn between the duty drummed into her over many years and the hard-won freedom she’d achieved despite formidable family opposition.
She fingered the jewels in one ear. “Sorry. Didn’t mean…” Her voice tailed off as his almost-smile teased her.
Didn’t mean what? To encourage him? It had been entirely unplanned – as though her subconscious had decided for her and sent him the signal, even though she’d been determined to maintain an air of polite neutrality.
Drawing in a deep breath she lifted the strap of her little black shoulder bag over her head, settling the purse on her hip while Ollie crossed to the front window and lowered the blind. “Probably best to show no sign anyone’s here,” he said. Then he walked back to her, reached for her hand, thought better of it, slung an arm around her shoulders instead, and led her to the garage.
Not fair! He’d said he still had some restraint left, and seconds later he had her tucked in close to him, bumping along beside his hard bulging thigh, and Mei found she had none at all. She burned to be able to reach out and touch him – anywhere, everywhere. Animal instinct, she knew, and he was a fine big animal to invite into her life. A provider, a protector, and more of a man than anyone she’d met before. But…
She bit her lip, trying to quell her dangerous thoughts and the unnerving flickers dancing deep in her belly. Now was not the time. Not so soon after Kieran. Not with her mother so ill. And definitely not until the situation between their fathers was resolved. Sighing, she eased away from him.
The garage door slid up at his command, and she hung back while he did a quick inspection of the beachfront road. He returned, still with that faint grin twitching at the corners of his lips. “Not a sign of the bastard. Essie next door is just coming back from the beach with a couple of grandkids, though, and her sharp eyes don’t miss a lot.”
Mei wrinkled her nose. “But she won’t know I’m here.”
“Especially not in this,” he said, handing her one of the crash helmets.
She wound her hair up, pulled the helmet on, and a few seconds later she climbed onto the pillion seat and they chugged out into the sunshine. This time she was happy to have the excuse to sit right against him, arms tightly around his flexing abs, leaning when he did as the bike tilted arounds the bends in the road. If her hands wandered up and down over the washboard corrugations of his torso, well it was because he’d picked up speed and she felt the need to hang on tighter. Or so she told herself.
Mostly it was a fairly straight fast run along the stretch of ocean, but he slowed and turned up Jason and Anna’s driveway when they reached it. The familiar pohutukawa trees arched overhead, fine red filaments falling from their scarlet blossoms to carpet the ground now Christmas was near. Gigantic clumps of flax edged the graveled entranceway, their long spear-like leaves rustling in the breeze. The last time Mei had been here it was with Kieran, and she gave an involuntary shiver.
Ollie pushed his visor up as he drew to a halt. “The truck’s gone. They’ve already left for Ferncroft Lodge by the looks of it.”
She pushed her own visor up so she didn’t have to yell. “Did you think they’d still be here?”
“No idea,” he said, turning his head sharply as the front door opened. “Uncle Eddie Hakaraia!” he exclaimed as an elderly Maori man appeared.
“Dropping off some terakihi for them and making myself a cuppa,” the old chap said in answer to Ollie’s unasked question. “How about you?” He stood like a majestic white-bearded statue, apparently perfectly at home, and inspecting them with his chin raised in challenge and shoulders braced back.
Ollie pulled his helmet off and held out a hand to shake. “Anna’s cousin, Ollie Wynn. Haven’t seen you for ages. We saw Anna earlier and wondered if they’d left yet.”
“Went just a few minutes ago.” The suspicion faded from Eddie’s big brown eyes and his body relaxed. “I’m Security,” he added with a chuckle. “Call by when I’m out fishing. Keep an eye on the place, seeing it’s a bit deserted. Leave them some kai, all going well.”
Mei removed her helmet too. “Your Hoolie works for Jason,” she said, remembering the lanky lad who used to try lifting free cans of soda with his takeaways.
“That’s him,” Eddie said with undisguised pride as he turned his attention to her. “Great-nephew. Doing well. A job with a firm boss was just what he needed. No more of those rubbish friends.” He scratched his beard. “Haven’t see your dad around for a while?”
Mei shook her head. “Mum’s not well, so he’s extra busy. And I guess you don’t go buying fish and chips if you catch your own.”
