Christmas Down Under: Six Sexy New Zealand & Australian Christmas Romances

by Rosalind James

  “Don’t want to get too far away, without a car. You don’t want to spend half your Monday on a bus, going all the way down to Manukau or wherever. You could try Onehunga or Mangere, though. They’d be chuffed to have you, I know that.”

  “Good ideas. I’ll make some calls tomorrow, see what would work,” Jenna decided. “You want any more of this?”

  “Nah. Thanks, as always.”

  “No worries.” Jenna got up to wrap the leftovers and put them into the fridge for Nat’s dinner the following night. “Thank you for the company. And the suggestion.”

  * * *

  “I appreciate you coming with me today,” she told Natalie the next weekend as they left Smith & Caughey’s and made their way down the road toward Glassons. “It’s lucky that Finn’s game was at home this week, so I could get you to help me. I’m not that confident picking out clothes by myself. And I’m going to feel much more secure tomorrow if I know I look good. Kind of silly, I know. It’s not like the kids will care. But it’ll help anyway.”

  “I’ve decided I’m glad you have something else to focus on,” Natalie said. “And something to remind you that this post is temporary. Because I’m worried about you.”

  “Why? I’m doing great.”

  “Yeh. Too great, I’m thinking.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Do you realize how many times you’ve mentioned Finn and the kids today? And every time I’ve seen you? How involved you are?”

  “Well, of course I am. I’m living there. That’s my life right now, taking care of them.”

  “But it isn’t your life. Not really,” Natalie said bluntly. “It’s a job. They’re not your family. You do realize that, don’t you? D’you think it’s a good idea to get so attached?”

  “You can’t help but get attached. You know that. It seems like you get one or two kids every year who are special, who worm their way into that spot in your heart.”

  “Yeh, but you don’t adopt them. And you don’t go live with them—or their fit All Black dads either.”

  “What, Finn? Come on. I’m smarter than that.”

  “Yeh, right. Why are we shopping today, again?”

  “Because I need new clothes for volunteering. I told you.”

  “Uh-huh. Then why did you just buy three pairs of jeans that make your bum look good, instead of those Mum jeans you were wearing? And why have you suddenly decided to stop hiding your tits? Mind you, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. If mine looked like that, I’d be showing them off left, right, and center.”

  “You’re awful,” Jenna laughed. “Yeah, OK, I realized I was wearing my clothes too big. All my clothes. I’m not overweight any more, and I should be enjoying that. I’ve worked hard enough for it.”

  “Yeh, you have. But, I forget now, who pointed that out to you?”

  “You, for one. I know you said something like that, the first week I was here.”

  “And it made such an impact that you bought, let’s see, no new clothes in response. But Finn Douglas tells you you’re hot, and suddenly you’re out with me, buying a new wardrobe.”

  “He didn’t say I was hot,” Jenna protested.

  “Yeh, he did,” Natalie said. “Told you your togs were too sexy, right?”

  “Just because he was concerned about, you know, my image or something, out with his kids.”

  “Nah. Because he liked what he saw, and that made him uncomfortable.”

  “Even if he does think I look … nice,” Jenna said, “it doesn’t mean he has a thing for me. You didn’t see his girlfriend. I don’t even come close.”

  “I could debate that too. Anyway, he’s a sportsman. I think we can take it as read that he has a thing for you. I’m not concerned about that. I’m worried about how much of a thing you have for him. He’s not your man, and they aren’t your kids.” Natalie was serious again now. “I have a feeling that you wish they were. And I’m worried that you won’t be guarding your heart.”

  Jenna stopped walking and turned to look at her friend. “Nat. I told you, I’m smarter than that. I know who and what I am. And that it isn’t what Finn’s looking for. I like him. I like him a lot. He’s a really decent guy, and a good dad. And yes, I like how he looks. How big and strong he is.”

  “But you don’t fancy him,” Natalie said dubiously.

  “Come on. I can appreciate him—and how he looks—without climbing into bed with him. You think he’s hot too. Admit it.”

