Page 59 of Lime Tree Hill

WATERFALL IN MOON SHADOW

After pickingup Tayla’s suitcase and dropping off a crate of limes at a local café, they headed out of town along the Eastern Pacific Highway just after nine. In contrast to their dinner conversation, when Mitch had questioned Tayla about her father and her stay in Auckland, they drove in silence until they reached the billboard.

“I see you’re still up in lights.”

“Yeah, I wish they’d take the darn thing down. I can’t believe the flak I’m getting because of it.”

“Well, it does catch your eye.”

He chuckled, sending her a sideways glance. “Really? I wouldn’t have thought you’d dare look.”

“Not at you, obviously, but the other three are worth a quick peek.”

“That’s not very nice. Make you blush, do I?”

“In your dreams. Tim did a great job of photoshopping in those abs though.”

He huffed. “Listen to you. You’re getting your spark back.”

“I have no idea what you mean. But while I’m in this supposed ‘spark zone,’ why did you move my clothes? Couldn’t you just tell CeCe I use the spare room as my dressing room?”

“My loft’s too small for you to have your own dressing room, Princess. And I’ve had several overnight visitors while you’ve been away. Also, I didn’t move them, Valentina did. I thought rummaging around in your panty drawer might be a bit weird.”

Princess?Flicking a glance his way, Tayla caught his smile. It seemed he found her embarrassment amusing. She looked out the side window, the thought of a pair of her lacy panties dangling from his index finger making her cheeks impossibly hot.

“Have you ever seen the falls under a full moon?” he asked.

“No, never.” Tayla frowned as Mitch passed the Lime Tree Hill sign.

“Let’s do it. It’s only a fifteen-minute drive.”

“Won’t CeCe be worried?”

“We’re not kids, Tayla. We could stay out all night and sleep under the stars, and she wouldn’t bat an eye.”

“Of course, it’s just…”

“Besides, Luka said he might try to catch up with her tonight. I want to give them some space.”

“Luka? I got the impression she disliked him.”

“Yeah. There’s gallons of water flowing under that shaky bridge.” He chuckled. “But it’s not my tale to tell. I’m sure she’ll fill you in at some point.”

As they drove farther inland, Tayla tracked the moon, wondering if Luka was the guy from CeCe’s meet-cute story. Because Luka—with his warm smile, streaked blond hair, and olive skin—was definitely cute.

They pulled into an off-road parking spot near the track leading to the swing bridge. Mitch took two small headlamps from the glove compartment and handed one to her. While she’d visited the falls many times as a teenager, she’d never been there at night. She opened the door and stepped out onto the gravel, the full moon lighting up the sky.

Mitch headed down the narrow track, and she followed, stopping when they reached the swing bridge. With its short drop onto the rocks below, she was nervous enough crossing it in the daylight, never mind at night. But as Mitch reached for her hand, she took that first step onto the deck.

“You okay?”

He let go, and she grabbed the cables on either side. “I’ve never felt safe on this bridge, even when I was a kid.”

He turned and walked backward, shining his headlamp at her feet. “You’ll be fine. It’s thirty steps at the most. And we’re only a few feet off the ground.”

She stepped forward. “I’m okay. You can turn around.”

He hesitated, and when she flipped her headlamp to his face, he flashed his amused smile. “But I’m enjoying the view.”

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