A deep chuckle bubbled up from the depths of Eddie’s substantial belly. He flicked his gaze in Ollie’s direction and then back to her again. “Thought you were Kieran the Irishman’s girl?”
Disgust flooded through her. “Not any longer,” she snapped.
Eddie pursed his lips and nodded. “So you’re moving up in the world?” A sly smile still lit his craggy features.
“I wish, but she won’t have me,” Ollie said. “Joking aside, please don’t let on you’ve seen her. To anyone at all. Not even her parents. It’s important.”
“Lips are zipped,” Uncle Eddie said, tugging two fingers across them, but regarding them both with speculation.
“We’ll be back here for dinner tomorrow night,” Ollie added. “Probably get a taste of your terakihi if we’re lucky.”
His expression softened. “See if I can catch a bit more of it, then,” he agreed. “Or snapper, if you’re really in luck.” He tilted his head toward Mei’s bruised cheek. “Kieran did a number on you while he was drunk, eh?”
She dropped her gaze, and saw make-up that had been disguising her bruising was smeared on the interior padding of the helmet. Horror that someone else now knew swept through her. Without commenting, she pulled the helmet on again, hoping she could clean the mess off easily enough.
Ollie reached back and patted her thigh, then said to Uncle Eddie, “Not a word, Security.” He pulled his own helmet on and revved the bike to set it rolling down the driveway again.
*
He travelled slowly in the crunching gravel under the trees, but as soon as he reached the sealed road and ensured there was no traffic approaching, he gunned the bike hard, right up to the speed limit, and maybe a bit beyond, trying to burn off the fury old Eddie Hakaraia’s comment had caused. He swallowed back the bitterness in his throat, remembering how cocky Kieran had looked sauntering along and twanging his banjo at Anna’s wedding as the music group serenaded the bride. What a bastard, putting on such an affable front while hiding his dark and despicable nature.
But now Mei was safely away from Kieran and she was Ollie’s to protect whether she liked it or not. As they flew along in the sun, his temper ebbed and he slowed to a more moderate speed. Maybe, after all these years, his chance with her had arrived? She might not feel that yet, but Ollie was nothing if not hopeful. And determined.
As he hurtled along, the warm salty air pushed his leather jacket against his chest and roared up over his lips to his nostrils. He inhaled with pleasure. The scent of Scarlet Bay ever since his childhood.
Mei clutched him tightly, arms firm around his waist as he first accelerated. Her breasts pressed against
his back and her thighs lay snug against his. She’d not loosened her grip in the least as he’d reduced the speed of the bike. He decided to take that as a positive sign. Right now they couldn’t be closer. Close enough that he detected several convulsive sobs shuddering through her slight frame. She was crying? Because of what Eddie had said? Absolute fury that she’d been upset swept through him, and he cast ahead for a safe place to turn off the road. He bought the bike to a fast halt where the shoulder widened out and surfcasting fishermen sometimes parked. No vehicles there today, which suited him just fine. He kicked the bike’s stand down and managed a less than graceful dismount, turning to her and flipping up her visor. Mei closed her eyes, but he saw the tears squeezing out from under her sooty lashes. He yanked his helmet off, stepped closer and hugged her.
“He knew,” Mei groaned, keeping her eyes shut.
“Eddie?” Ollie rested his chin on her helmet. “Yeah – your make-up’s a bit smudged. It kills me to see those bruises, but don’t worry about Eddie spreading it around. He’s grateful to Jason for taking a chance and giving Hoolie a job, and I’ve warned him to stay quiet.”
“But what does that make me?” she whispered against his shoulder. “Someone who can’t defend myself? Someone who lets a man push me around? A woman who drives a man to such bad behavior? He’ll think all of those things.”
He felt her release a long, pent-up sigh. Warm breath against his neck. Warm body cradled in his arms. Perfection, if he could only convince her.
“He’ll think none of those things,” Ollie said, rubbing a hand in soothing circles on her back. “He knows Kieran drinks too much. You heard what he said. ‘Did a number on you while he was drunk.’” He took a long, deep breath, then exhaled, keeping his anger under iron control because he’d be no better than Kieran otherwise. “Eddie’s been around forever. He knows every damn thing that goes on in the Bay – whether people realize it or not. Casual old Eddie and his fishing gear… the eyes and ears of Scarlet Bay.”