  “Oh, I admit it. I’d be all over that, given the chance. You can invite me to come by anytime, not that I think you will. He may not be a looker, but he’s got that craggy, manly thing going on. Great physique. But it’s dangerous, living with someone you fancy. I’m not so worried about you jumping him. I don’t really see that happening. What about when he makes a move on you, though? What are you going to do then? Tell him you’re not that kind of girl? I reckon it’s going to be more like, ‘Kiss me again, big boy.’”

  “Let’s hope my strength of character isn’t put to the test,” Jenna said ruefully. “I’m afraid you could be right. If that happened. But I don’t think it would, because Finn’s realistic too. He needs me too much. As a nanny,” she clarified hastily. “And he’s not short of girlfriend options, I’m sure.”

  “But he isn’t dating anyone now, is he?” Natalie asked.

  “It’s only been a couple weeks since he broke up with the personality-impaired Ashley,” Jenna pointed out. “And that’s another thing. All right, she was gorgeous. But she wasn’t exactly warm and fuzzy. Cool to cold, I’d say. So, I’m clearly not his type. I can look, but I’m not fooling myself there’s going to be any touching going on. Don’t worry about me.”

  “Just watch yourself,” Natalie warned. “That’s all I’m saying.”

  * * *

  Jenna studied herself critically. The outfit had looked good in the shop yesterday, and Natalie had assured her that it was flattering. But now, in her own bedroom mirror where she was used to viewing herself in decidedly looser clothing, she wondered. Was it a bit much? She wanted to make a good impression, and it was a classroom. And her first day. Better to err on the conservative side. She debated changing back into one of her familiar, comfortable outfits. But both Finn and Nat had said she wore her clothes too loose. And she did look better this way, she could tell.

  Everything she’d bought yesterday had passed muster with both Natalie and the saleswoman, Jenna reminded herself. The black knit skirt wasn’t really short, after all, just a few inches above the knee. Her Kiwi-style black tights meant that she wasn’t even showing any skin. And the long-sleeved top was pretty. She stroked a hand down the side of the knit fabric with its richly saturated purple and green paisley print. The cut, although trim, couldn’t be called tight, while the high keyhole neckline added a bit of flair without being in the least revealing.

  She couldn’t stand here dithering. If she didn’t get going, she wasn’t going to have a chance to eat anything before catching the bus.

  All the same, when she entered the kitchen and found Sophie and Harry finishing their cereal and toast, she couldn’t resist the question.

  “What do you think of my new outfit, Sophie? Does it look OK?”

  Great. Now she was asking fashion advice of a seven-year-old.

  Sophie paused with her spoon halfway to her mouth and looked her over critically. “I like the shirt,” she pronounced. “It’s pretty. You look nice.”

  Jenna exhaled. “Thanks. I bought new clothes yesterday when I went shopping with my friend, and I’m a little nervous about them.”

  “Let’s ask Daddy,” Sophie suggested as Finn came into the kitchen. “Don’t you think Jenna’s new clothes are pretty?” she demanded of her father.

  Finn looked Jenna over. “Very pretty, I agree.”

  “Daddy sees heaps of ladies,” Sophie told Jenna helpfully. “And they always wear lovely dresses. So he knows.”

  “Jenna’s prettier than Daddy’s ladies,
though,” Harry argued. “Jenna’s the most beautiful woman in the world.”

  “Thanks, buddy,” Jenna laughed. “My target demographic,” she explained wryly to Finn. “I profile extremely well with five-year-old boys.”

  “I reckon you can aim a wee bit higher than that.” Finn’s answering smile was warm, his eyes appreciative. “You did some shopping, eh.”

  “Yeah. You said my clothes were too big,” Jenna said self-consciously. “And my friend agreed. I’m not used to looking like this, though. You don’t think everything’s a bit … a bit tight? Like I’m trying to be …” Her voice trailed off.

  “Sexy?” he asked bluntly. “Nah. I wouldn’t say you look like you’re trying. I’d say you just can’t help it.”

  “I knew it. OK. I’m changing.” Forget breakfast, she decided. Better to go hungry than to show up looking like she was headed to a nightclub.

  “Aw, geez. Don’t change,” Finn said hastily, putting out a hand to stop her as she turned to go. “I shouldn’t have said that. Nothing’s too tight. There’s nothing wrong with looking pretty, wherever it is you’re going. Unless you’re volunteering at Pare, that is. Then I’d consider a nun’s habit. Anyplace short of that, you’re gold.”

