Page 77 of Seduction Under the Southern Stars

But of course it has to come to an end, and they lower us slowly toward the waiting boat, where the two guys in it catch us and help us as we tumble into it in a rather ungainly manner. Linc’s on his back and I end up straddling him, and Linc says, “Not in public, love,” and the guys laugh, and I flush with embarrassment and pleasure at the thrill of what we’ve just done as they unclip us and help me up.

Finally upright, we sit next to each other as the guys take us to the bank. Linc’s eyes meet mine, bright and full of admiration.

“I can’t believe you did it,” he says. “You’re amazing.”

“That’s the first time I’ve been kissed upside down,” I say with a giggle.

His lips curve up. Then, ignoring the two guys who are watching us with amusement, and anyone on the bank, he cups my head and pulls me toward him for a kiss.

“Brave, crazy girl,” he says when he releases me, rising as we approach the bank.

I scramble out, feeling ten feet tall. I was scared but I did it anyway. I adore him for showing me that I’m not weak. For encouraging me, and holding and protecting me while I did it, and being proud of me. And I know I’ll wear my courage like a badge of honor for a long time to come.

Chapter Sixteen

Linc

We get back in the car and this time head toward Queenstown town center, looking for the hotel which is on the edge of the lake.

I’m buzzing, and I know Elora is too. I still can’t believe she jumped. Thrill seeking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and even though I booked a tandem in the hope that it might encourage her to have some fun, I didn’t really think she’d do it.

But she did, and I get a lift every time I think about her in my arms, wrapped around me. Not quite putting her life in my hands, but as near as dammit.

Do you trust me?

Of course.

Her answer was immediate—she didn’t have to think about it. I’m so incredibly touched that it makes my throat tighten.

She’s quiet now, looking out of the car window at the view of the lake to our left, but her cheeks hold a flush, and there’s a small smile on her lips. She’s proud of herself, and I’m pleased I could do that for her, if nothing else.

The GPS announces our destination is ahead, and so I signal and take the next turning. I’m relieved they drive on the left in New Zealand, the same as in the UK, and that the steering wheel is on the right. I learned to drive in Germany, and have driven in France and Italy too, but I’ve been in the UK for a few years now, so I’m much more used to driving on the left.

The whole complex is built on the side of a steep hill that slopes toward the river. I guide the Lexus down a winding drive, past the hotel building, and round to the car park, which is underground. I park the car, we retrieve our cases, and then we take the elevator up to the top level.

It’s a boutique hotel formed from a collection of individual apartments rather than a block of rooms. The foyer is small and welcoming, all dark wood and gleaming metal. To the right of the reception desk, a restaurant and bar fronted by huge windows looks out over Lake Wakatipu, which gleams a dark blue in the sunlight.

We cross to the reception desk, and a smartly dressed woman smiles at us. I check us in, and she gives us a couple of keycards and the directions to our apartment.

Elora remains quiet, rather bashful at my side, and it occurs to me that it looks as if we’re a couple. Amused, I give the cases to the porter, then take Elora’s hand as we follow him out of the foyer and along an outer corridor, past a line of doors. Her fingers curl around mine, but she still doesn’t say anything.

The porter chats to us as we walk, small talk about the beautiful weather, and then he stops and touches the key card to a door, opens it, and goes in. We find ourselves in a small lobby with three doors, and again he touches the key card to one of them, opens it, and leads the way in with the cases.

Elora and I follow him, and then we stand there, open mouthed. “Oh my,” she says, and I have to agree. The room we’re in runs the width of the apartment, and the whole front wall features windows from ground to ceiling. The lake stretches out before us, with the town center to the right. On the far side, the Remarkables mountain range and ski field rises sharply, creating a sensation of being surrounded by giants glaring down at us insignificant beings.

Our gazes meet, and we laugh, then turn to investigate the room. A sofa and chairs face a wide-screen TV, and a round dining table and four chairs are placed in front of a good-sized kitchenette. The two bedrooms sit on either side of a large, pleasant bathroom.

“Thank you,” I say to the porter, handing him a tip.

“Thank you, sir, just let me know if you need anything,” he says, and leaves us to it.

Elora watches him go, then scolds me, “We don’t tip in New Zealand.”

“I know, but it felt polite.”

“Do you tip in the UK?”

“It’s complicated. They have a minimum wage, the same as in NZ, so generally if someone’s just doing their job, then no. If they go above and beyond? Sometimes.” I pick up her case. “Which bedroom would you like?”

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