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  He bent his head and buried his face against her hair. He breathed in the perfume and held her even closer, their feet barely moving as everything ceased to exist around them.

  Did her lips touch my neck? He couldn’t be sure but his blood boiled. His hands slipped tantalizing low down her back, and his body responded to the touch of her from hip to hip and breast against chest. He lost all sense of time. It was just him and her, together, their bodies melting against one another.

  Luke’s hands tightened and he sensed her response as her arms slipped up around his neck. Shannon had forgotten all about Thomas and her earlier anger.

  He sighed into her hair. All that mattered now was this moment in time as they swayed to the music. His mind leapt ahead to the moments yet to come before this night ended. She must be aware of his physical response to their closeness. And yet she isn’t easing away. In fact she’s snuggling closer.

  Luke’s brain took off at warp speed. Booking a room at the resort isn’t the most discreet option. Perhaps we can whizz into Invercargill for a few hours?

  Luke wasn’t aware of the stopped music until they were the only couple still on the floor. Looking toward the band area, he saw the musicians had already left to have a break.

  “I guess we should sit down.”

  Even in the subdued lighting, the color flooding into Shannon’s cheeks probably matched his own as they scurried toward their table. Debra and Jase were seated there and already sipping coffees.

  Jase leaned back in his chair with a smirk twitching at his lips. “I thought you were never going to join us. The music stopped about five minutes ago.”

  A rattling growl was all Luke could manage as he sat. Without Shannon in his arms he was in agony. His plans for the evening clamored for release and his brain focused on how he could ensure Shannon ended the night naked in his arms.

  He glanced at her, hoping to see the same desire blazing from her eyes, but she kept her face slightly averted. She appeared unwilling or incapable of speech. He hoped it was the latter, hoped she was as blown away by their closeness on the dance floor as he had been.

  “How are the preparations for the mud run going?”

  Debra’s taking pity on us, bless her heart. Luke shot a relieved glance Debra’s way. “Good,” he replied. “I think we’re ready.” He looked at the still rosy-cheeked Shannon, “Aren’t we?”

  “Just a couple more things to tidy up.”

  “We have over sixty people registered. According to organizers at other runs, there’s usually a few more turn up on the day.”

  Jase rubbed his hands together. “What with the advertising you’ve been running for an opening day, as well, I reckon we could end up with a decent crowd.”

  Discussion about the upcoming day continued.

  “Are the bookings up at the resort?”

  Jase smiled. “Not noticeably yet, but I’m not worried. We’re prepared for those who decide they don’t want to drive home afterward. There’ll be others who want to come back here again on Sunday and make a weekend of it, too. This will be a successful weekend for the resort, and the town. Don’t worry.”

  “I hope so. If I’ve let you talk me into—”

  “I didn’t talk you into anything,” Jase quipped back. “You were so keen to show off this park of yours, Luke, you’d have agreed to anything.”

  “You’re blowing smoke, hotshot.” Luke snorted as the two women looked at each other, rolled their eyes, and shared a smile.

  Before their discussion turned into a testosterone trial, Debra pleaded to be taken back onto the dance floor.

  ****

  Shannon floated from the restaurant with Luke’s arm around her shoulders. Their evening had ended spending a couple of delightful hours with Jase and Debra. Shannon enjoyed the other woman’s company and believed the evening signaled the beginnings of a friendship.

  She had more difficulty now aligning Debra being a high-powered businesswoman than when they’d first met. There’s nothing hard or cut-throat about her. If Debra had been momentarily surprised by Shannon’s spontaneous hug as they said goodnight in the hotel foyer, she had returned it with a huge smile.

  “Thank you, Luke. It’s been a lovely evening.”

  Luke closed the car door a little harder than necessary. “I’d have rather kept you to myself.”

  Shannon’s eyes bulged as she swung to face him. “Haven’t you enjoyed yourself? I—”

  “I’d planned an intimate dinner, just the two of us.” His smile took any aggravation from his words. “I didn’t need that big oaf to come along and spoil it.”