  “At where?” So this outfit was wrong for volunteering. She’d known it.

  “Paremoremo. The prison,” Finn explained. “Sorry. Stupid joke. You look good. Don’t change.”

  He was sweating a bit now. How had he got himself into this? At least she hadn’t asked if the skirt made her bum look big. But there was still no right answer. He certainly couldn’t tell her that the skirt made her bum look choice. Or that his hands itched to untie the little bow at the top of that hole in her shirt.

  Inappropriate, he reminded himself again. Inappropriate and dangerous.

  “Done with brekkie?” he asked the kids instead. “Hit your straps, then, and let’s get on to school. Give Jenna some peace.”

  He looked back at Jenna as the three of them left the kitchen. “Don’t change,” he ordered her again. “You look good. Trust me.”

  Friendship Bracelets

  Jenna smiled a hello at the group of mums waiting for their kids outside the gates of Mt. Eden Primary on Thursday. She stood a bit apart, as always. Everyone was pleasant, but she was a nanny, not a mum, and she’d felt the distinction being made from the beginning.

  “Jenna!” Sophie burst out of the gate with her friend Caitlin beside her. “Can Caitlin come over?”

  Jenna blinked in surprise. Sophie’d been weepy this morning as she’d said goodbye to Finn, and she’d expected more tears this afternoon. It was good to see her so cheerful.

  “I think so,” she said cautiously. “If she asks her mum.”

  “Hi.” Caitlin’s mum moved to join them, her small son with her. “Siobhan,” she reminded Jenna. “And this is Ethan.”

  “Jenna McKnight.” Jenna reached out to shake hands, then braced herself for Harry’s exuberant arrival. He’d been the last to arrive, as always. Somehow, it always seemed to take him longer to get out the door than anyone else. His mind was on more important things, no doubt.

  “Sophie’d like Caitlin to come to the house today,” she told the other woman as she disentangled herself. “Would that work for you?”

  “Don’t see why not, for an hour or so,” Siobhan agreed. “She’s been there before. I know where you are.”

  “Let me give you my mobile number.” Jenna dictated it as Siobhan typed it into her phone. “Till four-thirty? Does that work for you?”

  “Course. We’re just a few streets away. Ethan and I will walk part of the way with you, in fact.”

  * * *

  “Muuumm!!” Caitlin wailed when Siobhan arrived at the house later that afternoon. “We aren’t finished yet!”

  “They’re making friendship bracelets,” Jenna explained. “Sophie got a kit for her last birthday, but for some reason she’s only now become interested. Now, of course, it’s the new obsession. Can you stay a few minutes while they finish up, have a cup of tea?”

  “Always the way,” Siobhan agreed. “And I’d love a cuppa.”

  “Harry, why don’t you take Ethan to your room?” Jenna suggested. “Show him your collections. I’ll bet he’d like to see them.”

  “OK,” Harry said agreeably. “C’mon, Ethan. Come see my animals.”

  “I really appreciate your letting Caitlin come today,” Jenna told Siobhan once they were seated at the kitchen table, their cups of tea in front of them. “Sophie always has a hard time on the day Finn leaves.”

  “Where is he this week?”

  “Wellington. The Hurricanes, for the quarterfinal. So not a long trip. He’ll be back Sunday morning. But with Nyree gone as well, it’s hard for her right now.”

  Siobhan nodded. “I heard about Sophie’s mum. She’s attached to her dad, eh.”

  “You could say that.” Jenna smiled ruefully. “They both are. But Sophie especially.”

  “I know a fair bit about it, as you see, even though I’m a newcomer myself,” Siobhan said with a smile of her own. “Finn’s the subject of a good bit of gossip amongst the mums. Always causes a stir when he delivers the kids at school.”

  “Everyone loves an All Black,” Jenna agreed. “You’re a newcomer too? You’re a Kiwi, though, aren’t you?”

