Page 56

“Many, many times.”
He scratches the back of his neck. “Well, I can hardly criticize him for that after my behavior at the Waiora.” I look back at him, and he winces.
I study one of the buttons on his shirt. “I seem to recall that I started it.”
“I didn’t exactly fight you off.”
Our eyes meet, and we both laugh.
“Here’s the Uber,” he says as a Prius draws up at the curb. We get in, and soon we’re in the traffic, heading further into the city.
“It’s only ten minutes away,” he says.
“What time are we booked in?”
“Seven.” I look at my watch, and he says, “We’ll be fine, don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried, it’s just that I’m used to being the one who organizes everything,” I admit.
“You don’t have to this time,” he says. “Let me look after you for once.”
His blue eyes look darker here in the back of the car, but they’re kind, and his expression is gentle. It makes me soften inside, like a bar of chocolate left on a windowsill on a sunny day. He’s so handsome. The shirt makes him look sophisticated, but the wind has ruffled his hair, and he looks young and hot.
Since my mum fell ill, I’ve looked after myself and Ana, run the house, and had a hand in the organization of the retreat. We’re a commune, so we deal with things communally, but despite this I’m used to bearing the pressures and responsibilities of everyday life, to solving problems and dealing with the stress and upset when things go wrong. The thought of letting someone do something for me—evenas small as organizing a meal specifically for me—makes me feel a mixture of bemused and touched.
I have to remind myself why I’m here, though. “Um… have you had any more thoughts on the purchase price of the Waiora?”
“Some. I’m having the land valued by another company tomorrow. And Kingi is running some figures for me. I’ll have an answer for you soon.”
“So there’s nothing I can do to persuade you?” As soon as the words leave my lips, I realize how that sounds.
Sure enough, he frowns and says, “That’s not why I asked you to dinner.”
“You said, ‘Come to dinner with me tonight and it’ll give you the opportunity to convince me.’”
“I also said I want to see if you’re going commando or not.”
I nudge him with my elbow, and he chuckles. “It’s a pretty dress,” he says softly. “It suits you.”
“I don’t think it’s right for the restaurant.”
“You look beautiful, Scarlett. You’ll draw every eye in the room.”
“I don’t know what to say to compliments like that.”
“You must be used to them.”
I laugh. “No. The guys I mix with aren’t sophisticated enough to know how to flatter a girl.”
“Their loss.” He looks puzzled. “I know I’ve seen the evidence, but… you really haven’t…” He glances at the driver, then back at me. “…dated anyone?”
I shake my head. “When I was younger, I spent a lot of time with the others who were my age at the commune. There was a guy, Neil, who was nice, but he ended up marrying one of my friends. They seem very happy, so I’m pleased for them. But there wasn’t anyone else I could picture myself with.”
“So what was your plan? How were you hoping to meet someone?”
“I wasn’t. I mean… I’m not.”
“You’re going to become a nun?”