  Shannon’s heart raced a little faster as Luke cupped her cheek. “I could come up with more ideas now we’ve ditched those two.” His wriggling eyebrows kept the tension light, but Shannon was in no doubt all he needed was a nod from her. She swallowed. Am I ready for something more from Luke?

  A shiver ran through her as she imagined the outcome. Heat burned through her as the picture became clearer, a vivid color picture of her and Luke making love. The breath caught in her throat, her eyes closed and she hugged herself tight.

  “Shannon?”

  She opened her eyes and the image disappeared. She escaped his regard by turning her face aside. I can’t. We can’t. It would ruin everything. Making love would ruin everything.

  She sucked in a shuddery breath. “I’ve had a wonderful evening, Luke, but it’s time to go home now.”

  He kept looking at her, but she couldn’t turn her head. If I look at him, common sense will desert me. I know it will.

  Luke gripped her shoulder for a moment and then the car burst into life. “Home it is, my lady,” he quipped.

  Shannon’s head swung around. Luke caught her look as he reversed out of the car park and sent the most gorgeous smile her way. Shannon bit her lip. What a cool guy. He’s not giving any sign of disappointment, not making me feel pressured or guilty…

  He took her hand, drawing it across until it lay on his thigh. He held it there, caressing his thumb across her knuckles all the way home.

  Not a word was spoken until they exited the car and had walked to Shannon’s door.

  “You’re right. We had a terrific time and we’ll do it again soon.” Luke clasped her shoulders and allowed his lips to linger against hers for just a second.

  He left her standing there feeling somewhat deflated. She touched her lips, unable to taste anything from his kiss. She grimaced and opened her door, contrarily wishing he had given her more than a whisper-kiss goodnight.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Shannon loved the feel of the sun on her back as she amused herself in the garden. Spring had warmed the soil beneath her fingers and encouraged the growth of a multitude of bulbs now nearing the end of this year’s cycle.

  Luke’s indulgent smile when she’d first suggested clearing the few weeds allowed to poke their heads up had long since disappeared. Now he was used to seeing her, on her days off, crouched around the house among the shrubs and flowers.

  Her gaze flicked across what little of the yard she could see beyond the hedge. She allowed a little smile to surface as she yanked at a stubborn clump of weed. Thomas had sulked in his room yesterday but something had drawn him out today. She assumed he was avoiding Luke rather than her for a change.

  Despite her insistence she could deal with whatever Thomas might do and say, Luke had collared Thomas yesterday morning. While she had no idea what had transpired, her son had stormed inside, up his steps, and refused to come down for either his lunch or dinner.

  She hadn’t worried. He wasn’t likely to waste away from starvation.

  Eric had been a lousy disciplinarian. On the rare occasions he’d been home during Thomas’s latter years, he ignored boundaries Shannon had in place for their son and countered her rules. No wonder Thomas had loved his father. He’d never said ‘no’ to the boy.

  Shannon sank back on her haunches, bitter memories clouding her thinking. It had taken her years to
realize Eric had listened to no-one, been accountable to no-one and cared for no-one, including the family he left in financial strife. Shannon’s fists clenched as she imagined a life without care, without worries. How lucky to be so carefree.

  Thomas was too young to realize Eric had been a master at the put down. His numerous throw-away comments about her mothering—smothering, he’d called it—had become more cutting with each return home until her confidence dealing with Thomas had cracked. Her chin bounced onto her chest. I’ve been doing a lousy job.

  Shannon allowed herself to wallow in the past for only a moment before she steeled her back. There’s nothing wrong with my mothering. Her head lifted. Since we arrived here things have improved. A little smile tugged at her lips. Only because of Luke. Warmth, other than from the sun on her back, tingled through her. He’s providing something missing from Thomas’s life, a male role model.

  Look at their contact over the last few weeks. Luke’s set boundaries, praised, and chastised Thomas when needed. He’s taught him so many things. And keeps encouraging him. The breath sucked out of Shannon’s lungs. Luke is being the father-figure Thomas never had.