  “Cantabrian,” Siobhan explained. “We moved from Christchurch at the beginning of the school year. The earthquakes finally got to be too much for us.” At Jenna’s sympathetic murmur, she continued, “It was one thing when the kids were littlies, when I had them with me all the time. But when Caitlin started Year One, every time one hit, especially if it was a big one, I’d be thinking about how to get to her. And thinking about Ethan getting ready to start kindy too … She sighed. “My family’s always lived in Christchurch. It was hard to leave. We felt like traitors. But the kids were scared, too. Crying whenever there was a good shake. It just got to be too much.”

  “I can imagine,” Jenna said. “Or rather, I can’t really imagine what it must be like to live with so many earthquakes, not being able to trust the ground under your feet.”

  “Every day, sometimes,” Siobhan said. “And then, of course, the big ones. Those really do get to you. Worrying about my hubby, too. Declan worked in the CBD. He wasn’t in one of the badly damaged buildings, thank God. But it was awful, that day. Horrible, waiting to hear, knowing what was happening down there. And after that, even though his firm relocated, it was scary having him so far away from me and the kids. And all the firms that closed, not being able to go to the café, no real city life …”

  She paused, looking into space. “It hasn’t felt the same place. We resisted for a long time. But last year, Declan began looking up here, and we made the decision to move.”

  “It must have been so hard,” Jenna said. “After so long.”

  “Reckon you know what it’s like to move far from home,” Siobhan said, a smile lighting her plump, freshly pretty face. “From the States, aren’t you? Here on a working holiday visa, or for longer?”

  “Longer. I’ve been here since I was twenty-two.”

  “Really.” Siobhan’s eyebrows rose. “We don’t get many immigrants from the States. Came here on a visit and decided to stay, eh.”

  “Not exactly. I followed a man. Classic story.”

  Siobhan nodded. “Man’s gone, I take it.”

  “I’m gone,” Jenna corrected. “Or rather, I’m still here, in New Zealand. But not with him, if you see what I mean. But,” she went on briskly, “it’s all good. I’m in Auckland now, I have a good job, I’m enjoying myself.”

  “It’s hard, though, in a new place,” Siobhan said. “At least for me. The mums are friendly enough, but …” She shrugged. “It takes a bit. They have their friendships. Their kids went to kindy, Year One together. It can be tough to be the new one.”

  “Especially if you’re a nanny,” Jenna said.

  “Even harder. And now,” Siobhan sighe
d as she stood up, “much as I’d prefer to sit here and keep chatting, I reckon I’d better collect the kids and get home, get a start on tea, or we’re not going to eat tonight.”

  * * *

  “Did they say when you’d have it back?” Jenna asked as Finn hopped into the Toyota at the mechanic’s where he’d just dropped off the Range Rover on the following Tuesday afternoon.

  “A few days. I’ll get Ben Thompson to collect me, next couple days. Won’t worry about getting it back till I’m home from Canberra. No point, as long as you and the kids’ll give me a lift from the airport on Sunday.”

  “Of course. I could drive you to training too, if you’d rather,” she offered. “And pick you up afterwards as well.”

  “Nah. No worries. Ben’ll be chuffed.”

  “Why would he be that pleased to drive you? Are you his hero or something?”

  He laughed. “Not a hope. But he’s looking for that starting spot. He’ll be taking the opportunity to pick my brain.”

  “And that’s OK with you?”

  “Well, to be dead honest, not so much. But it’s part of the job to mentor the younger boys. And to make sure there’s a fit replacement ready to go if I’m injured in the next game, or when I retire. Or, God forbid, when he overtakes me and I’m the one riding the pine.”

  “Tough, then,” Jenna said sympathetically. “To have to teach him all your special tricks. Those boots in the ruck, and everything.”

  Finn chuckled. “Nah, Ben’s never going to be the hard man. Not enough edge to him. You’ll see.”

  * * *

  Jenna dashed the last few yards through the rain that had done a good job of drenching her during the run home. She reached the gate and opened it as a tall man in his early twenties hopped out of a sports car that had pulled up to the curb.

  “Morning,” he called, pulling his Blues beanie down over his mop of blond hair and jumping up the step to join her. “I’m Ben. Here for Finn.”

  “Come on out of the rain, then.” Jenna ran up the stone steps with Ben close behind. Once they were under the shelter of the villa’s broad front porch, she pulled out her house key and opened the door. He reached for it and held it for her, shutting it after them.