  Shannon closed her eyes and traveled off into a fantasy place where she and Thomas were happy. Love and laughter filled her world. There could be no doubt in her musings who the shadowy figure reaching out his hand was.

  Shannon’s eyes flew open. Her hand was half outstretched and she snatched it back to her side. Dare she consider taking hold of what Luke offered?

  But am I sure what he is offering? It’s way too early to know. No guy is going to talk marriage on a first date. And yesterday was a first date. Despite the emotions sometimes apparent over the last few weeks, last night was the first time they’d explored anything personal.

  She scooped up some dirt and allowed it to run through her fingers.

  Luke’s devoted to Jake and Amy. He wouldn’t carry on an affair under their roof, would he? While Shannon wouldn’t accept such a situation with her child, she didn’t know whether Luke would feel the same.

  Luke’s sense of responsibility couldn’t be questioned. He’d given up his seemingly carefree lifestyle to assume guardianship of Jake and Amy. How many people would be willing to do that?

  He’s reliable, caring, up front about everything. He’s an upright man and I know I can trust him. Shannon sat back on her heels and gazed across the lawn. I’d trust him with my life. She gave a startled laugh. I’ve already put Thomas’s life into his hands.

  Shannon continued pulling weeds, her mind going around in circles.

  Other than a friendly wave across the yard earlier, before he took off across the paddock to Marcia’s place, Shannon hadn’t seen Luke this morning. But even from that distance his smile had sent a warm glow through her.

  Ignoring the dirt on her hands she hugged herself, grinning toward the weatherboard wall in front of her. Last night had awakened such a variety of feelings. She jolted from one to another as quick as an air hockey puck.

  She wanted him. Oh, she wanted him so much her stomach ached just thinking about him. But I’m not free to do whatever I like. I can’t just surrender to the wanton urges of my body. Shannon grinned as she considered where those urges might lead, given their head.

  The musical tones of an on-line video call dragged her out of her daydream. Before she could rush inside in the hope of answering, Luke’s gruff voice responded. “What’s the problem?”

  Shannon grimaced at the odd snap in his voice as Luke hadn’t offered any greeting.

  “You. You’re the problem, Luke.”

  Shannon recognized the voice of Luke’s accountant and got to her feet, not wanting to eavesdrop on a private conversation. There are plenty of weeds around the other side of the house crying out for attention.

  “What am I supposed to do with this?”

  “Pay it.”

  “What with?” The woman’s tone had gone from frustrated to sarcastic in a second. “You’re out of disposable income, Luke. I’ve been warning you for weeks about all this spending. What the hell you’re doing over there I can’t begin to imagine.”

  All intentions not to eavesdrop on the conversation vanished as Shannon stopped mid-stride, her heart pounding. She’d been worried about Luke’s unending supply of money, too.

  Oh no. They were ready to open the first stage of his park to the public, but there would still be financial outlays far in excess of any expected income. What if we can’t continue? What if the whole venture goes belly up?

  She sucked in a wobbly breath. What if Luke throws it in and takes off?

  Emma’s tone changed again, becoming resigned. “You don’t have enough ready cash to pay this last card payment, Luke. Do you want me to start selling some of your portfolio?”

  Cold fingers gripped Shannon’s arms. Has this sort of thing happened before?

  “No. No, don’t do that. I’ll sort something out. Just let me think.”

  Luke was pacing. Shannon could distinguish his heavy steps as he got closer to the window each time. She didn’t bother moving, unworried he might see her standing there listening.

  She wanted to go inside, listen openly, but feared the moments it would take her to get into the office. Those were moments when she wouldn’t be able to hear.

  “Okay—”

  “If you’re thinking about the circuit, you don’t have enough cash for the entry fees. Not even for the smaller tournaments.”

  Shannon frowned. What Emma was referring to was a mystery to Shannon, but Luke’s harsh swearing implied he understood.

  Another series of pacing across the room resulted in a much calmer voice some moments later. “How long do I have to come up with some cash?”

  “A month.” Emma’s tone had changed too, softened. “Can you do it?”

  Luke gave a wry laugh. “I’ve done it before.”

  “Yes, but—”

  “No buts. Trust me.”

  Shannon shivered, imagining a cocky smile accompanied his words.

  “If it doesn’t work out, then you can sell some shares.”

  Emma laughed. “I’ll start sorting out the worst-performing companies now.”

  “Oh, ye of little faith.” Luke laughed, actually laughed.

  The muscles holding Shannon’s jaw in place tightened until they ached. While his dream and all their combined efforts these last months could be going up in smoke, he’s laughing.

  “Shannon can handle everything here.”

  Oh she can, can she? Shannon planted fists onto her hips as her body temperature continued to rise at Luke’s blasé attitude.

  “Even if I have to grind for a couple of weeks, that’ll give me a stake.”

  “Come to Vancouver and stay here.”

  Shannon’s stomach jerked like a leaf navigating some grade-three rapids at the suggestiveness in the invitation. She hadn’t misinterpreted the intimacy of the other woman’s tone.

  For the first time her earlier suspicions Luke and Emma had a history were confirmed. And judging by Luke’s tender response—nails dug into Shannon’s palms—history didn’t aptly describe their relationship.

  She stumbled against the wall. Unaware of the dirt still on her hands she raked fingers through her hair again and again. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Her breath darted in and out in short, fast gasps. What’s a few kisses? They didn’t mean a commitment or anything.

  Her gaze flew from the weatherboards beside her over the garden, past the hedge, around the yard, and across the farm sheds before bouncing back through the same journey to her feet. At least it’s obvious they meant little to Luke.

  Her head drooped as she considered she’d been buying into her fantasy dreams of happy-ever-after with Luke a little too readily. In the moments—it felt like hours—she leaned against the wall, Shannon’s brain lurched through her options. How can I continue to stay here?

  She moaned. Where else would we go? This farm has become our home. We love it here.

  Bu
t being close to Luke every day? Can I pretend last night meant as little to me as it did to Luke? Her unsteady breathing strengthened with each new intake of oxygen to her lungs. I don’t have any real choice, do I?

  Ignoring her stomach rolling and crashing as violently as waves on the rocks at Cosy Nook during a storm, Shannon abandoned the wall, straightened her shoulders and marched toward the back door. With her lips pressed together she stalked through the kitchen and down the hallway.

  The broad smile and sparkle in Luke’s eyes as she entered the office bounced right off Shannon.

  “I was in the garden.” She waved an agitated arm toward the window. “I heard you talking to Emma.”

  “Yeah?” He leaned back in his seat and linked his hands behind his head. “She’s working herself into a tizzy about my finances again.”

  Shannon frowned. Luke couldn’t look more relaxed lying on a massage table.

  “You were saying you’d need to go somewhere.” She swallowed, hoping her voice would remain strong. “Vancouver?”

  “Hell, no,” Luke exploded. “I’m not going anywhere near Emma right now.”

  “Oh, I heard her invite—”

  “She’s just looking for a patsy to take the heat off.”

  Shannon’s confusion must have shown.

  “She and Mark are having issues again. She’s so bloody stubborn. I don’t know how he does it. Living with her would drive me crazy. That man has the patience of Job.”

  Mark? Who was Mark? Luckily Shannon was close to the desk as her legs forgot their function was to hold her upright. Mark and Emma were a couple. Warmth coursed through her body. There’s no Luke and Emma! Her heart was thumping so loud she feared Luke would hear it.

  Shannon bit her lip to keep the huge smile itching to escape at bay. “You’re not going to Vancouver?” I need to hear this again. To know him and Emma…

  Luke appeared oblivious to Shannon’s release of turmoil as he shook his head emphatically. “I do need to head off for a while though, maybe even a couple of weeks.”

  Everything sounded so normal, so every day.